SaveTheBiltmore.com

RECENT AND PERTINENT NEWSPAPER ARTICLES AND MEDIA COVERAGE

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/082008_bee-02.txt Belleair Bee Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Biltmore lawsuit remains in limbo

By HARLAN WEIKLE

BELLEAIR – With no court date set to hear arguments in the lawsuit brought by three town residents alleging that town officials unfairly favored Legg Mason’s variance requests for the Belleview Biltmore Resort renovation, it is possible those involved might agree to negotiate.

Asked on the progress of the pending suit during a recent Town Commission meeting, Town Attorney David Ottinger said, “I’ve asked their attorney what would resolve this issue; we haven’t heard back.”

In a phone interview Tuesday, Alan Zimmet, the counsel for complainants Scott Spencer, Robert Swinehart and Fred Thomas, acknowledged that negotiations were pending, but would not reveal his clients’ response.

The complainants have alleged that their quality of life would be affected by the close proximity of their homes to the Biltmore’s proposed spa, with its outdoor deck to be open for events until 11 p.m.

Ottinger said earlier this week that the three-judge panel assigned to the hearing have not as yet indicated a date for review of the Writ of Certiorari, a judgment whether the commission’s quasi judicial hearing of the variance requests qualifies for review by a higher court.

Ottinger said the town’s hearings were conducted with absolute care and with proper notifications to all concerned.

“If the main point of contention is over the location of the spa and relocating the spa is not an option then we, the town, will have to proceed with the defense,” Ottinger said.

Ottinger said he would attempt to reach the higher court later this week for a determination, adding, “My guess, we’re not going to resolve this out of court.”

Ultimately, the decision whether to negotiate is the owner’s decision, Ottinger said. The Biltmore owners are represented by attorney Tom Reynolds. Spokesperson Amy McGuire said that given they had not yet heard an opinion from the Appeals Court judges, they would not be able to comment at this time.

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20080821/cdb.html Clearwater Gazette Thursday, August 21, 2008

Clearwater Planning Commission Postpones Review of Cabana Club Project

Preliminary city staff report recommends approval of site code deviations

By Bill Lopez

SAND KEY - The Clearwater Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 for review of the Cabaña Club project on Sand Key was postponed until September 16. But a staff report was released indicating the proposed code deviations requested by the developer be granted by the commission.

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/article733868.ece St. Petersburg Times Wednesday July 23, 2008.

Three litigious men stand behind hotel delay

Hotel delay rests on 3 litigious men

A nuisance lawsuit by three men of Belleair has changed everything for the long-awaited renovation of the 111-year-old Belleview Biltmore hotel and for those of us who live in the community around the hotel.

When the hotel closes down in May of next year, instead of beginning the renovation process as planned, the owners will have no choice but to board up the old structure and wait until this lawsuit against the town laboriously wends its way through the court system.

The lawsuit was brought by three men: Fred Thomas, who became wealthy from his chain of pool supply stores called Pinch-A-Penny; Scott Spencer of Spencer International Investments (an investment firm started by his father, James Spencer); and Bob Swinehart.

When the hotel is closed down, the other 559 households of the homeowners association will face yet another hurricane season with the hotel, the largest wooden structure in North America, in disrepair and the possibility of a flying lumber yard in the event of high winds or a major hurricane. Besides the safety issues, residents will face declining property values in the shadow of the boarded-up old hotel with ugly blue tarps on the roof and exposed to the ravages of nature like weather, rats and roaches.

One only needs to look up the history of the Vinoy in downtown St. Petersburg to see what happens to boarded-up buildings. It sat for 11 years before it was finally rescued and restored.

And the town of Belleair will have to raise tax rates because of the lawsuit costs and decreased contributions to local taxes. (Not much can be collected from a boarded-up old hotel and declining assessments of the property around it.) And delayed for a very long time will be the town's ability to help preserve the historical heritage of a hotel which existed way before the town.

Mr. Thomas and Mr. Spencer make part of their very good living off the residents of Belleair. Yet they are hurting those very residents. What to do? If you are one of those clients or customers, ask them to drop their lawsuit. Appeal to them to think of the welfare of the community. If this doesn't work, maybe you should vote with your dollars, and take your business elsewhere.

