Commission allows Whitney Plaza referendum work

Whitney Beach Plaza owner Ryan Snyder will work with town staff to craft a future density referendum that, if approved, will allow him to convert the shopping center’s commercial zoning to tourism use.

The referendum, which will most likely be held in November 2016, would ask voters to allow the conversion of the property from commercial to tourism/residential use, with a maximum density not to exceed six units per acre.

The zoning conversion would make the site eligible for additional tourism units from the town’s 250 tourism unit pool as part of a future boutique hotel project.

Snyder spent more than $10,000 and a good portion of the summer investigating his commercial parcel. At the time, he scrutinized it to determine whether a 100-room boutique hotel would work on the north end — and concluded that it was not feasible.

But Snyder said he’s had enough interest lately from two parties about building a condominium hotel concept for the property that he wants the referendum to obtain proper zoning for such a venture.

Those two interested parties, Snyder said, have expressed an interest in developing 50 to 70 one- and two-bedroom condo units on the property with a 24-hour reception desk and the possibility of a restaurant and meeting space on-site.

Snyder received consensus from the Longboat Key Town Commission at its workshop Monday to craft language with Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale and Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray for a future density referendum. The commission will then review that language next month.

Snyder is also asking the commission waive a requirement to collect signatures to hold the future zoning referendum.

Snyder wants to hold either a mail-only referendum or is willing to put the referendum to a vote in the November 2016 general election.

“We want to find something that’s harmonious for the area. It will be a benefit to the neighborhood. What we have there now is far too much commercial than is needed.”

— Whitney Beach Plaza owner Ryan Snyder

There are multiple options Snyder is investigating for Whitney Beach Plaza.

The most intriguing option for developers, Snyder said, is the condo hotel with a mixture of regular hotel units and condo rooms for rent supported by a flag hotel with a restaurant and limited commercial use.

Snyder is also willing to consider a regular hotel concept.

In the meantime, Snyder said he’s honoring his current tenants’ leases.

“I will continue to lease and hope many of my current tenants can stay involved in any future project for the site,” Snyder said.

Snyder is quick to point out that under current regulations, the most he could ask for is three stories or approximately 40 feet of height.

“We want to find something that’s harmonious for the area,” Snyder said. “It will be a benefit to the neighborhood. What we have there now is far too much commercial than is needed.”