Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bradenton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in development with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.