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Hotel proposal for OOB given mixed reception
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By SETH HARKNESS, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Wednesday, October 4, 2006
OLD ORCHARD BEACH - A small strip of land beside a public restroom became the focal point of a discussion on the future of the town Tuesday.
Tim Swenson says he needs the 150-foot-by-30-foot town-owned plot between the railroad tracks and West Grand Avenue to move forward with his plan to build a $50 million hotel.
Voters will decide whether to sell or lease the land -- and the air rights above it -- in a referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot.
A public hearing on the ballot question Tuesday night attracted about 50 residents, and the comments suggested that the outcome is far from certain.
Some people applauded Swenson for the change he is proposing for downtown Old Orchard Beach and said they supported at least giving his latest project a chance to enter the planning process.
But others cited the same faults with the hotel project that they see in the Grand Victorian, Swenson's nearlycomplete $20 million condominium and retail complex at the foot of Old Orchard Street.
They criticized the project as too large, misplaced and out of character with the rest of downtown.
"Another massive project before we've lived with the first one for any length of time, I think is just premature," said Ricki Letowt.
The hearing was the first chance for Old Orchard Beach residents to publicly discuss a project that has been the talk of the town since Swenson proposed it this summer.
The eight-story Old Orchard Beach House Hotel, at the corner of West Grand Avenue and Old Orchard Street, would include a 450-car parking garage built over the rail line and a tunnel for trains to pass through.
Speaking in favor of putting the land up for sale, Town Manager Jim Thomas pointed out that the November vote is not equivalent to a referendum on the project itself. Because of its height, the proposed hotel needs a contract zone and the approval of both the Town Council and the town Planning Board.
Thomas said there will be numerous opportunities for public input throughout the permitting process, which he said could take as long as two years.
"This is a very long and arduous process," he said.
But several residents said they do see the vote as a test of public opinion on Swenson's latest project -- and they disapproved. Many said the hotel wouldn't fit with the inexpensive fun and carnival-like atmosphere that many people expect to enjoy in Old Orchard Beach.
Joe Mokarzel, owner of the Atlantis and Sea Drift motels, said he had listened all summer to guests bemoan the size of the Grand Victorian and the loss of the amusement games and bars it displaced. Mokarzel said he didn't want to see an even bigger project rise up across the street.
"This is not the place," he said. "We are losing the character We are losing why people come here."
Alice Langdon of Seaview Avenue said she supports Swenson's attempt to bring economic development to Old Orchard Beach, but wishes it could be less ambitious.
"This building is going to block out the sun except for at 12 noon," she said. "The whole square will be in the shade in the morning and afternoon."
They were fewer in number, but others said Old Orchard Beach is ready for the buildings and tax revenue that Swenson's development would bring
William Danton said those who defended the status quo in downtown Old Orchard were arguing for the preservation of blight.
"These old buildings, they're dilapidated," he said. "When are they going to be changed if projects like this aren't given a chance to go forward?"
Staff Writer Seth Harkness can be contacted at 282-8225 or at:
sharkness@pressherald.com
Reader comments
e of Cape, me
Oct 4, 2006 10:53 AM
To all-- I agree OOB needs some renovations--I for a long time thought that it should be "flattened and rebuilt with a casino, nicer built hotels/condo and some retail shops on the "strip" while still having the pier (rebuilt) at the end. However, how realistic is it? I worked in an OOB hotel and 98% of the clientele were canadians? And I know I know, they don't tip at restaurants and "they can't drive" comes out of everyones mouth, however, they are spending their money. Will they still come if OOB gets too "high class" ? Who will come and stay instead? I think that the condo they already built has ruined OOB..because there is no straight shot of the pier on the strip (even if it is sad looking),. In addition, what type of reatil shops are going in? The condo is nice, but it looks too "expensive" for OOB...OOb isn't and doesnt need to be cape elizabeth or falmouth. I think that this new hotel is a great idea, perhaps not so tall, but that along with it OOB needs to establish other rules for current businesses. Perhaps they should also rebuild the pier or repair so that it can be in view now.....I think that the amusemnt park should be torn down-- it is old, scary and outdated. They should build a nice casino, tear down some of the other run down motels/empty lots and perhaps build a nice arcade with adjoining retail shops for the "kids" who do go visit....I have lots of ideas for this place as someone who grw up here, had a father who owned a REAL surf shop there back in late 70's and 80-'s (before the touristy places took over)...but I wouldn't have had this condo as one of them right in front of the pier.
