Council approved an economic agreement with Groveland Property Investments which may spur the owners forward with its plans to convert more than 500 hotel rooms to 214 apartments of various configurations on property located at 20349 and 20339 U.S. Hwy 27. Improvements would include 6,900 square feet of retail, including a restaurant and bar, a gym, and a pool. The project will cost about $20 million.
The 9.8-acre parcel and buildings, situated directly on Hwy 27, near the turnpike, have been vacant for years and are an eyesore and detriment to the residents. In considering the approval of the waiver incentive, City Council member Mike Radzik said that there needs to be a stipulation that the developer gets construction underway within six months. The project was proposed a few years ago but stalled.
All apartments will be rented at market rate. City Council member Barbara Gaines cast the only dissenting vote after being told the project is not considered “affordable housing.”
