VCC Approves Extension For Proposed Hard Rock, Despite Opposition

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Volusia County, FL – The Volusia County Council (VCC) once again discussed the name and completion date change to the proposed Hard Rock Hotel during their Thursday meeting.

The representative for the hotel came before the council to request a name change from the Westin Hotel to the Hard Rock Hotel and a completion date change from May 7, 2017, to February 28, 2018. Their presentation focused on the circumstances around their request such as issues like Hurricane Matthew and the name change that would delay the project by nearly a year.

If the Hard Rock were to exist, beach parking and driving would be restricted on the 410 feet of beach near the property. Parking has already been replaced along A1A and is currently available to the public.

Several spoke at the meeting regarding the plans for the Hard Rock. The opinion at the meeting seemed to be virtually split between support and opposition.

“What I have a problem with is giving away my beach,” says once concerned resident. “We have established a precedent in this County that if you have money and are going to develop something that we are going to give you something in return. Something irreplaceable and that is our beach.”

“Your approval of this ordinance will allow the momentum to continue and send a strong message that our community is thriving and attracting world-renowned amenities to the region,” said Nancy Keefer, President of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Others wanted the Council to wait on a decision until they could properly look at the circumstances and many wanted the Council to allow beach driving until the hotel opens.

The company explained that their request was only on the meeting agenda at this point to discuss the name change and date change. The Council unanimously agreed with the company and scheduled a vote on whether they will grant the proposed changed for the next meeting on May 4. The company was asked to have a contract with Hard Rock ready by the meeting.

“I think we ought to extend good faith and to do this extension and name change,” says Councilwoman Joyce Cusack.

Photo courtesy of Khakimullin Aleksandr and Shutterstock.com.

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