The proposed hotel and convention center in East Naples is upsetting nearby residents.

East Naples is getting a new destination resort hotel with a pool, restaurant, spa, bar, and convention center. However, neighbors are dissatisfied with this decision.

It will span roughly four and a half acres on the south side of US 41, between Palm Street and Frederick Street, according to a recent article by Amy Gallo of WINK News.

During the Tuesday discussion, the local neighbors voiced a number of issues, including traffic on the already congested stretch of U.S. 41 and their neighborhood roads, as well as the site of the service entrance, which would be next to historic residences.

“We understand that the land needs to be developed. You can’t do it there, I mean. It can’t stay like this forever,” Vern Hammett, who lives on Frederick Street, said.

But first, the hotel developers must obtain county approval to rezone the 4.28 acres from a vacant commercial district to a commercial planned unit development.

Residents are divided on this point.

“What they’re proposing is way too large a scope for the current geography,” he remarked.

The approved building height increases to 124 feet with the new zoning classification.

“We were all hoping for something with some charm, something a little smaller,” Gayle Burton, who also lives on Frederick Street, said.

The current height restriction is 75 feet.

“If it stays within the zoning that exists, I think we can all live with it,” he added.

Neighbors are concerned that the hotel will add congestion and traffic to an already congested region.

“It’s not every day that you get on 41 between three and five. You don’t do it,” Burton stated flatly.

Jayda Reisman is most concerned that it will transform Naples into something it is not.

“It’s a historic neighborhood.It’s very unique and quaint, and they’re not keeping that community feel,” Reisman explained.

The developers have stated that they will offer the community’s feedback to the county. Hearings are scheduled over the next few months, although the dates have not yet been set.

This article originally appeared on WINK News

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