St. Augustine Beach and Planning and Zoning Board authorized approval to build an Embassy Suites along beautiful A1A, causing controversy and contrasting opinions amongst locals and local businesses.
"From a local's stand point, I hate it. I can't handle anymore traffic and I'll miss the scenic view I used to have when coming around that first corner. And it's such an eye sore right now. But from a business perspective it's great; it will bring in high end customers and we'll always be busy. Plus it's going to be really beautiful and we don't have anything like a resort in St. Augustine yet. I just hope they don't continue to build and have it turn into Daytona." - Erin, bartender at Salt Life Food Shack which lies directly across from the new construction.
"The only issue for me is the height, I don't like how they found a way to get around the rule. They're there for a reason, we don't want high rises. But after the hurricanes and everything, we need something big like this bringing in revenue to St. Augustine Beach." -Matt, server at Margie's Cafe which also stands across from the new construction, which stands at 53 feet, breaking the 35-feet-limit for the city guidelines. According to Chris Lowe, beach services supervisor at the Pier, they were able to build an extra 22 feet , because the occupancy rooms start at the right height.
Owner of Margie's Cafe, the Margie herself. "I am pissed about it right now, it has no charm or character. I don't like chains. But I won't be bitching when they all come over here for my food. Plus there's nothing we can do about it. They control us with their money."
View from upper deck at Salt Life Food Shack which has been altered by construction.
"The commission thought about the project for an extensive amount of time, decisions for building didn't happen over night. The traffic is coming anyways and we can't stop it, we need the money," said an active government man, whom did not want to be identified.
"There was always going to be something built there. That property is for building upon and I'm just glad it's going to be something taken care of and attractive unlike the other hotel that was there. I just don't want it turning into Daytona and have it casting shadows on the beach." -Retired government official, practicing tai chi on pavillion right with construction in the background.
"The town needs what it needs, locals know where to go to get away from commercialism. Plus, as a fisherman, we don't mind the increase in sightseers coming on the pier and looking at what we catch; we like showing off and telling our stories!" - local musician and avid fisherman, Scott Oglevee.
Accoridng to Chris Lowe, the building will have 175 rooms and a couple of swimming pools.
Construction for the building, controversy and all, will be coming to a cease in 2018 when the Embasssy Suites opens it's doors to a new flood of tourism.