Council rejects new hotel tower for South Beach | News

Clearwater Beach, Florida - The city council Thursday night rejected a proposed new 15 story motel on the south beach.

After lengthy debate, the council voted 2 to 3 against a development agreement with the property owner, Clearwater Grande Development LLC.

Council members Doreen Hock-PiPolito and Jay Polglaze supported the project, Council members Bill Jonson, Paul Gibson and Mayor George Cretekos opposed it.

Critics of the project cited creation of a "canyon effect" of walling off the gulf and loss of vista for the adjoining Quality Inn, but the issue also turned on taking rooms from the Hotel Density Reserve.