How much is heritage worth?
For the city of Anna Maria, the price is $1.3 million-$1.7 million. That’s how much it would cost to preserve the Anna Maria City Pier.
And Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy expects the cost could rise to $3 million.
Murphy is working on various funding sources to rehabilitate the pier. A survey estimated the pier’s life expectancy at about five years if nothing is done.
If the city rehabilitates, the pier use could be extended 20-25 years.
“We need to get something done, but nothing is probably going to happen for a few years,” Murphy said.
Murphy has been in contact with Manatee County administrator Ed Hunzeker and county parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker, who will forward a $1 million request to the county’s tourist development council for consideration.
“Discussions are based on the county’s previous relationships with Bradenton Beach and the Historic Bridge Street Pier,” Hunsicker said. “We want to extend the same hand of partnership.”
The TDC is a recommending board for the Manatee County Board of Commissioners. The county commissioners could approve a matching grant for the city, similar to the grant to rebuild the Bradenton Beach pier.
Murphy told Anna Maria city commissioners April 14 he requested a grant to be paid forward, so the city could begin paying for building permits.
According to Michelle Pfeiffer, the county’s engineering representative, the permits could cost $225,000-$250,000 and take 18-24 months to be approved.
County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a member of the TDC, said April 14 she was unaware if the pier request was on the TDC’s agenda for a meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, April 25, at Holmes Beach City Hall.
Along with the county grant request, the city is investigating a historic preservation grant from the state.
Anna Maria Island Historical Society member Jack Brennan said the grant is for structures of historical significance. The matching grant could fund $50,000-$500,000.
Murphy also said he hopes a proposed Manatee County half-cent sales tax increase would increase the city’s revenue enough to cover some of the rehab cost.
— Tal Reeve