Greg of Cape Elizabeth, ME
Oct 4, 2006 10:43 AM
It will be interesting to see how OOB manages change, considering that the most effective element of change in OOB has always been, a lighted match. The foot of the pier has never really been well utilized since the 69 fire. That was the month after the first moon walk, for those old enough to remember. For decades now, the area has been occupied by cheap plywood trailer arcades and an outdoor bar, I'm surprised it lasted this long. Sure, after the hotel, or condos, whatever it is, gets built there will probably be a doorman there to keep me out, but the honky tonk of OOB will not be eliminated. Nor will it by this project. If you build a castle in the sand you will still get ants.
TIM of OOB, ME
Oct 4, 2006 9:15 AM
I aggree with ES, OOB is in dyer need of some economic developement. This project is a great opportunity to get old orchard back on the map. Had the 3.9 earthquake hit oob this week the town would have been destroyed with all of the 100 year old shacks falling down. What a concept a modern parking garage in OOB! The town needs some serious upgrades and we can only hope this project sails. I give Tim Swenson credit. Now if he were proposing a mega-casino on the strip that would be even better! Wake up OOB!
John
Oct 4, 2006 9:14 AM
ES I agree completely!
Fine, modernize or whatever, but give us back our pier and amusements. And a reason for people to go there. That "hotel" at the pier is a disgrace and has ruined what little hope there ever was of restoring the area. Why would anyone want to go to OOB now? Yes, and remove the dilapidated buildings, and especially all the sleazy scumming bars. Every one of them.
We would go every summer as kids. I remember the incredible sounds of the carousel ( a REAL carousel) and the smells wafting all the way up the hill to where we used to park. What excitement! Great beach, wonderful arcardes, beautiful amusements. How we miss the carousel and Noahs Ark! All where that crap-hole hotel is now standing.
I can't imagine why anyone would ever go to OOB.
E-mail this page Reader Comments (below)
By SETH HARKNESS, Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Wednesday, October 4, 2006
OLD ORCHARD BEACH - A small strip of land beside a public restroom became the focal point of a discussion on the future of the town Tuesday.
Tim Swenson says he needs the 150-foot-by-30-foot town-owned plot between the railroad tracks and West Grand Avenue to move forward with his plan to build a $50 million hotel.
Voters will decide whether to sell or lease the land -- and the air rights above it -- in a referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot.
A public hearing on the ballot question Tuesday night attracted about 50 residents, and the comments suggested that the outcome is far from certain.
Some people applauded Swenson for the change he is proposing for downtown Old Orchard Beach and said they supported at least giving his latest project a chance to enter the planning process.
But others cited the same faults with the hotel project that they see in the Grand Victorian, Swenson's nearlycomplete $20 million condominium and retail complex at the foot of Old Orchard Street.
They criticized the project as too large, misplaced and out of character with the rest of downtown.
"Another massive project before we've lived with the first one for any length of time, I think is just premature," said Ricki Letowt.
The hearing was the first chance for Old Orchard Beach residents to publicly discuss a project that has been the talk of the town since Swenson proposed it this summer.
The eight-story Old Orchard Beach House Hotel, at the corner of West Grand Avenue and Old Orchard Street, would include a 450-car parking garage built over the rail line and a tunnel for trains to pass through.
Speaking in favor of putting the land up for sale, Town Manager Jim Thomas pointed out that the November vote is not equivalent to a referendum on the project itself. Because of its height, the proposed hotel needs a contract zone and the approval of both the Town Council and the town Planning Board.
Thomas said there will be numerous opportunities for public input throughout the permitting process, which he said could take as long as two years.
"This is a very long and arduous process," he said.
But several residents said they do see the vote as a test of public opinion on Swenson's latest project -- and they disapproved. Many said the hotel wouldn't fit with the inexpensive fun and carnival-like atmosphere that many people expect to enjoy in Old Orchard Beach.
