Debate Over Second High School in Lakewood Ranch Due to Traffic Concerns
Some Manatee County commissioners believe that Lorraine Road should be widened before increasing traffic in the area. Commissioner Jason Bearden criticized the idea of building a high school off Lorraine Road before completing the long-delayed widening project, calling it “dumb growth.”
“We cannot continue to just approve things blindly without a plan because our job is to develop infrastructure around these projects,” Bearden said during the November meeting. “When those kids have a head-on collision because we're not having this discussion, then that's on you.”
The construction of the high school at the southwest corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard had already been approved by a previous commission and the Manatee County School Board. The site plan approval was scheduled under “presentations upon request.”
Commissioner George Kruse explained that “presentations upon request” are reserved for items without public comments or significant board questions during briefings. Despite this, a presentation was requested, leading to a heated debate and three separate motions.
Ultimately, the site plan was approved in a narrow 4-3 vote. Kruse joined commissioners Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, and Tal Siddique in supporting the measure.
Key Points
- Concerns about road infrastructure and traffic impact from building the high school.
- Disagreement among commissioners on timing and planning for surrounding infrastructure.
- Final approval passed after intense discussion and close vote.
Author's summary: The decision to approve a new high school in Lakewood Ranch sparked concern over inadequate road infrastructure, highlighting differing views on development priorities.