PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.- Balloons and flags are flying high in Pacific Grove, giving residents an idea of what a big project may look like for their small town and the display may be causing some confusion.
"I look at the height now. But I don't know is it the height for the whole building? Or just the height at this point?" said Pacific Grove business owner Fadi Doidri.
A controversial hotel project has taken to the skies to show residents just how high they'll need to look to see the top of it. But Central Coast News went to find out why some people aren't so sure it's the best fit for their city.
Several poles, flags and balloons may look like they're part of a celebration. But they're actually meant to show what residents will have a chance to vote on this November. The development team for the Holman Hotel project on Central Avenue said city leaders asked them to make the height difference visual, giving voters a clear idea of what a new 200 room hotel may look like.
"It's just too big for this town. I think a hotel in the existing building, may be a compromise," said resident Charley Bunyea.
Residents like Charley Bunyea said they like the idea of re-vamping the old Holman building. But tearing down the one in front of it making it an even bigger project, seems a bit much. Business owners said they're not sure the wooden poles and little flags are easing any of their concerns.
"I look at the building, I don't see that they took much care of that building. So I'm wondering like, if this building would turn one day to be the same," Doidri said.
Contractors said the balloons will demonstrate the highest point of the new proposed hotel.
"At it's highest point right here where it meets the Holman Building as 61 feet and then where these balloons are referencing it's around 63 feet," said project community liaison Craig Riddell.
Developers said the lowest point on the hotel will be similar to the current height of the front building and will slope up from there. Residents I spoke with said they're not just worried about the height-the design and the management are important factors to consider.
"Then when they make really a role model, a successful story, then they could start with something else," Doidri said.
If you want to take a look at the proposed hotel height, developers said the poles, flags and balloons will be on display until this coming Monday.