If you are one of the homeowners in the Belleview Biltmore Homeowners Association, appeal to Tom duPont, the president of the association, to require that these three men step down from the board.

What a shame that three litigious men can so negatively affect a whole community. But Mr. Thomas is no stranger to the newspapers. Look through the online archives of the St. Petersburg Times regarding Mr. Thomas and his history.

I would like to think that maybe there is still hope, that maybe these men can listen to reason — if not for themselves, then for their own children and the next generation that will inherit the community.

Sandy Hutton, Belleair

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/article735601.ece

Re: Hotel delay rests on three litigious men | letter, July 23

If litigators win, community loses

I fully agree with Sandy Hutton's letter. I have lived for 20 years just outside the gates of the Belleview Biltmore hotel, and in the town of Belleair close to 30 years. The town and the community truly came together to support saving the hotel, and I am terribly disappointed in the short-term thinking of these three gentlemen.

Citizens of the town need to understand that delaying this project will negatively impact the quality of life for Belleair residents and will drive down property values.

I question whether these three gentlemen really have the best interests of the community in mind or whether this is simply about their own personal interests. They seem to have failed to consider the consequences of their actions. Those who do business with these gentlemen must question this serious lack of judgment.

I also believe that if this project falls through, we know where to place the blame. We will need to speak with our pocketbooks and stop doing business with them.

If the buyer does not go forward with the restoration, leaving the hotel to further deteriorate, shame on us for not holding these men accountable now.

Long-term residents are fully aware of how one of these gentlemen has attempted to stop or impede progress in other local communities.

If they win, we lose.

If we win, as history has shown, one of these gentlemen will probably move on to another community and stir things up there.

Cathy Craig-Myers, Belleair

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/article657178.ece St. Petersburg Times, Thursday July 3, 2008

Letter to the Editor

Get involved, save Pinellas' history

The historic 1897 Victorian-style Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa was saved from demolition because of widespread Tampa Bay community support both inside and outside of Belleair, Belleair commissioner support and G. Michael Harris finding buyer Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, which will return the "White Queen of the Gulf" to its original splendor.

Unfortunately, three historic Pinellas County properties have been demolished over the past two years, another will be partially demolished and one other building's fate is in question. History once demolished can never be recreated.

In February 2008 Pinellas County established a countywide historic preservation program and declared historic preservation as public policy. Pinellas County can slow demolition of historic buildings once a historic preservation ordinance is passed. However, people need to be aware that this depends upon the acceptance of the Pinellas preservation ordinance by each individual city, in a timely manner.

Citizens need to contact their representatives to ensure their cities agree to historic preservation. Otherwise, more of Pinellas County's history will fall under the wrecking ball of development.

If one of your valuable historic structures is under threat of demolition in your city, contact local preservation societies, speak out at city commission meetings, and if necessary, start a grass roots effort and organize a nonprofit organization with a Web site to try to save a building from demolition.

We encourage Tampa Bay residents to further participate in saving our valuable history.

Diane Hein, president, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, (www.SaveTheBiltmore.com), Clearwater

http://tbnweekly.com/content_articles/062508_bee-01.txt Click link for full article Belleair Bee Thursday June 26, 2008

Residents challenge Biltmore decisions

By CHARY SOUTHMAYD

BELLEAIR – Three Belleair residents who live close to the Belleview Biltmore Resort are appealing the Town Commission’s approval of the site plan for the hotel renovation and seven variances granted.

A Petition for Writ of Certiorari, which seeks court review of the commission decision, was filed with the Appellate Division of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court June 19 on behalf of Scott Spencer, Robert Swinehart and Fred Thomas.

The legal action alleges that the commission failed to adhere to procedural due process at the May 20 quasi-judicial hearing by limiting the petitioners’ testimony to 17 minutes, while allowing Legg Mason representatives more than one hour to present their case.

Joe Penner, managing director of Legg Mason, said the appeal has not dimmed the hopes of the restoration team.

