BRADENTON BEACH – During last week’s commission work session, Mayor Bill Shearon proposed a $1,135 per month rent abatement for the proprietors of the three businesses located at the Historic Bridge Street Pier.

Shearon’s proposal was scheduled for further discussion at the Wednesday, Sept. 3 Pier Team meeting, with a Pier Team recommendation to be presented at Thursday’s commission meeting for acceptance, amendment or denial.

Commissioners Janie Robertson and Ed Straight have expressed support for some form of rent abatement, while Vice Mayor Jack Clarke and Commissioner Jan Vosburgh have been less receptive to the idea.

Cast-n-Cage restaurant , Rusty Anchor bait shop, and Pelican Perch concession stand proprietors Roland Pena, Tammy Kemper-Pena and Rusty Roberts attended the Thursday, Aug. 28 work session that was scheduled in response to the original abatement requests Pena presented to the commission on Aug. 21.

The $1,135 reduction suggested by Shearon represents the combined monthly rent and taxes for the bait shop ($550) and the concession stand ($750), minus $165 deducted for the city’s portion of the power bill. The installation of a new electric meter will soon alleviate the need for the electrical expense adjustment.

All three businesses are governed by a single lease, and the mayor’s proposal does not provide direct relief for the restaurant space the Penas lease from the city for $5,500 a month, including taxes.

Shearon noted that the lease provides the tenants the ability to request substantiated rent abatement, but does not allow for the retroactive abatement Pena requested at the previous meeting.

Pena said the restaurant is being negatively impacted by the noise associated with the pile driving taking place just outside the restaurant patio. After last week’s meeting, he shared a video that illustrates his point.

“We had people come out here, say it’s too loud, and leave. Inside of the restaurant, you can feel the vibrations,” he said.

Any abatement approved by the commission would apply from September until the pier is reopened for public use. Reconstruction began on Aug. 11 and is scheduled to conclude in January.

Pena said he appreciates the mayor’s proposal, but plans to lobby for greater abatement when addressing the Pier Team.

“We were looking for half of the entire amount for all three entities put together,” Pena said.

This would equate to $3,400 of the $6,800 owed to the city each month.

“The mayor’s suggestion is just a suggestion, and if that is what’s given we’ll take that. Every little bit helps as we’re going through the slow season,” Pena said.

The bait shop shut its doors in early August, when the pier was closed to accommodate reconstruction and the reconfigured floating day dock was temporarily shut down for construction-related safety concerns. Pena said he closed the bait shop because there was no longer any demand for bait sales or pole rentals.

The bait shop opened again during the Labor Day weekend, to coincide with the temporary opening of the day dock, but closed again Monday night in anticipation of the day dock being shut down for another week or so before being opened permanently.

Once open, the day dock will provide some space for fishing, but Pena does not plan to resume bait shop operations until the public has access to the renovated pier.

The concession stand closed in June, but plans are in place for Pena’s daughter to resume business operations at a later date, selling coffee, homemade pies and other snacks.

Standing on the patio Friday evening, Pena said food and drink specials are being implemented in an effort to combat the current challenges.

A temporary banner has been placed at the foot of the pier to inform potential customers that the restaurant remains open, and city commissioners recently approved design and material choices for the pending installation of new restaurant and pier signage.

joe hendricks | sun

The proposed location for Island Auto Repair was the former
home of Island Pest Control.

 

HOLMES BEACH – After watching a larger commercial project on Avenue C receive commission approval, Island Auto Repair’s Judi Rickerson was extremely disappointed with the commission’s 3-1 denial of a plan that would have brought the family business back to the Island.

In the end, it came down to a lack of parking.

After Thursday’s work session, an emotional Rickerson said, “Well, they just shot us down.”

As for what comes next, she said, “I don’t know. It’s a horrible situation and we don’t know what we’re going to do.”

