Bradenton Beach city commissioners, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, agreed Oct. 5 to support Commissioner Jake Spooner’s suggestion for a parking garage.
Parking in the CRA district — bordered by Cortez Road, Sarasota Bay, Fifth Street South and the Gulf of Mexico — has become a problem as tourism has grown, according to commissioners.
And lack of parking has contributed to traffic issues, according to Spooner.
Spooner has been researching the location and cost of building a parking garage that meets building height restrictions.
During a CRA workshop Sept. 20, the commissioner said he spoke with Joe Spallino, owner of Joe’ s Eats and Sweets, 219 Gulf Drive S., who is interested in selling his property. Spooner said if the city purchased the property at the corner of Gulf Drive and Third Street South, as well as the adjacent lot, the city would have an ideal location for a parking garage.
In order to move forward with Spooner’s recommendation, the city would have to amend its comprehensive plan.
According to the comp plan, the suggested location is in a mixed-use commercial zone. There is a policy in the plan that prohibits a standalone or multi-level parking structure in this zoning category.
Spooner said Oct. 5, the location could hold a 200-space garage and the cost would be $20,000 per parking space.
Total estimated cost for the project would be $4 million, but the garage would generate revenue, Spooner said.
Spooner is looking into funding options, including CRA money, bonds and county funding from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council budget.
Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon has said he is not sure if Spooner’s location is a conflict of interest for the commissioner, given the proximity to Spooner’s businesses — Bridge Street Bazaar at 117 Bridge St., The Fish Hole Miniature Golf at 115 Bridge St. and a proposed business on two vacant lots at 107 and 111 Bridge St.
At the meeting Oct. 5, Spooner said he spoke with the city attorney, who advised him to recuse himself from any vote, but he can be involved in discussions, research and development.
A consensus was reached that Spooner should assemble his findings in a document that includes estimated costs and possible funding sources so a plan can be drawn up.
Spooner’s recommendations were to be discussed at the CRA meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Bradenton Beach City Hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
A parking garage would be a plus and generate
a lot of income . I would waive all restrictions
and get it done as the traffic is horrendous.
Is there any considerations for the people that have walking issues, walkers, handi-scooters etc.? We are seemingly always left out of the equation! Parking down Coquina and getting to and back to our cars (usually) in the darkness of the evening is not a option for us. Think people think about everyone for a change! If the garage idea passes, the entire 1st floor should be handi only parking! hmmm?!
How does a multi-story parking garage fit into the ‘old florida’ feel of AMI? This idea is an abomination that needs to be stopped. It is bad enough that the city of Bradenton Beach gave Mr Spooner permission to build and lease a 200+ seat restaurant on bridge street. Now we are going to give him a parking garage too? There is nothing wrong with people parking down by Coquina and walking or shuttling to bridge street.
Thanks for your comments … please, read this week’s editorial … Bonner Joy