“After making great strides and having such tremendous community support, we are obviously perplexed and disappointed with the appeal,” said Penner in a press release. “We continue to be optimistic and excited about restoration of the Biltmore. With great optimism, we look forward to the commission’s approval of our site plan being affirmed by the court.”

Hotel Online Special Report June 25, 2008

Nobody Asked Me, But… No. 41

Hotel Developers Take Note

By Stanley Turkel, MHS, ISHC
June 2008
1. A Landmark Hotel is Saved - The final Belleview Biltmore renovation plans proposed by the new owner, Legg Mason were unanimously approved (with some minor changes) by Bellaire town officials on May 20, 2008. The project will include replacing the Japanese pagoda-like entrance to more of its original Victorian look; a new East wing separate hotel will be three stories instead of four but extended by 30 feet wide; more meeting, convention and ballroom space; a new poolside café, a new spa and a new underground parking garage. Congratulations to Diane Hein and all the "Save-the-Biltmore" preservationists.

Rendering of Restored Belleview Biltmore Resort
25 Belleview Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida 33756
http://www.belleviewbiltmore.com/restoration

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article518472.ece St. Petersburg Times Thursday, May 22, 2008

Click link for full article

Belleair officials okay Biltmore upgrades in often-heated, seven-hour meeting

By Mike Donilia

But at 3 a.m. Wednesday, the Belleair Town Commission unanimously approved an ambitious expansion of the historic Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa.

The resort's new owner got virtually everything it sought except a 60-foot height on one new building. Instead, the height of that 153-room annex will be limited to 50 feet.

"You can compare this to an antique Victorian teapot that's missing its handle and spout," said hotel manager Martin Smith.

"You can take this beautiful teapot and polish it up and add back the handle and the spout and make it wonderful," he said. "Or you can throw it in the garbage and buy one from China."

Delivered in his colonial British accent, Smith's witty remarks drew applause.

What the commission approved

The Belleair Town Commission early Wednesday signed off on six of seven variances requested by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors and compromised on the seventh. Commissioners agreed to:

• A 50-foot-tall hotel annex. The developer asked for 60 feet. The code allows 32. (This means the developer now gets 153 rooms in the annex instead of 176.)

• A spa 39.08 feet tall.

• A poolside cafe 40.33 feet tall.

• Not require the spa and cafe to be attached to the Biltmore. The town has a rule that any "accessory" has to be in the main hotel.

• Reduce the required length of parking spaces from 20 to 18 feet

• Reduce the parking normally required for such a project from 2,075 to 635 spaces. (The hotel can also use 238 spaces from its golf course and another 125 from a contract it has with Morton Plant Hospital).

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/052108_bee-01.txt Wednesday Belleair Bee May 21, 2008

Click link for full article

Biltmore will continue to make history

Compromise results in unanimous variance approvals

By HARLAN WEIKLE and CHARY SOUTHMAYD

BELLEAIR – It took nearly eight hours, stretching into the wee hours of the morning.

When the dust finally settled on a town commission meeting that began at 7:30 Tuesday evening, the town of Belleair and the owners of the Belleview Biltmore had a deal based on the time-honored principle that good fences make good neighbors; not physical fences made of wood or stone, but rather fences built of proportion, proximity and perception.

The centerpiece of Belleair’s face to the world is the historic, Victorian-styled Belleview Biltmore Resort. Constructed more than a century ago by millionaire hotelier Henry Plant and now the last fading memory of a lost, simpler time, the venerable “White Queen of the Gulf” needs an extensive makeover.

Legg Mason Real Estate Investors is a believer in the hotel’s potential – to the tune of $100 million. All LMREI had to do Tuesday was convince members of the Town Commission to tweak their code of ordinances here and there.

When all was said and done, seven variance requests were granted unanimously with some measure of compromise on all sides. The East Wing height reduces to 50 feet and lengthens 30 feet; in the process losing some 23 rooms.

The spa and poolside café plans were approved but with hours of operation for the spa limited to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“We are delighted with the outcome and we are pleased that the commission has come together to restore the grand old Biltmore,” Heisenbottle said. “We have a full year ahead and a lot to accomplish to get the construction documents done. We are confident this will ultimately be a four or five star resort.”