The Rickersons moved their 35-year-old auto repair business to Bradenton late last year after their longtime landlord asked them to vacate their previous Holmes Beach location.

Rickerson, her husband Rick and their son Aaron hoped to resume their Island operations at 3010 Ave. C, the former home of Island Pest Control. The plan called for the installation of repair bays on the vacant portion of the property facing Avenue C, with the existing building leased as office space to another tenant.

Thursday’s work session discussion was a follow-up to the Aug. 14 session at which multiple problems with the site plan and special exception request were identified.

When Commission Chair Judy Titsworth asked City Planner Bill Brisson to provide an update on any recent findings, he said, “Actually I’d rather not, it’s not pleasant.”

He said, “The property is too small to accommodate a 1,200-square-foot office building and an additional 500 square feet of garage. It’s not a problem of back out parking, it’s a problem of getting enough parking.

“I see no way of getting enough parking spaces if you’re going to use a portion of the office for something other than the office for the repair shop,” he added, noting that the commission could waive the multi-business parking requirements as a means of encouraging the revitalization of the commercial district.

“That’s the only way I can see that one could use both businesses,” he concluded.

City Attorney Patricia Petruff advised against waiving the parking requirements, saying it would be unfair to the neighborhood and other business owners.

Residents, a member of the city planning board, and a neighboring business owner expressed opposition and voiced concerns about parking, traffic, pedestrian safety, use of the alley, and the continued encroachment of commercial operations in a neighborhood that abuts a commercial-zoned district.

Others expressed support, including Holmes Beach resident Connie Keen, who complimented the Rickersons for being trustworthy and not charging for unnecessary parts and services.

“You could do a whole lot worse than have this fine family there running their business,” she said.

When addressing the commission, Rickerson said, “It not going to be like the other repair shop that was there, where they drag-raced cars.”

In reference to complaints about parking and traffic problems caused by other businesses on Avenue C, Rickerson said, “Our little shop is not going to cause congestion like that.”

She concluded by saying, “Our customers are inconvenienced by having to come into town. I beg of you to help us with this and bring us back home.”

Commissioner Marvin Grossman made a motion in support of a resolution crafted earlier that day by Petruff that would have allowed for limited use of the property, but the motion died for a lack of a second.

Commissioner Pat Morton then made a motion to deny the requests, which Commissioner David Zaccagnino seconded.

“I’m sorry, there’s just not enough parking to do what you guys want to do. There’s one alternative, and the alternative is offsite parking. There’s three vacant lots on that street and they’re for sale right now,” Zaccagnino suggested.

He also noted that a site plan approved earlier that night included 32 parking spaces.

Morton said, “I’m really sorry, I’ve had work done in your shop, but you have to look at this for the whole city. This is putting 10 pounds in a five pound bag; it’s just not going to work.”

Titsworth expressed hope that the property owner would reconsider allowing the Rickersons to use the existing building as a repair shop.

The Island Community Center offers the following classes at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For further details or to register, call the Center at 941-778-1908, ext. 0 or visit www.islandcommunitycenter.com. For a complete list of center programs and special events, visit the website.

Conversational Spanish

Conversational Spanish will be offered on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 2. Instructor Lisbeth Oscuvilca will teach a Beginners Class from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and an Intermediate Class from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Beginners classes consist of exercises and conversations relevant to travel in Spanish-speaking countries. Classes are taught in three-session packages and offer six levels of learning the Spanish language.

Preregistration is required. Classes will be delayed if the three-student minimum is not met. Members pay $40/three sessions and non-members pay $50/three sessions.

Skill Development Training

Skill Development Training with Ray Gardner, assistant athletic director, is an opportunity to step up your game in basketball. There is a 50 percent money back guarantee if you see no improvement at the end of your sessions.

Schedule by appointment only for Saturdays and Sundays in the AMICC air-conditioned gym. The cost is two sessions/$40, four sessions/$75 and eight sessions/$125. Contact Gardner at 313-207-8506.

