Manatee County approves larger Travesta neighborhood commercial area over resident objections

Manatee County commissioners voted 5–2 on Feb. 12 to allow the Travesta planned development to increase its neighborhood commercial allocation from 100,000 to 150,000 square feet, despite sustained public questioning about traffic, wetlands and permitted uses.

Supporters, including the applicant’s representative Linda Stewart and project engineer Matt Morris, said the additional square footage would provide neighborhood retail, daycare and small businesses that serve nearby residents and would be built within the development’s existing infrastructure. Staff and the project traffic consultant said the added commercial space would produce only modest peak‑hour trips and that no additional off‑site roadwork was required at this stage.

Opponents and several commissioners said they were especially concerned about potential high‑traffic uses and access. Commissioner McCann and Commissioner Feltz voted against the measure, citing remaining questions about how vehicles would enter and exit the site and about preservation of wetland and drainage functions. After questions from the board and residents, the applicant agreed to remove gas stations from the project’s permitted‑use schedule.

The applicant said the development will provide 53% open space, include a 20‑foot buffer between commercial and residential uses and provide photometric plans to limit light spillover at time of final site plan. County staff noted required standards for buffering, setbacks and stormwater design will apply during the permit review.

Commissioners who supported the request said the project already contains existing neighborhood tenants and argued that adding more commercial capacity in close proximity to homes better serves residents than having them drive farther for routine errands. The board’s approval allows the applicant to proceed to subsequent final‑site plan steps and permitting.