Thanks to a grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the volunteer hours of two local historical architects, design guidelines are now being developed to ensure that new, elevated homes are constructed in the most compatible way. This project will be completed in July, 2001. Under the heading of neighborhood character, the concern over land use regulations that restrict commercial fishermen has also been raised. It is illegal in Manatee County to store this equipment and commercial fishermen get cited on occasion for storing these tools in front and side yards where it is not permitted. Work on new land use regulations has begun.
Incompatible development is another concern.
In this regard, the County working with community members, just purchased the old 1912 Schoolhouse and surrounding property in Cortez to prevent its development and to preserve a building and area that has historic and cultural value to the local citizens. These acres will be preserved in their natural state and will serve as a buffer to development on the east side of the village. Local fear of incompatible development on the site of a previously vacant commercial fish processing house along the waterfront which was recently purchased by a developer was addressed in the visioning sessions held in early 2000. Active commercial fish houses along the waterfront have been important to maintaining the working fisherman's heritage. Cortezians are concerned about the possible impacts to the community if their waterfront is developed in a fashion out of character to the existing community.