School district will consider developing affordable housing stock

Staff report

BRADENTON — The Manatee County School District is considering developing its own affordable housing stock to offset the negative impact of soaring prices on employee recruitment and retention.

The district says it plans to develop nearly five acres of land in Bradenton. District officials are currently exploring One Stop Housing options.

Mark Vengroff, managing partner of One Stop Housing, presented the plans to the school board during a work session in late May. The project would include 132 studio, one- and two-bedroom units spread across two four-story apartment buildings. Rent prices would be 30 to 40% lower than market prices.

District officials say the project is in the early stages of review, but could be discussed at a school board meeting in the coming months.

Pinellas, Monroe and Volusia counties have already begun exploring similar options.

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