Ranch residents oppose seven-story proposal

EAST COUNTY — Hearing the words “seven” and “story” together caused red-faced reactions from East County residents last week.

At an Oct. 1 Lakewood Ranch Town Hall meeting with Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, residents expressed negative opinions on Schroeder-Manatee Ranch’s request to rezone a parcel behind Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

SMR has requested changing its University Lakes development of regional impact so it can build a seven-story at that location. Following a split vote of recommendation by the Manatee County Planning Commission and resident complaints, SMR asked the Manatee County Commission to continue a hearing for the controversial item to Nov. 6.

To Watercrest resident Kathleen Grant, the multi-story building would turn the Ranch into even more of an urban setting than it already is becoming with the opening of The Mall at University Town Center Oct. 16.
She also doesn’t agree with the logic that SMR can do what it wants with Lakewood Ranch land, because it belongs to the developer.

“What are planning commissions for if we have no say in what is done with this land?” Grant asked, nearly shouting at Baugh at the Town Hall meeting. “He’s (Schroeder-Manatee Ranch President and CEO Rex Jensen) asking to rezone the land, but just because it’s his dirt doesn’t mean the commissioners are obligated to grant him that. I hope you have as much respect for voters as you apparently have for Mr. Jensen, because all I’ve heard from you is that you’re treading quite closely to taking a stand with him on this.”

Baugh told Grant and the more than 100 other attendees of the meeting that she legally isn’t allowed to discuss her thoughts on the issue.

The matter is quasi-judicial and will be discussed publicly at the November hearing, which requires county commissioners and other involved parties to act as an unbiased panel of judges rather than lawmakers.

Baugh, however, has read the 57 emails she has received from constituents and wants to continue to hear from voters. She encouraged residents to voice their opinions to SMR but to act tactfully and understand that SMR owns the property and is legally allowed to propose the plan.

“I want to hear from you, but I can’t respond to you about this issue,” Baugh said. “I’m legally bound to not say anything. I can address traffic on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, the apartments on Main Street, but I can’t talk about that. I’m sorry.”

While meeting attendees continued to express negative feelings toward the project, Baugh stressed she is just the messenger. And, she said she represents the district in the way she thinks it wants to be represented.

“I’m not your enemy,” Baugh said. “I live in the Country Club, my bread-and-butter is on Main Street — how I make my money. I understand how you feel. But I also represent the laws of the state of Florida. We have to do what the law says.”

SMR already has received approval for four five-story buildings at the site in question. The DRI approvals would allow it to build up to 10 stories for a hotel or office building.