Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bradenton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in development
Wilcox lot parking agreement dispute
The city is planning development on the Wilcox lot on 13th Street but discovered an old recorded parking agreement tied to the Manatee Avenue building that could complicate those plans — city staff wants it resolved before the grant comes back.
Ware's Row building height increase at 500 15th Street West
A 7-story mixed-use building is now allowed on the 3.9-acre county-owned parcel at Manatee Avenue West and 15th Street West. The two extra stories come from the height incentive program, which waives the usual workforce-housing or LEED bonuses.
Release of 2005 senior-housing deed restrictions
The city let go of a 2005 'senior housing only' deed restriction and reverter clause on about an acre the Housing Authority holds, clearing the way for a Wingate redevelopment. The senior-housing covenant stays until 2038, so the current 36-unit senior apartments keep their protections.
Housing Authority parking easement for City Park project site
An unused 20-foot alley near 9th Street West and 13th Avenue West was officially vacated, cleaning up property records as part of the City Park (Lincoln Park redevelopment) project.
Park Development Public Input
Bradenton is collecting public input on what should happen to East Bradenton Park, and residents who use it or live nearby are being urged to pay attention. The city’s eventual decision could shape park amenities, access, and green space for years—so this is the moment to weigh in.
Workforce housing near downtown
The council refused to waive roughly $440,000 in impact fees for the Met 2 and Met 3 workforce housing projects, instead approving a deal contingent on the CRA covering 70 percent. A formal impact fee policy may be coming.
Ballard Park brownfield redevelopment
The shuffleboard courts site at 1525 Ballard Park Drive will be redeveloped with workforce/affordable housing incentives, using a state brownfield program that rebates construction sales tax to the developer — with 10 percent flowing back to the CRA.
Newstar affordable housing at 1801 13th Avenue East
A 105-unit affordable family project with rents from 22% to 80% of area median income just got the local match it needs to compete for state tax credits. City Council signs off next.
CRA Impact Fee Incentives for Met IIB and Met III Workforce Housing
The CRA is mulling a policy to pay impact fees on affordable housing projects — but cash flow is tight, so a pay-back-over-time deal with the city might be needed.
SHIP housing rehabilitation loan for 1002 3rd Avenue East
A $71,312 state-funded loan will fix up a homeowner's house on 3rd Avenue East, keeping affordable housing in the city's stock.
Sale of surplus 1706 9th Street East parcel
A 3.89-acre leftover from the Public Works Annex purchase is being sold to Six Seas, LLC. Money from the sale helps offset the new Public Works facility build-out, and negotiations will cover environmental cleanup costs, utility connections, and a shared road easement.
Sale of Bryant Commons CRA Property
The CRA could sell its land at 9th Avenue East and 3rd Street East for $511,000 to a developer planning affordable townhouses or walk-up apartments — potentially near $5-10 million in private investment. But the appraisal came back at $850,000 including two rental houses the appraiser was told to exclude, and the board wants that fixed before any deal.
CRA-owned BPD substation house sale falls through
The buyer of the CRA-owned BPD substation house backed out. Staff will offer it to city employees for 30 days alongside the city's new $50,000 down payment assistance program before listing it traditionally, aiming to return the property to the private market.
Old City Hall site traffic improvements
The CRA is working on a partnership project to improve traffic flow near the old City Hall site, addressing city council concerns about the development's entry onto the Manatee Avenue East curve. It may tie into transportation impact fees and could come before the board within months.
Jordan Creek East development density and traffic
The council pulled its denial of the Jordan Creek East planned development off the consent agenda and voted to reconsider, giving the developer a path to fix traffic and design concerns. Neighbors who packed the earlier hearing got a promise: the plan must come back vastly improved or it won't get votes.
426-foot dock through Braden River mangroves
A unique waterfront lot gets a 426-foot dock through 744 square feet of mangroves, with three years of mitigation monitoring required by the state permit.
City Hall sale and mixed-use development
The 345-unit, seven-story mixed-use project at the old city hall site got final approval, along with the Urban Core land-use change and density bonus. Council members traded concerns about the jammed 15th Street/6th Avenue corner, parking, and losing shade trees to palms.
Workforce housing follow-up on Met IV extension
After the Met IV extension passed at the same-day City Council meeting, Board Member Kocher raised workforce housing concerns. The CRA will work with the City on a solution and may involve the EDC for projects outside CRA boundaries.
Downtown Development Deal
Bradenton’s City Council is backing a downtown development deal pitched as a downtown “transformation.” Details are thin, but the decision could reshape the city core and how public money or incentives are used. If you care about downtown traffic, taxes, or who gets to live and do business there, this is one to watch.