Another shot was fired in the “war” over parking between Manatee County and the city of Holmes Beach.
City commissioners unanimously voted Aug. 23 to adopt an ordinance prohibiting multilevel parking facilities within city limits.
The adoption blocks the prospect of a parking garage at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, within the city limits but maintained and operated by the county.
County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge has proposed to make up parking spaces in a multilevel garage for those lost due to the city’s park-by-permit system.
The city implemented the permit system in summer 2020 to reduce parking along some residential streets when people flooded the island beaches, while many other beaches in the state remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The system involves a $15 decal for residents and property owners, allowing them to park a vehicle in one of 645 spots along residential roadways where the city otherwise prohibited public parking 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
City officials stand by the system, which they say protects the residential quality of life by reducing roadside parking on certain residential streets.
Van Ostenbridge and other county commissioners have argued the city’s parking limits are unfair to off-island residents and he threatened to withhold funding and build a parking garage if the permit plan isn’t reversed.
In addition to preventing garages, the ordinance requires off-street parking to be located so people using the spaces don’t need to cross portions of Gulf Drive, Marina Drive, Holmes Boulevard, Manatee Avenue and East Bay Drive without a marked crossing.
Two people spoke in support of the prohibition: Bradenton residents Larry Grossman and Joe McClash, a Holmes Beach property owner and former county commissioner.
“I think it’s really needed to make sure that we maintain the character of this community,” McClash said of the ordinance. “I applaud you for taking this action tonight and I hope that it passes.”
Commissioner Jayne Christenson asked if the language restricting remote lots would restrict the use of some lots for after-hour beach parking, such as Anna Maria Elementary or the Hancock Whitney Bank.
City attorney Erica Augello said it would not since the restriction only applies to principle uses.
Van Ostenbridge did not attend the meeting but responded Aug. 26 to an email from The Islander: “I continue to hear from Manatee County taxpayers who are frustrated by parking restrictions imposed on them by Holmes Beach officials. Therefore, I will continue to work with HB towards a solution to ensuring equal beach access.”
Vehicle rental prohibition
Commissioners also unanimously voted to approve an ordinance prohibiting automobile rentals in the C-3 zoning district.
The prohibition is a result of concerns about surging golf cart and low-speed vehicle rentals, which led to a moratorium that expired in January.
City code previously allowed automobile rentals as a special exception use within the C-3 zoning district.
The prohibition prevents new automobile rental establishments, as well as restricts existing businesses from expanding such uses.
In other matters, commissioners reached consensus to:
- Approve legislative priorities, including additions to support plastics reduction and strengthen mangrove protections;
- Purchase for $20,000 a vacant lot near Grassy Point Preserve at 3016 Ave. A from Stephen Sherwood Foster.