Dunedin Plans for Solar-Powered Hotel and Winery Development
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
03/13/2024
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Recording Published:
03/15/2024
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Duration:
79 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Pinellas County
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Towns:
Dunedin
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Dunedin Local Planning Agency approved the design review for a new mixed-use development on Causeway Boulevard, featuring a solar-powered hotel and a proposed winery. This project, which has been in the works since the property’s vacancy in 2005, is anticipated to bring a combination of residential and commercial spaces, including retail and a seven-room hotel, to the area.
The proposed development includes four new buildings with amenities such as a winery, hotel, surface parking, swimming pool, and cabana. The project was found to comply with the city’s criteria for design review, including open space, parking, buffering, architectural style, sustainability, and citizen participation. A traffic impact analysis assessed the potential impact on traffic counts and levels of service, and the city’s capacity to provide essential services like water and waste management was confirmed.
The applicant received unanimous approval from the Architectural Review Committee with suggestions for future considerations. The discussions surrounding the project centered on its compliance with regulations, the cumulative effect on traffic, sidewalk size, and green space calculations. Concerns regarding the proximity of the buildings to the sidewalk were voiced, particularly in relation to the impact on pedestrian and bicycle traffic and the upcoming bridge reconstruction.
The nature of the proposed winery was debated, with some members suggesting it resembled more of a wine store due to its focus on selling bottles. Clarifications were made that the establishment would not become a liquor store, and access to the patio above the winery was reviewed. A contractor highlighted the hotel’s addition of seven rooms and its sustainability feature of being 100% solar-powered.
Public comments included a variety of perspectives. One resident, with expertise in traffic engineering, suggested relocating a driveway for safety. Another expressed support but had concerns about setbacks and dumpster locations. The enthusiasm was also shown by a resident who believed the development would attract more residents and merchants to the area. The architect discussed the implications of potential adjustments to the project, like changing setbacks and relocating driveways, as well as addressing solid waste department preferences for dumpster design.
Safety and design standards were topics. Members discussed the setback of buildings in relation to the increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic, debating the impact of the building on traffic and safety. The need to review the setback to ensure safety for bikers and pedestrians was highlighted, with considerations for property lines, driveway positioning, traffic movement, and fire truck access.
The agency also addressed internal matters, such as the election of a new chair and vice chair and the appointment of a new board member and two alternates. Three applicants presented their qualifications and reasons for wanting to join the board, and votes determined the new appointments.
Julie Ward Bujalski
Planning Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
03/13/2024
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Recording Published:
03/15/2024
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Duration:
79 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Pinellas County
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Towns:
Dunedin
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