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES (our vice president of our nonprofit organization Ed Jameson was also interviewed for this article)

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/1339558521.html?dids=1339558521:1339558521&FMT=FT&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+21%2C+2007&author=TERRI+BRYCE+REEVES%3BLORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&edition=&startpage=1&desc=GRAND+HOTEL%2C+GRAND+PLAN

Click link above for full story September 21, 2007

GRAND HOTEL, GRAND PLAN

"We're preserving a legacy for future generations," said Joe Penner, managing director for Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles. Legg Mason paid nearly $30.3-million for the landmark in June.

Penner predicted the restored hotel will one day be a five-star resort, "one we can all be proud of."

Richard Heisenbottle, president of Heisenbottle Architects of Coral Gables, said there would be selective demolition "of noncontributing structures." When he announced that the pagoda- style lobby built in the 1990s was on the hit list, the crowd cheered and applauded. Heisenbottle described a "grand entrance" with palm and shade trees, fountains and a Victorian-style porte-cochere. The lobby will be a "soaring three stories" and built in traditional Victorian style.

Ed Jameson, vice president of Save the Biltmore Preservationists, applauded the developer's plans, but worried about closing the hotel for up to two years during renovations.

"Hotels and other vacant property can be more vulnerable to damage from fire, gas, water, electrical, hurricanes and vandalism during renovations," he said. He suggested either the town or Legg Mason provide 24-hour, round-the-clock security for the property.

After the presentation, Belleair Commissioner and local architect Stephen Fowler praised Heisenbottle's presentation and his award- winning firm, which has been praised by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

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Thanks to Kay Norred of our local Pinellas County TV station for interviewing our nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists at the Biltmore entrance in regards to the new renovation plans. Click here http://www.pinellascounty.org/inside_pinellas.htm and then click on
Inside Pinellas streaming video. The Biltmore segment is about five minutes into the show.
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http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/112107_bee-01.txt Belleair Bee, Wednesday November 21, 2007

Crist gives thumbs up to Biltmore plans

By CHARY SOUTHMAYD

Gov. Charlie Crist, left, chats with Joe Penner, managing director of Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, during a visit Monday to the Belleview Biltmore Resort.

Photo by CHARY SOUTHMAYD

From left to right: Commissioner Steve Fowler, Mayor Gary Katica, Commissioners Stephanie Oddo, Karla Rhettstatt, Tom Shelly

BELLEAIR – The Belleview Biltmore Resort is no longer one of the nation’s 11 most endangered historic sites, and the unique structure made entirely of native Florida pine will have a decidedly “green” future.

Invited to the event by Amy Spencer, director of membership at the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club and a personal friend, Crist praised efforts by the Biltmore’s new owners, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, while also protecting its historic integrity.

“What you’re doing, Joe, is exactly the right thing,” Crist told Joe Penner, LMREI’s managing director, “preserving the Biltmore for future generations to enjoy.”

In his remarks, Penner vowed that once the Biltmore’s $100-million restorative makeover is complete, it will retain its elegance and grandeur.

By implementing water-efficient landscaping, energy-efficient equipment and other environmentally-friendly enhancements to achieve LEED certification, Penner said the Biltmore’s operational costs will go down in the long run.

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20071121/crist.html Clearwater Gazette November 21, 2007

Keynote Speaker Crist Commends Legg Mason for Going Green

Photo/text by Renee Burrell

"The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our culture and historical industries," said Governor Crist. (Pictured left to right) John Hildreth from National Trust, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, and Joseph Penner Managing Director of Legg Mason, owner of the Biltmore.

Speaking from the stairs of the hotel's original porch entrance, Penner announced plans for seeking the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

According to Penner, the renovations will include water efficient landscaping, utilization of energy efficient equipment and construction methods, incorporate reusable materials, and ventilation upgrades along with other enhancements to help them achieve "green" certification.

