In an effort to become a more walkable community, the Holmes Beach City Commission unanimously passed an ordinance that decreases the number of off-street parking spaces required for some businesses.
“We want to encourage the use of more green types of transportation, like walking, biking or taking the trolley,” said commission chair Sandy Haas-Martens.
The ordinance allows business owners to demonstrate their business requires fewer off-street parking spaces to operate in Holmes Beach.
Barry Grooms is one prospective business owner for whom the ordinance is key to opening a barbecue restaurant.
Speaking to the commission at its Oct. 26 meeting, Grooms said the city’s parking requirements designating one parking space for every three seats in a restaurant has been the biggest hurdle prohibiting him from turning the old Island Auto Repair, 5608 Marina Drive, into a family restaurant. The newly passed ordinance changes the off-street parking requirement to one space for five restaurant seats.
“This is the difference that will help my family turn an eyesore into a restaurant that provides for my family and keeps my dad’s dream alive,” said Grooms. He also noted that the ability to open his restaurant also meant creating jobs on the Island. “I think it’s a positive stride.”
According to the ordinance, applicants seeking to reduce parking spaces must furnish a parking study that demonstrates the number of proposed spaces will be adequate.
Resident Andy Sheridan spoke in favor of the ordinance, saying he agrees with the changes and reasoning behind them. “This community is bike, trolley and pedestrian friendly,” he said.
In other developments, the commission is working on providing a definition for the term “city-owned docks” and what is considered a “vessel” to clarify what types of boats and watercraft can be moored on the city’s T-end canals. Commissioners plan to again discuss the issue at a work session Nov. 23.
Also planned for the Nov. 23 work session is discussion on Manatee County’s proposal to create an ordinance allowing film crews one-stop shopping.
Holmes Beach commissioners will review the proposal, as well as its current fee structure for use of city services, such as police security and traffic management.
City attorney Patricia Petruff suggested that the city’s current fees are lower than other municipalities. She suggested that prior to the next work session, commissioners take a look at how Anna Maria handles requests to film on its beaches.
The city commission’s Nov. 23 meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the city hall chamber, 5801 Marina Drive.
what is the size of each parking space Years ago when the city didn’t want me to get my liquor license for my restaurant they refused it because they said the spaces had to be 10ftx20ft they were a scam then with pete Renards being the only liquor license in the city then of couse he was a friend of john holmes .