5-2 vote approves HP-1 planned unit development

After more than an hour-long parade of residents and other interested parties, Historic City News can report that five-of-seven members of the St Augustine Planning and Zoning Board are okay with developer David Corneal’s plan to convert the Dow Museum of Historic Homes into a 30-room boutique hotel, to be called “Cordova Inn”.

With Matt Shaffer and Cathy Brown dissenting, the remaining board members reached a split-decision, allowing the PUD request to move forward to the City Commission, who will have the final say.

There were several amendments suggested in the motion to approve. Without board approval, or approval at the commission, Corneal can rent the units out as apartments.

Corneal paid $1.7 million for the property and has already started restoration work; recently demolishing the carpenter’s house which Corneal said was beyond repair.

In addition to public comments, attorney Jane West, who represented the Nelmar Terrace neighborhood in its objection to 7-Eleven in North City, presented on behalf of nine people opposed to the project. The major concerns West expressed dealt with traffic, parking, zoning protection and public access to the site.