The renovations will cause the hotel to be designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as a "green lodging" destination. Florida's Green Lodging Program began in 2004 and establishes environmental guidelines for hotels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

John Hildreth, National Trust

The National Trust for Historic Preservations Southern Office's Director Hildreth commented during the press conference that the best "green" building is one that is already standing. He also announced that the Belleview Biltmore would be removed from the Trust's Registry of 11 Most Endangered Buildings, where it had previously been listed.

http://www.creativetampabay.com/newsletter Creative Tampa Bay August 6, 2007

Now that the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa is saved, the nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc. will work towards promoting and preserving this beautiful Victorian hotel both in and out of our community. Save the Biltmore Preservationists is offering a variety of memberships that will enable them to continue to preserve and promote the Biltmore in the future with your help. Save the Biltmore has been dedicated to saving all four wings of the Belleview Biltmore Spa and Resort since 2004 and will continue do so in the future. In saving the golden treasures of the past, we bank on enriching the present and the future. To find out more visit http://www.savethebiltmore.com.

Note readers: Bay News 9 interviewed Ed Jameson, our vice president of our nonprofit organization, Save the Biltmore Preservationists for their TV news segment June 24, 2007. Here is their online article.

Saving the Belleview Biltmore Bay News 9 TV Sunday, June 24, 2007

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/6/24/264013.html?title=Saving+the+Belleview+Biltmore

New ownership has big plans for the Belleview Biltmore, which has stood for more than a century.

A symbol of Tampa Bay will continue to stand, looking over the water as it has for more than a century.

It's been a fight for the past few years for preservationists. And now that the Belleview Biltmore Resort is under new ownership, they're boasting with relief.

It's a victory for those who fought a hard fight to save a piece of history.

"It's been a place where people could come with their side cars from the railroad," preservationist Edward Jameson said. "It was just a resort of the ages in the 1890s."

The Belleview Biltmore resort was threatened with demolition until this past week, when a new real estate investment group bought the property.

Jameson has been a great part of the effort to save the Biltmore.

Preservationist Edward Jameson said the Belleview Biltmore was the place to be in the 1890s.

"We've heard that they would be replacing that pagoda. And they would also be adding maybe a convention center and doing some other changes for the hotel," Jameson said. "It all sounds very positive."

The fight that began in 2004 is finally over, and preservationists hope to restore the Biltmore to what it was in its hey day.

"It's the root of Pinellas County history," Jameson said. "It's where the movers and shakers of the 19th century came."

The Belleview Biltmore sits at the water's edge in Belleair. The resort, which includes a golf course and spa, was built in 1897.

Carol Minn, reporter for Bay News 9 did the interview

Belleview Biltmore sale finalized Belleair Bee June 22, 2007

http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/062107_bee-07.txt

By CHARY SOUTHMAYD

File photo by

CHARY SOUTHMAYD

The Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa has been purchased by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors.

BELLEAIR – The historic Belleview Biltmore Resort is now officially under new ownership.

Principals of the buyer, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, and the seller, Belleview Biltmore Resort Ltd., wrapped up the exhaustive process of completing the massive amount of paperwork involved in the transaction late in the day on June 20.

“We have fought long and hard to save all four wings (of the hotel) since I launched my Web site in 2004, so having succeeded in that goal is very gratifying,” said Diane Hein, founder of http://www.tbnweekly.com/scripts/jumplink.php?url=www.SaveTheBiltmore.com. “The reality of its being saved is certainly a joyous occasion for all, and I thank the community for their support during for the past few years.”

Photo courtesy of SAVETHEBILTMORE.COM

The Belleview Biltmore charm is available at http://www.savethebiltmore.com/

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/070606_bee-03.txt For full article July 6, 1006

Capturing the charm of the Belleview Biltmore
By WAYNE AYERS

BELLEAIR – Located in an area that many say is losing its charm to over development, the Belleview Biltmore has stood as an ageless symbol of beauty, style and casual elegance.

With developers eyeing the classic hotel for possible demolition, one tiny, classically elegant piece of jewelry may play a role in its salvation.

The piece is a charm, a decorative pendant which has enjoyed periods of popularity in the form of a charm bracelet. Charms were collected to capture memories of treasured life experiences … places visited, associations, relationships. It is said that Queen Victoria wore charm bracelets.

