Hotel Density Increase Faces OppositionCLEARWATER - Mayor Frank Hibbard and City Council will vote on an ordinance increasing the number of hotel rooms from 50 to 125 per acre on commercial and tourist zoned property through out the City of Clearwater. Presently on Sand Key, there are 610 hotel rooms and the increase would allow an additional 1500 hotel rooms. The Sheraton and the Marriott could expand to accommodate the additional rooms. The retail shopping areas on both Sand Key and Island Estates are both on land zoned commercial, the Shoppes on Sand Key and the Publix shopping center on Island Estates, could be potential sites for additional hotels. The Save our Shoppes Committee, Save Our Neighborhood and Island Estates Civic Association have joined forces to oppose the addition and expansion of hotels on both islands. Attorney Alan S. Zimmet has been retained to represent the organizations and will be requesting the Mayor and City Council to allow both islands to maintain their residential character and be exempted from this ordinance. Residents and concerned citizens will be in attendance to voice their opposition. The City Council Meeting will be held April 17th, 6 p.m., at City Hall, third floor, 112 S. Osceola Avenue, Clearwater. Doors open at 5 p.m.
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