Moratorium extension rejected by Bradenton Beach planners
By Paul Roat
Islander Reporter
Bradenton Beach Planning and Zoning Board members have recommended to the city commission that the current building moratorium not be extended another year.
The four members present at last week's continued meeting voted unanimously not to extend the moratorium on street vacations, property rezonings or comprehensive plan amendments. The current moratorium expires May 1. It has been in effect for two years.
City commissioners will have the final say in the matter after a final public hearing on the moratorium at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 28.
Several people spoke on the moratorium at the planning and zoning board public hearing.
Resident and developer Reed Mapes said he failed to see a need for the moratorium. "It doesn't make sense to me," he said, adding that "there is no telling how many people have been blocked from building."
Resident John Dean said the two-year moratorium "is long enough for a moratorium. I think it's a negative to the city. It doesn't make us look good."
Resident Michael Pierce, also a member of a special committee reviewing the city's comprehensive plan and land-development codes, said he believed the moratorium "should stay in place so we can review the comp plan."
Planning board members seemed to agree that "enough was enough" with the moratorium, though. "I believe we can address each application and weigh it on its own merit," board member Jo Ann Meilner said. "There doesn't seem to be any end in sight." |