Joe Mokarzel, owner of the Atlantis and Sea Drift motels, said he had listened all summer to guests bemoan the size of the Grand Victorian and the loss of the amusement games and bars it displaced. Mokarzel said he didn't want to see an even bigger project rise up across the street.
"This is not the place," he said. "We are losing the character We are losing why people come here."
Alice Langdon of Seaview Avenue said she supports Swenson's attempt to bring economic development to Old Orchard Beach, but wishes it could be less ambitious.
"This building is going to block out the sun except for at 12 noon," she said. "The whole square will be in the shade in the morning and afternoon."
They were fewer in number, but others said Old Orchard Beach is ready for the buildings and tax revenue that Swenson's development would bring
William Danton said those who defended the status quo in downtown Old Orchard were arguing for the preservation of blight.
"These old buildings, they're dilapidated," he said. "When are they going to be changed if projects like this aren't given a chance to go forward?"
Staff Writer Seth Harkness can be contacted at 282-8225 or at:
sharkness@pressherald.com
Reader comments
e of Cape, me
Oct 4, 2006 10:53 AM
To all-- I agree OOB needs some renovations--I for a long time thought that it should be "flattened and rebuilt with a casino, nicer built hotels/condo and some retail shops on the "strip" while still having the pier (rebuilt) at the end. However, how realistic is it? I worked in an OOB hotel and 98% of the clientele were canadians? And I know I know, they don't tip at restaurants and "they can't drive" comes out of everyones mouth, however, they are spending their money. Will they still come if OOB gets too "high class" ? Who will come and stay instead? I think that the condo they already built has ruined OOB..because there is no straight shot of the pier on the strip (even if it is sad looking),. In addition, what type of reatil shops are going in? The condo is nice, but it looks too "expensive" for OOB...OOb isn't and doesnt need to be cape elizabeth or falmouth. I think that this new hotel is a great idea, perhaps not so tall, but that along with it OOB needs to establish other rules for current businesses. Perhaps they should also rebuild the pier or repair so that it can be in view now.....I think that the amusemnt park should be torn down-- it is old, scary and outdated. They should build a nice casino, tear down some of the other run down motels/empty lots and perhaps build a nice arcade with adjoining retail shops for the "kids" who do go visit....I have lots of ideas for this place as someone who grw up here, had a father who owned a REAL surf shop there back in late 70's and 80-'s (before the touristy places took over)...but I wouldn't have had this condo as one of them right in front of the pier.
Greg of Cape Elizabeth, ME
Oct 4, 2006 10:43 AM
It will be interesting to see how OOB manages change, considering that the most effective element of change in OOB has always been, a lighted match. The foot of the pier has never really been well utilized since the 69 fire. That was the month after the first moon walk, for those old enough to remember. For decades now, the area has been occupied by cheap plywood trailer arcades and an outdoor bar, I'm surprised it lasted this long. Sure, after the hotel, or condos, whatever it is, gets built there will probably be a doorman there to keep me out, but the honky tonk of OOB will not be eliminated. Nor will it by this project. If you build a castle in the sand you will still get ants.
TIM of OOB, ME
Oct 4, 2006 9:15 AM
I aggree with ES, OOB is in dyer need of some economic developement. This project is a great opportunity to get old orchard back on the map. Had the 3.9 earthquake hit oob this week the town would have been destroyed with all of the 100 year old shacks falling down. What a concept a modern parking garage in OOB! The town needs some serious upgrades and we can only hope this project sails. I give Tim Swenson credit. Now if he were proposing a mega-casino on the strip that would be even better! Wake up OOB!
John
Oct 4, 2006 9:14 AM
ES I agree completely!
Fine, modernize or whatever, but give us back our pier and amusements. And a reason for people to go there. That "hotel" at the pier is a disgrace and has ruined what little hope there ever was of restoring the area. Why would anyone want to go to OOB now? Yes, and remove the dilapidated buildings, and especially all the sleazy scumming bars. Every one of them.
We would go every summer as kids. I remember the incredible sounds of the carousel ( a REAL carousel) and the smells wafting all the way up the hill to where we used to park. What excitement! Great beach, wonderful arcardes, beautiful amusements. How we miss the carousel and Noahs Ark! All where that crap-hole hotel is now standing.
I can't imagine why anyone would ever go to OOB.