Although it could infringe on the serenity of a nearby residential development and cause increased traffic and parking problems, a conceptual plan to build a multi-story hotel won unanimous approval from the North Beach Town Council Nov. 8.
The North Beach Resort project had been recommended for approval by the North Beach Planning Commission as a category one site plan. The proposed project site is a parcel located on Chesapeake Avenue, 5th Street Extended and Bay Avenue. A large residential townhouse development had once been planned for the tract.
“This is basically a development plan,” said Mayor Mark Frazer.
Elena Russo of RAR Associates Development Corporation described a variety of amenities planned for the hotel. The components include a motor court, 20-by-40 foot swimming pool, a garden and service court and retail space. The second floor will feature a bar and lounge with what Russo described as “an expansive view of the bay.” The second floor will also feature a banquet room which could be partitioned to allow for more than one event; meeting rooms and an events porch. “I’m really looking forward to this,” said Russo.
Engineer Dan Kelsh explained the building would have the same five-foot setback from the road as two adjacent buildings, will stand 54 feet and will be elevated to be compliant with the area’s floodplain regulations. The onsite 118 parking spaces will be well above the town’s requirements.
The owner of a unit in the South Winds condominium, which is located just south of where the hotel is planned, questioned whether any consideration was given to the possible adverse impacts, such as noise, traffic and sight blockage. Frazer said a traffic study has not been done in the area. Kelsh assured the resident that there would be sufficient distance between the two buildings to alleviate any compatibility concerns.
