by Dawn Kitterman
BRADENTON — The City of Bradenton has proposed a solution regarding the placement of a temporary lift station in Ward 4, but the plan involves purchasing property linked to a former city councilman, Bill Sanders.
In May, the City Council approved the acquisition of 2502 Riverside Drive East for $441,000, a property rendered nearly uninhabitable following Hurricane Helene.
Public records indicate the home is jointly owned by Bill Sanders and his ex-wife Ellen, with ongoing legal disputes complicating ownership transfers. An Iowa court has awarded the home to Ellen, while Bill has contested the validity of this ruling.
The home was listed for sale in January with an asking price around $450,000. Currently marked as “pending,” the city aims to use the property for a temporary lift station essential for servicing around 170 homes in the vicinity. This site would replace the longstanding and failing Lift Station 13, operational since the 1950s.
Lift Station 13 is situated on Riverside Drive East and has required a functioning sump pump generator for the past eight years due to its failing condition.
Plans to phase out Lift Station 13 include constructing a new collection system and rebuilding Lift Station 3 within 2-4 years, which will ultimately replace the temporary lift station. Before opting for the Sanders property, the city had only a single alternative site—a small median referred to as the “pork chop.”
Concerns arose among residents regarding using the median for the lift station due to potential impacts on road conditions and property values.
Councilwoman Lisa Moore of Ward 4 has voiced her support for using the Sanders property, calling it a more desirable alternative over the median. The city is prioritizing this project as part of its broader Face it and Fix It initiative, aimed at overhauling the city’s aging infrastructure after damages sustained from last year’s hurricanes.
Mayor Gene Brown has stated nearly $75 million has been earmarked for infrastructure improvements, with plans for an additional $100 million in future investments.
Recognizing ongoing disputes over property ownership, the city council has scheduled a resolution addressing the possibility of using eminent domain to secure the property swiftly. Some residents worry about delays stemming from these disputes, fearing complications in the project’s timeline.
Key Information
– **Property Address**: 2502 Riverside Drive East
– **Purchase Price**: $441,000
– **Current Owners**: Bill Sanders and Ellen Sanders
– **Purpose**: Temporary lift station for 170 homes
– **Projected Timeline**: 2-4 years for complete project
– **Funding Dedicated**: Nearly $75 million for infrastructure repair
– **Eminent Domain Resolution Date**: Scheduled for July 23
Bill Sanders has expressed skepticism regarding the city’s ability to finalize the sale, citing his name on the deed and ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Ellen Sanders has expressed urgency for the transaction, needing to resolve her financial hardships tied to the property.
In discussions about the location selection for the lift station, Councilwoman Moore emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns and highlighted the city’s commitment to ensuring the project remains a priority.
“This solution is considerably better than placing it in the roadway,” she stated.
As the city’s plans move forward, both the potential benefits and disputes surrounding the property will play a crucial role in determining the future of Bradenton’s wastewater management efforts.
Article original publish date: 2025-07-19 07:00:00
Article source: thebradentontimes.com
Read the full story at the original source: thebradentontimes.com
