Manatee County commissioners Dec. 16 voted to direct staff to develop multiple redevelopment plans for the former Seafood Shack property, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez, after hearing public concerns focused on traffic, safety and neighborhood impacts.
The commissioners approved the motion 5-1, with Bob McCann opposed. Commissioners also deferred an agenda item that would have authorized staff to initiate county-initiated rezoning, opting to wait until new conceptual plans can be reviewed.
Consultant James Pankonin of Kimley-Horn and Associates gave an overview of a county outreach initiative, saying an online survey conducted July 7-Aug. 18, received more than 654 responses and five open houses drew more than 300 attendees.
Based on that feedback, Pankonin said preferred amenities include a multilane boat ramp, marina docking, emergency service access, restoration of historic uses such as bait-and-tackle sales, waterfront dining and passive recreational space along the shoreline.
Common concerns included traffic congestion and turning conflicts at Cortez Road, water quality, stormwater design and preserving the character of Cortez.
Public comment at the meeting was dominated by residents from north Cortez neighborhoods adjacent to the proposed site, many of whom urged commissioners to remove public boat ramps from the redevelopment scope.
Kathleen Strakes, president of the Harbor Landings Estates Homeowners Association, said a similar proposal was abandoned in 2005 after neighborhood opposition.
“Twenty years later, though nothing has changed to make boat ramps at this site feasible, and with traffic congestion being far worse, here we are again,” she said.
Mark Silagy, president of The Pointe at Mariner’s Cove, said narrow residential streets with tight corners cannot accommodate vehicles towing boats. He called ramp traffic “an accident waiting to happen.”
Michael Albert, president of the Mariners Cove association and a member of the newly announced Concerned Citizens of Cortez Coalition, told commissioners, “The coalition is not anti-development. We support growth but not at the expense of our community’s safety, environment or heritage.”
Commissioners agreed the county should avoid committing to a final redevelopment plan before costs, traffic impacts and design constraints are better understood, but differed on whether a public ramp should remain part of the project.
Commissioner Tal Siddique, R-District 3, said public input showed “a very, very big divide” and supported studying ramp options.
Commissioner Carol Ann Felts urged a gradual approach, saying she preferred “using the space gradually” and emphasizing Cortez’s historic character.
Commission Chair George Kruse echoed calls for a measured approach, emphasizing Cortez’s historical significance and noting redevelopment decisions should be made carefully.
Commissioner Bob McCann, opposing the motion, cited safety, cost and timing.