Prices set for the hand crafted charms are $75.00 for sterling; $100 for gold over sterling vermeil; and $400 for 14kt gold. Charms may be viewed and ordered at our online store. Since all charms are custom made to order, a time period of 4 to 6 weeks must be allowed for creation and delivery.

Biltmore charm Biltmore Key Chain

Available at our online store.

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/120105_bee-03.txt

Photo courtesy of http://www.savethebiltmore.com/

Tony Blue displays three of his eight Biltmore mixed media art series including, from left, “Gardenias on the Veranda,” “Victorian Charm” and “The White Queen of the Gulf.”

Artist’s work to benefit Belleview Biltmore preservation effort

Photo courtesy of http://www.savethebiltmore.com/
Tony Blue displays three of his eight Biltmore mixed media art series including, from left, “Gardenias on the Veranda,” “Victorian Charm” and “The White Queen of the Gulf.”

BELLEAIR – Local artist Tony Blue has created a series of eight beautiful, mixed media art pieces showcasing the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. He will donate 20 percent of sales proceeds to the nonprofit organization Save the Biltmore Preservationists.

Blue is offering the art as limited edition (150 maximum) giclée prints on canvas. They come stretched, signed by the artist and numbered, mixed media and ready to frame. Photos of the remaining five of the series may be found at http://www.savethebiltmore.com/ and any or all of them may be purchased at the online store.

Save the Biltmore bookmarks, year-at-a glance calendars, greeting cards fine art photography, are also being sold online to help raise money for the hotel’s preservation.

ART OF TONY BLUE
Click here to see the new posting of the beautiful Belleview Biltmore Hotel series by local artist Tony Blue. Total of eight.

"The White Queen of the Gulf" "Gardenias on the Veranda" For all eight series click: Tony Blue

http://www.tbnweekly.com/content_articles/110305_bee-04.txt Belleair Bee (for full article) November 3, 2005

Photo courtesy of www.SAVETHEBILTMORE.com Supporters of the Belleview Biltmore Resort and Spa are delighted with passage of the town’s new historic preservation ordinance.

Photo courtesy of www.SAVETHEBILTMORE.com Features of the original lobby of the Belleview Biltmore are protected under provisions of the town’s historic preservation ordinance.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/894155301.html?MAC=5f27f30b60a30785cdd9969931a8a638&did=894155301&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Sep+9,+2005&author=LORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&printformat=&desc=Effort+to+save+the+Biltmore+energized

"Regardless of the ordinance, Stroud and Belleair leaders claim the town's comprehensive plan, adopted in 1999, already protects the Belleview Biltmore, which is referenced about a dozen times. "

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050620/NEWS/506200373

Attorneys with expertise in preservation and municipal zoning laws are now advising town officials that they are on solid legal ground if they want to fight the demolition.

Tearing down the hotel, they said, is contrary to the town's long-range comprehensive plan and therefore would not be allowed by law.

"The city is not legally entitled to issue permits which violate its own comp plan," said Stephen Helfman, a Miami land use and zoning lawyer hired by the town.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/888283171.html?MAC=cb2e63688cf96f480abb533c49232237&did=888283171&FMT=FT&FMTS=FT&date=Aug+27%2C+2005&author=LORRI+HELFAND&pub=St.+Petersburg+Times&printformat=&desc=Belleair+to+weigh+historic+preservation+rules

"She concurred with town leaders, who said existing town rules require an extensive review of the proposed demolition by officials and the public and that the town's comprehensive plan might not allow the hotel's destruction.

The existing rules protect the Biltmore, Stroud said, but she added that it would be better protected with an ordinance that has the details and procedures for preservation outlined."

***Readers note: Thanks to the efforts of this Save the Biltmore nonprofit organization with this web site, we moved forward at the Belleair workshop meeting, October 4 2005, to make sure the interior of the Biltmore is protected as well as the exterior, a VERY important step to ensure that the historical charm that the inside will be preserved no matter who buys the hotel. An amendment was passed that will ensure protection of the interior of the hotel. We thank the commissioners and Mayor for their approving of this amendment.

