PACIFIC GROVE, Calif- Is one local developer upsetting the peace or allowing America's Last Home Town to proper?
If you have ever driven on Lighthouse Avenue you have probably seen the old Holman building. A local developer says the building is not being used to its potential, and would like to put a world class hotel, in Butterfly Town U.S.A.
Nader Agha, the Holman site developer, has a dream, “One of the finest full service hotels ever to be built in this country.” He wants to transform an entire block in Pacific Grove into a three hundred plus room hotel, complete with a conference center, spa, and commercial space. The city needs money-and some think this could be a viable answer. “From a tax base it could generate anywhere from 1.5 to 2 million dollars which would pay for our police, fire, and public works. It’s a great thing."
With for sale and lease signs popping up left and right, more foot traffic from a hotel, may help other local businesses. “Bringing something in like this that’s going to bring in you know three to five hundred people a day, that would fill our vacancies, fill our restaurants and we would prosper,” said Moe Ammar, President of the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce.
The city council has decided to accept a report on the project and is hoping to start a dialog with Agha and the community, “I think the biggest issue for P.G. throughout our city is to make the best use of the assets we have, and an do that in keeping with the spirit of Americas’ most romantic town,” said Bill Kampe, Mayor Pro Tempore.
The city will likely consider parking, traffic, building height, the historical significance of the Holman site and water before giving any green light. But if all goes according to his plan Agha says the hotel could be up and running in three to five years.
