The groundwork to convert a defunct Holmes Beach bank into a pharmacy and liquor store is set.
City commissioners voted 3-2 to approve an ordinance June 8 rezoning the long-vacant property at 503 Manatee Ave. from Commercial-1 to C-2, allowing the office building to be turned into retail space.
Commissioners Jim Kihm, Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek voted “yes.”
Commissioners Jayne Christenson and Kim Rash voted “no.”
C-1 and C-2 are both commercial zones, but C-1 is limited to office locations, while C-2 is intended for offices and retail businesses, including a retail store.
The property was one of now only three C-1 properties in the city.
The change to C-2 allows the property — vacant since SCD at Anna Maria purchased it in 2012 — to be converted into a Publix Super Market pharmacy and liquor store.
City staff’s review of the rezoning proposal found it fully complied with the city’s comprehensive plan and future land use map and is consistent with surrounding uses.
The property is flanked by C-2 on the east and west — LaPensee Plumbing and CVS — and residential to the north and south.
Planning commissioners unanimously voted June 2 to recommend city approval of the rezone.
City attorney Patricia Petruff said the property owner also submitted a site plan to make changes to the structure, such as removing all but one drive-through lane, but that will need only administrative approval, not a commission vote.
Public opposition
Several people voiced concerns about the proposal during public comment.
Holmes Beach resident Brian Mathae said C-2 zoning wouldn’t preclude C-1 uses but would increase competition for the property — effectively pricing out C-1 operations he’d prefer for the area, such as an urgent care clinic.
“I need medical services on this island for an emergency and for basic standards of living,” Mathae said. “I think the vote before you today will define your legacy as commissioners.”
Resident Nancy Deal said the change would have far-reaching consequences by setting a precedent for other C-1 properties to rezone to C-2. She added that she knows of no residents who want another pharmacy/liquor store in that area.
“It boggles the mind of everyone I know,” Deal said.
Bob Bolus, owner of the defunct Bank of America building at 699 Manatee Ave., said he would seek a zoning change to C-2 due to the commission’s decision. He said he previously sought to rezone the property to sell food from the building but was denied by the city.
“If my property wasn’t feasible, how can you possibly sit here and approve this possible drive-through restaurant?” Bolus said. “If you allow this to happen, you sure as hell better allow mine to happen, too.”
The city’s land development code allows a drive-through, but states “This term shall not be construed to include a drive-in restaurant that is otherwise prohibited by this ordinance.”
Public input swayed a couple of commissioners from voting for the proposal, which passed a May 25 first reading with a 4-0 vote.
Christenson, absent from the first reading, said she received correspondence from concerned residents who convinced her to vote no.
“Not a single one of those letters said, ‘Hey, yes, we need another liquor store!’” Christenson said. “I want to remind my fellow commissioners — just because they check all the boxes to be able to rezone doesn’t mean it’s in our best interests.”
Rash, who voted in support of the proposal on first reading, also said he opposes it due to public concern.
Schaefer acknowledged the need for medical services but noted that the property had garnered no interest from a medical business.
“There just isn’t a compelling reason to reject this proposal,” Schaefer said.
Soustek said many medical services couldn’t afford the real estate. She added that she would support the rezoning proposal because it would turn the vacant building into a productive asset for the city.
“Just because we need something out here doesn’t mean they can afford to come out here,” Soustek said.
Soustek moved to approve the ordinance, and Schaefer seconded the motion.
In other matters, commissioners also:
- Voted 5-0 to terminate the city’s face mask ordinance that required people to wear masks in certain situations;
- Unanimously approved lowering the $15 renewal fee for streetside parking permits to $10;
- Voted 4-1 to approve a first reading of an ordinance to place a question on the November election ballot regarding a land swap at 104 34th St. Christenson voted “no.”
The commission will meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.