Manatee County officials reject proposed housing projects due to various concerns.

In a significant decision, Manatee County commissioners recently voted against proposals for two residential developments amid rising concerns regarding traffic congestion, potential flooding, and overall neighborhood compatibility. During a Land Use Meeting convened on Thursday, the board rejected plans for an apartment complex in the Tara community, located off State Road 70, as well as a proposed neighborhood called Crosswinds South in Parrish.

The Crosswinds South project, presented by Central Florida’s Clayton Properties Group and Highland Homes, sought to construct 97 single-family homes on a 34-acre parcel situated just east of U.S. 301 between County Road 62 and Rutland Road. However, the plan faced immediate opposition from homeowners in nearby communities, notably Crosswind Point and Crosswind Ranch. These residents organized a robust campaign, gathering over 200 signatures on a Change.org petition that expressed their objections.

Key points of contention included concerns about Oak Hill Way, which would serve as the sole ingress and egress for the new development. Commissioner Carol Ann Felts highlighted the issues that existing residents near Oak Hill Way were already facing due to traffic flow and expressed apprehension regarding increasing congestion from additional homes. Commissioner George Kruse echoed these sentiments, noting the inadequate state of Spencer Parrish Road, which he described as one of the worst in the area. His assertion illustrated fears of exacerbated traffic problems should the development proceed.

Flooding also emerged as a critical concern, with commissioners worried that elevating new homes and roadways could lead to adverse effects on surrounding neighborhoods. Commissioner Kruse warned against a potential “pyramid effect,” wherein each subsequent project raised its height, ultimately causing flooding for the original developments built at ground level.

In defense of the proposal, attorney Scott Rudacille, representing the developers, contended that the project would comply with the county’s stormwater management regulations, offering a projected 50% reduction in post-development runoff.

Furthermore, the commission voted 5-2 against another significant development: a 72-unit apartment complex located near the junction of State Road 70 and Interstate 75. Opposition from the Tara community was palpable, with many residents donning red shirts to voice their dissent. Residents expressed concerns about the impending traffic implications and the lack of familiarity with the development plans, fearing that the project would disrupt the character of their neighborhood.

In discussions about the potential for commercial development instead of more housing, Commissioner Bob McCann supported a shift towards commercial use as a solution that would better benefit the community. Local landowner Mike Ruffino contended that commercial alternatives would likely invite even greater traffic from non-residents, perpetuating the issues the commissioners aimed to address.

With the recent votes, both development projects cannot proceed as proposed, although developers retain the option to return with revised plans in the future. The commissioners’ decisions reflect a growing pattern of prioritizing community impact over rapid residential expansion amid ongoing concerns about infrastructure and the quality of life for existing residents.

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