Belleair’s Historic Preservation Ordinance Clearwater Gazette October 27, 2005
By Renee Burrell

Diane Hein President Save the Biltmore Preservationists, commented before the vote, “I do hope that all of Belleair’s commissioners vote "yes" to pass it to show their support of saving the Biltmore Hotel. It will take 30 days for the ordinance to go into effect once passed, but preservation attorney Nancy Stroud has been quoted as saying that Belleair's Comprehensive Plan will protect the hotel from demolition.” Belleair’s planning and zoning meeting convened on the 18th, with the historic preservation board on hand. Attorney Stroud reviewed the changes previously recommended by board members and commissioners, including stronger language to protect the hotel interior’s most significant elements with regard to location, design, material and workmanship. Stroud incorporated language in the ordinance that will enable Belleair to become a certified local government, opening doors to preservation grants, preserving the town’s heritage and attracting historical tourism. According to the ordinance, Urdang will have to abide by the ordinance codes along with other historical property owners. One of which gives the town the authority to fine property owners who intentionally or inadvertently neglect historic sites.

Belleair passes ordinance aimed at saving hotel from destruction (readers note, only the first draft of the ordinance has passed) By Leo Coughlin

BELLEAIR - The preservation ordinance aimed at keeping the historic Belleview-Biltmore hotel from being torn down was passed by the Town Commission on first reading October 4, but a leading advocate of preservation still isn’t satisfied.

Diane Hein, who led the fight to keep a developer from demolishing the hotel – the largest occupied wooden structure in the world - wants the Preservation Board to have enforcement powers.

Nancy Stroud, the lawyer whom the town engaged for the specific purpose of handling matters related to the hotel issue once plans were revealed that it might be torn down, said she favored the commission being the final authority on preservation matters.

Hein’s group had drummed up tremendous opposition to the DeBartolo’s group plans to demolish the hotel and build new residences.

Blocking Urdang’s plans boils down to a race to the barn, so to speak, because once the preservation ordinance takes effect in mid-November it will trump any plans to tear down the hotel.

The 25-page ordinance created by Stroud contains many elements including preservation of other historic homes and measures to prevent an owner of any designated historic structure from allowing the building to become decrepit through neglect.

http://www.clearwatergazette.com/20050929/biltmore.html (for full article)

Biltmore preservation group wants no condo aspect in hotel by Leo Coughlin

While it appears DeBartolo Development has backed off from its plans for a project on the site of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, a rival bidder for the property is a threat also, according to Diane Hein, president of Save the Biltmore Preservationists. (please note THIS web site!) Hein makes it clear that her group is opposed to the total demolition of the Biltmore. She wants complete historical preservation of the hotel. A lawyer specially engaged for the purpose, Nancy Stroud, has formulated a preservation ordinance that will be coming before the Belleair commission next month. Hein points out that the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is run as a successful hotel that has been extensively preserved through the efforts of a strong preservation ordinance. Other hotels in the country, she says, that are similarly run as successful hotels while being under preservation protection are Victorian Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island in Michigan and the Coronado Hotel in San Diego.

READERS: We here at Save the Biltmore Preservationists are pleased that DeBartolo has backed off because their most recent plan was to demolish the north and south wings as of their presentation to Belleair last week. They backed off due to public pressure and lack of support by the town officials for their plans. My http://www.savethebiltmore.com/ web site has worked tirelessly to stop the total demolition of the Biltmore since April of this year, 2005. I actually put up this web site in December, 2004, when I first heard the Biltmore was to be demolished. I want to thank Biltmore supporters and Belleair citizens who attended town meetings and or wrote letters to help save the Biltmore over the past few months.

Our group is for historical PRESERVATION OF THE BILTMORE BOTH INSIDE AND OUT! The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables/Miami, Florida is run as a successful hotel which has been extensively preserved through the efforts of a strong preservation ordinance giving many decisions to their historic preservation board. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida does NOT have high-end condo/hotel units in their historic hotel!!! The historic Victorian Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island is run successfully with NO condo/hotel units! The Victorian Hotel del Coronado Hotel in San Diego and the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas is successfully run with NO condo/hotel units!

