Nov. 22–PALMETTO — Venice- based developer Harry Walia, who wanted to bring a Hyatt Hotel to Palmetto, submitted revised plans in hopes of bringing the city its first hotel.

This month the city commission voted 4 to 1 to deny Walia’s request to for a hotel to be built in the Riviera Dunes community, after residents filled council chambers to oppose the deal. Commissioner Charles Smith was the lone commissioner to vote to OK the hotel.

Char Patterson, Palmetto planning tech, said Walia, who could not be reached for comment, submitted plans to scale back his earlier request.

“He changed his plans,” Patterson. said

The plans show Walia wanting to build a two to four story hotel with three residential condos on the top floor. The revised plans feature 93 rooms versus the 100 rooms and six stories originally proposed.

Patterson said right now there is a Dec. 19 Planning and Zoning meeting to hear the request. After the planning board votes, the city commission will vote to approve or deny the plans. The commission’s first treading is scheduled for Jan. 6 and second reading for Jan. 13.

“These dates are not set in stone yet,” said Patterson. “Not until public notice goes out.”

Previously, the planning board also recommended

the commission deny the developer’s request.

Residents complained there is not enough parking for the proposed hotel, its placement would block their views of the water and lower property values and increase traffic. They said there are many other sites better suited to build Palmetto’s first hotel.

Fred Sperry, president of Bel Mare Condominium Association, was among the dozen people who spoke against the hotel during commission meetings. He said he is investigating the details of the new general development plan.

“Our beliefs and opinions that a hotel on the 120 Riviera Dunes Way property is not compatible with the existing development remains; however, Bel Mare does understand the benefit to the community of a hotel to support the Convention Center,” Sperry said.

He said he will work with the City of Palmetto to ensure a mutually acceptable design and location that will be in harmony with the Riviera Dunes Planned Development.

Commissioner Brian Williams, whose district houses the Riviera Dunes community, said that he knows very little about the plans.

“One thing I had issued with last time, was the property to the east of Bel Mare and there was no clearance to the property,” said Williams.

He said he is for a hotel if it meets the requirements of the city’s code.

“Giving that there are to legitimate issues from the residents as they had the last time, then I’m all for a hotel,” Williams said. “There’s a need for a hotel near the convention center.”

Janey Tate, city of Bradenton and Palmetto reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041. You can follow her on Twitter at Janey_Tate.