Tensions flared at Monday’s Pacifica City Council meeting as members agreed to negotiate the sale of the city council chambers site.
Council unanimously approved negotiations with developer Nirali Pacifica Ocean View LLC on Monday. This step does not approve plans for a hotel, according to Assistant City Manager Yulia Carter.
Councilwoman Mayra Espinosa asked whether the negotiations would be exclusive to one developer, saying she wanted to hear if another developer who had expressed interest would be open to negotiation.
Mayor Christine Boles interrupted, saying Espinosa left out the rejected developer’s proposed requirements for the city to repair the pier, build the seawall, and fix the golf course — all of which were discussed in closed session.
Espinosa said she didn’t hear those details.
“I wanted to make sure that if we are going to get rid of this property, we’re going to do it properly and as a council member and as a member of this community, I have a voice,” Espinosa said.
Espinosa said she would appreciate not being interrupted when asking questions, and Vice Mayor Greg Wright responded, “Then stay in order, and it won’t be a problem.”
Boles held up her hand in front of Wright, telling them to calm down and apologizing for interrupting.
“I’m in order, OK,” Espinosa responded.
Councilwoman Mary Bier said her colleagues should remember to treat each other with respect.
“I just didn’t see that happening right there, and it was very uncomfortable,” Bier said.
Other project proposals have been brought forward for the 2212 Beach Blvd. site, but Councilwoman Sue Beckmeyer said the hotel is the best option amid Pacifica’s short-term rental issue and tourism are among the city’s focus areas. A hotel would create 50 jobs in a city that lacks jobs, she said.
“To diversify a bit and to have some opportunities for our folks who live here, I think is an amazing chance,” Beckmeyer said.
If the project advances, the developer will pay a $100,000 deposit, of which only $10,000 is nonrefundable. The city could receive $1.5 million annually in transit occupancy taxes to support city services, plus $50 million in private investment and $500,000 in property taxes, according to Carter.
Boles said $10,000 doesn’t seem like much for the city, but developers Pravin Punjiya and Shane Kuber also face risks because the project may face a height limit and will have to pay for surveys.
Nirali Pacifica Ocean View LLC proposed plans for a V-shaped four-story hotel with 131 rooms with a restaurant, bar, conference space, spa and other guest amenities, with a possible affiliation with Marriott.
A lot of effort has gone into revitalizing the area, but businesses are struggling and aren’t happy with the short-term rental cutback, Boles said.
“We need to provide other lodging for visitors to make up for some of that. What I see really missing in Pacifica is a little higher-end, nicer hotel,” Boles said.
Boles said she wasn’t in love with the plans yet, but committing to work with them is the next step forward.
Next year, council will decide whether both parties reach an agreement.