10th Avenue Drainage Project

The area of 10th Avenue East between 14th Street East and 15th Street East is a flood-prone area due to it’s bowl-like configuration.  It is not uncommon during heavy rainfall events for roadways in this area to become flooded and for water to enter residences. 

A 2003 drainage study determined that the flooding was a result of the following:

1. The 10th Ave E. drainage system services a drainage area in excess of 50 acres.
2. The ground elevation on 10th Ave. E. between 14th St. E. and 15th St. E. is lower than the surrounding areas. As a result, stormwater has the tendency to surface and pond in this low area.
3. Flooding is caused in part by an undersized drainage system serving the 10th Ave E area.

In order to alleviate the flooding, an improved drainage system will be constructed with larger drain pipes to allow the stormwater to flow to the Manatee River. The project will also include two new stormwater ponds to collect the flood waters during extreme rain events and to provide stormwater treatment of the water before it flows to the river.

Construction is projected to cost $2,485,000, including $50,000 in funds from the CCRA. The project includes almost a mile of new storm drain pipe on 15th St E from 10th Ave E. to the Manatee River, including approximately 58 feet of 8-inch pipe, 408 feet of 12-inch pipe, 452 feet of 18-inch pipe, 1,556 feet. of 30-inch pipe, 1,113 feet of 36-inch pipe, 621 feet of 42-inch pipe, 899 feet of 48-inch pipe, 18 new storm drain manholes, construction of two storm water detention ponds, construction of an outlet control structure for an existing storm water detention pond and construction of a new outfall structure at the Manatee River. The project also includes resurfacing of the southbound lanes of 15th St E. and new sidewalks in front of the Woodwinds Apartments. Construction of the new system began during 2007 and is expected to be completed in early 2008 (before the 2008 storm season begins).

Norma Lloyd Park

The Norma Lloyd Park Project is the centerpiece of the CCRA’s activities in the district. It is projected to be 25+ acres. This projected $10 million project will improve the existing facilities at the current Norma Lloyd Park, expand Lazier Field (an under-equipped, but very well-used football field), and add impressive site improvements to the surrounding campus. Park plans include a splash park, a multi-purpose soccer field, open air amphitheatre, basketball courts, park pavilion, walking trails, picnic areas, and newly constructed community center. Construction began in the summer of 2007 with the initiation of construction of a concession stand/press box. The CCRA in partnership with the city of Bradenton has received two $200,000 FRDP grants from the State of Florida. This park improvement project is an exciting development for the district—a good park is an incredible asset for any neighborhood, and the facilities this park will boast once completed will provide a pleasant, attractive, and well-equipped gathering place for the community. This project will serve as an example to public and private partnerships with participation from the State of Florida, Manatee County, City of Bradenton, Central CRA, United Community Center, and Just for Girls Inc.

MLK Mixed Use Development

The CCRA has recognized the need to take the lead in bringing affordable housing as well as commercial office space to the district. In response to this recognition, the CCRA has requested and received a 1 acre parcel of land donated by the City of Bradenton. That land will be used to house the CCRA’s first project in which it in tends to serve as the developer. This will be a mixed use development that will consist of up to 8 two story townhouses sitting atop 5,000 square feet of office space. This is consistent with the residents’ desire that MLK Avenue will be returned to its previous glory as a community main street. By serving as the developer and partnering with the city’s down payment assistance program the price of housing will be decreased significantly. Market conditions will dictate the final design and execution of this project.