Controversy over hotel proposal in Capitola Village

While no official application has been submitted, that hasn’t stopped many from taking sides when it comes to a new hotel being built in Capitola Village.

The 88-unit, five story hotel is being proposed by Swenson Builders. It would be built where the parking lot sits at 120 Monterey Avenue.

While some like the idea of the hotel, it’s the size and number of rooms that has many concerned about the traffic it would bring to the village.

“I support the idea, maybe not the size and scale they’re talking about now, but something tasteful that would enhance the village,” said resident Marilee French.

Business owner Devon Salter said he doesn’t think it will have as big of an impact as many think.

“People are using Capitola Avenue as a cut through from the freeway, like Los Gatos has had that same kind of problem and I think something should be done to curb that so that tourists can enjoy it without a ton of traffic, locals can enjoy it, but I don’t think a hotel is going to add that much traffic to it honestly,” said Salter.

He added many staying at the hotel probably wouldn’t be driving around much since most things are walking distance.

“People always comment about how great it is to stay in the village, walk to a restaurant, walk to shopping and not have to move their car or worry about parking. And I think that would be tremendous for them and it would so help us out in the winter time with the added people staying,” Salter said.

The planning department has not received an official application from the builders yet. The builders are getting feedback from the public and council before submitting it.

Community Development Director, Katie Herilhy, said once they do submit the application, the traffic impacts will be closely reviewed.

“This is very early on, they actually brought forth three concepts for circulation patterns, and that will be looked at they really want some feedback on if they should move forward with studying all three options, but again we’re very early in the process and that will be looked at more closely when an official application comes in,” said Herilhy.

There is a public meeting Thursday, Aug. 22 about the proposal at the City Council chambers at 7 p.m. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.