One of several stalled hotel projects in the city could take a step forward Monday evening after the public gets another chance to weigh in.
Driving the news: Developers of The Dream Hotel near The Palm Springs Convention Center are seeking to amend a previously approved final development plan as they look to kickstart a project that first began in 2015 but has languished for roughly three years.
- The issue comes before the Palm Springs City Council at its regular meeting as a public hearing. A vote on the request could follow.
At issue: The developer, Selene Palm Springs LLC, isn’t looking to make a significant change to the roughly 150-room hotel but does hope to add two dozen condominiums to the southern portion of the site, replacing a previously planned event space. The move is necessary, they said, to help raise funds to complete the hotel.
- In a 3-2 vote in September, the city’s Planning Commission approved a request to allow the additional condominiums at the site. The split decision came after hearing from neighbors of the project concerned about the loss of views.
What they’re saying: “This will be like a Volkswagen Beetle parked next to a Norwegian Cruise Liner,” said Thomas Boudrot, a resident of the adjacent Center Court condominiums, speaking about the impact on his community if and when the two dozen units are built.
- The Council will likely hear similar sentiment during the public hearing this evening. Find information on participating in the public comments or view the meeting here.
Bottom line: Residents frustrated with stalled or dead hotel projects in the city repeatedly voice concerns at City Hall, in the media, and in online public forums. To date, there has been little sign of visible progress.
- Among the projects is The Dream Hotel being discussed this evening, the Thompson Hotel (formerly Andaz) that takes up a half city block starting at the key intersection of North Palm Canyon Drive and East Alejo Road, and the Orchid Tree Inn project.
