ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — St. Augustine city leaders have approved a move that would allow a controversial business into the historic district.
Monday night, the city council voted to approve an ordinance to allow the residential land to be rezoned so a boutique inn could be built. The ordinance passed 4 to 1.
Owner David Corneal said he's putting millions of dollars into restoring the former Dow museum.
He said this project had to happen to save the buildings that were falling apart.
"We were pleased because it was necessary," said Corneal.
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Corneal said he's creating 30 suites people can stay in. He said this project had to happen to save the buildings.
"It was falling apart, it was coming the wheels were coming off so to speak," said Corneal.
St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Shaver was the vote against it becoming commercial zoning. She said a bar will be built onsite and is concerned.
"This location is within 150 or 200 feet of a school where children walk as well as churches and I think it deserved more consideration," Shaver said.
While the boutique inn has been approved, the mayor said they still have to work out issues of lighting, parking and signage in that area of town.
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