ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — After another lengthy meeting, St. Pete Beach city commissioners finally made a decision.
In a 3-2 vote, commissioners approved the Sirata Beach Resort's expansion plan.
The property owner was seeking a conditional use permit to add two new hotels on its property: a 10-story J.W. Marriott and a nine-story Hampton Inn.
City staff had recommended the approval of the resolution to grant the permit.
However, critics expressed a plethora of concerns.
They worry the expansion will lead to overdevelopment of the area, ruin the city’s charm, and worsen traffic on Gulf Boulevard.
“I’m not sure we’re getting a fair deal for the residents," Mayor Adrian Petrila said Tuesday night.
The development team has said their plans include multiple improvements to the area, such as better pedestrian crosswalks and additional public beach access.
Ultimately, a majority of commissioners agreed the project should move forward.
“None of us get to dictate what is happening on our neighbors’ properties," said Commissioner Karen Marriott.
Commissioners Betty Rzewnicki and Richard Lorenzen joined Marriott in voting for the project.
Petrila and Commissioner Nick Filtz voted against it.
