Future of Palm Desert Luxury Hotel

CREATED Jul. 14, 2011

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  • The fate of a five-star luxury hotel in Palm Desert is still up in the air. The city council voted to take up the issue at another meeting as supporters and opponents sounded off. Video by kmir6.com

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PALM DESERT - The fate of a five-star luxury hotel in Palm Desert is still up in the air. The city council voted to take up the issue at another meeting as supporters and opponents sounded off.
 
It was a full house in council chambers Thursday many there to find out whether the city will allow the four-story Rosewood Hotel and Condos to move in near El Paseo. 

Many wore green stickers voicing their support. "One of the things that's most exciting to me is the worldwide marketing that Rosewood properties do," says Melissa Morgan who supports the hotel project.
 
A majority of businesses in the area are backing the plan hoping it increases the visibility on El Paseo, "the business owners in the community who rely on the walk-in traffic I think it's going to be a tremendous opportunity for the business owners," says broker agent Doug Balog.
 
But after more than two hours of public comment the city council voted to put off a decision until Mayor Jean Benson, who is recovering from hip surgery, could be present and get more information.

"At the end of the day it's a big decision for them and it is and they want some more information to make a decision on and I think that's a prudent thing to do," says project manager Matt Joblon.
 
But those opposing the plan say they're concerned about the look and feel of the hotel with the area and the amount of people it'll bring. "I have a concern and continue to have with the traffic I know there's going to be more traffic than they say there is," says Marguerite Stetson who opposes the hotel plan.

Councilwoman Cindy Finerty also expressed concern about the building's height, "once you allow one four story you know there's more to come."

A vote on the project is now scheduled for August 25th.