NATIONAL TRUST PLACED THE BELLEVIEW BILTMORE ON ITS 11 MOST ENDANGERED LIST IN 2005
The National Trust included the Belleview Biltmore in a list it released on Thursday, June 2, 2005 of America's 11 most endangered historic places. The National Trust has helped save many historical buildings through its efforts in bringing national awareness to historic places. The Belleview Biltmore already has been placed on the Florida Trust's 11 most endangered historic places as a result of this save the Biltmore web site with so many people writing to this preservation organization and raising Florida State awareness per the ONE MINUTE EMAIL campaign. The following quote is from the National Trust web site: “Today, the Belleview Biltmore is still one of West Florida’s most picturesque and beloved landmarks–and a thriving destination as well, attracting thousands of guests yearly. "Like other historic hotels, the Belleview Biltmore is a link to America’s past, offering guests top-quality accommodations with an appealing taste of history,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust. “But unlike many other historic hotels that are threatened, this one is still doing a thriving business. That makes it doubly hard to understand why its demolition is necessary–or even sensible.” For the complete National Trust article: http://www2.nthp.org/11Most/2005/belleview.html Click the link below for the full story in the St. Petersburg Times, "Historic hotel added to endangered list Belleview Biltmore supporters hope a national list will give them traction against demolition plans." By Lorri Helfand, Times Staff Writer Published June 3, 2005 http://sptimes.com/2005/06/03/Tampabay/Historic_hotel_added_.shtml

Welcome to Save the Biltmore Preservationists, Inc., a nonprofit organization. A group of people dedicated to saving the Belleview Biltmore Hotel, all four wings and all guest rooms so this beautiful building remains a REAL historic hotel. We welcome volunteers interested in helping us save the Biltmore. We will NEVER own the hotel, and we are AGAINST any group that wants to put ultra modern hotel/condo units in the Biltmore that would require extensive remodeling and against anyone wanting to put condominiums around the Biltmore!

Officers of Save the Biltmore Preservationists:
Diane Hein, President
Edward Jameson, Vice President
Doug Mann, Secretary/Treasurer

To be on my Biltmore Update mailing list to receive news of the Biltmore and hotel events and activities Email me Diane Hein.

I, Diane Hein, launched this web site, http://www.savethebiltmore.com/ up in December, 2004 after it was reported that the Belleview Biltmore was to be torn down. I wanted to use this web site to help generate ideas to help save the entire hotel. Fortunately there was enough public support voiced that this did not happen, and the Biltmore was spared the wrecking ball! I love historical buildings and artifacts, hence my interest in saving the Biltmore.)

On April 12, 2005, The St. Petersburg Times newspaper published an article indicating that the Belleview Biltmore AGAIN was under contract to be sold and destroyed. They mentioned this web site, http://www.savethebiltmore.com/, as I had kept it up and running, as I felt that it would only be a matter of time until another attempt would be made to destroy it. My worse fears came true. Honeywell and Urdang had a contract to sell the Belleview Biltmore to the DeBartolo group and put condos in its place and possibly another hotel. For nine months with much public support and the efforts of this web site, the Biltmore has been spared demolition.

My personal vision, along with another Biltmore friend, would be to have the Belleview Biltmore as a world class golf, tennis and tourist resort. We could include more museums inside, woodworking and stained glass artifacts, classes and stores, to pick up on the fact that the Biltmore is the largest continually occupied wooden structure in the world. (The Biltmore has an authentic glass Tiffany ceiling in the Tiffany ballroom.) We could include a Victorian lobby, Victorian decorated rooms for a higher price, beautiful gardens for people to walk around in and then later they could enjoy afternoon lunch or tea on Biltmore's lovely out door veranda. A recent article in the St. Petersburg Times newspaper indicated that people are wanting more historical sites to visit, so the Victorian Biltmore would have a grand future ahead of her! And with Baby Boomers heading into retirement, they will want to go to historic places even more. So how about it Supporters and friends of the Belleview Biltmore, this is the perfect opportunity for YOU to help us promote the Belleview Biltmore so that tourists have a historical place and perhaps all kinds of interesting museums inside the Biltmore to visit right here in Florida!