Sit and Be Fit

Sit and Be Fit returns in October with Certified Fitness Instructor Karen Iannello on Tuesdays from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Have fun and move to the music through a variety of movements.

Hand-held weights, elastic tubing and a small fitness ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support; there is no floor work. Member price is $6/class and non-member price is $12/class.

Staying Strong

Staying Strong is Karen Iannello’s new class, coming in October on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., for the active, mature adult. This class is about strength training and weight-bearing exercises that promote healthy bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

Wear well-supported sneakers and plan to use weights, resistant tubing and floor mats, all available at the Center. Member price is $6/class and non-member price is $12/class.

joe hendricks | sun

This vacant lot at 3004 Ave. C will soon be home to a
new commercial development.

HOLMES BEACH – Island Real Estate owner Larry Chatt received commission approval to build a three-story commercial building on his vacant lot at the corner of Avenue C and 30th Street North.

During last week’s meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the proposed site plan despite concerns raised by residents. Commissioner Jean Peelen was on vacation and did not attend the meeting.

Chatt plans to use the first floor to provide laundry services for his vacation rental operations. The second floor will be used by office personnel. The third floor will be leased to another tenant or used for the further expansion of the Island Real Estate offices.

Chatt amended his original Aug. 14 request, asking that the elevator shaft and rooftop air conditioning equipment be allowed to exceed the 36-foot height limit as long as setbacks are adhered to and proper screening conceals the machinery.

City Planner Bill Brisson said the site plan meets the city’s requirements, and he told commissioners he does not expect the facility to significantly increase traffic in the area.

Chatt said the estimated number of daily trips in and out of the facility is low compared to other commercial operations in Holmes Beach.

Chatt said the two other locations he owns on the Island have provided him valuable experience in terms of operating commercial entities in residential areas.

“I have learned from my parents’ value system that you play nice and you find win-win solutions. That’s how I plan to work my business if commission approves my site plan,” he said.

“I’m excited to show other property managers the right way to do business. I think this is a positive step for our community, for cleaners to have a professional spot to park and retrieve their items rather than meeting in public parking lots,” Chatt said.

He hopes to complete construction by the beginning of March.

Resident concerns

Before commissioners reached a decision, residents shared their concerns.

John Flora said, “There’s a park at the end of that road and the traffic is horrendous already.”

His wife, Sue, questioned the ambiguity of the third floor plans.

John Reuss cited right of way parking concerns.

“Air & Energy has a minimum of 20 vehicles parked down there between seven and nine in the morning, plus Air America has another 10 to 12 vehicles parked alongside that road,” he said.

Reuss also commented on the condition of the alley that runs north and south between Gulf Drive and Avenue C from 30th Street to the Grassy Point Preserve.

“That alley is torn up. It’s full of holes and I don’t understand why the city doesn’t do anything with it,” Reuss said.

Commissioner David Zaccagnino said he expects Air & Energy’s new Bradenton headquarters to alleviate some of the Avenue C congestion and some of the Avenue C congestion and he suggested that the city consider making any needed repairs to the alley.

Acting Public Works Superintendent Jon Betcher agreed that the alley is in bad shape and requires attention.

Lois Huntington asked if the laundry facility is expected to impact water pressure for neighboring properties.

“Our water pressure is horrible. Are we going to be able to use our third floor bathroom?”

Huntington also expressed concerns about the property’s tendency to flood.

Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said, “We will discuss your water pressure; thank you for bringing that to our attention.”

Titsworth said the county is required to supply adequate water pressure, is subject to inspection and is covered by city code.

She asked Chatt to reconsider the parking lot configuration in order to prevent users from backing out. Chatt said he was reluctant to address her concern in the form of a written resolution, but promised to address any complications that arise.

At this point, City Attorney Patricia Petruff cautioned the commission about the extent of their inquiries.

“I think you’re going beyond what you should be looking at for a site plan,” she said.