636 Lake Dillion Drive

The Dillon Town Council recently approved a substantial waterfront development project located at 626 Lake Dillon Drive. This ambitious plan includes the redevelopment of the Best Western Hotel and former A cafe to construct 200 condominium units, with ground flood retail spaces.

However, the decision faced opposition, leading to a referendum petition that has compelled the council to reconsider its approval. As a result, the town will hold a special election on October 1 to allow residents to vote on the project.

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We've previously covered this development here

The town council has already approved this development which was subsequently reversed by the well popularized referendum that blocked the proposal for a short time back in March.

The community's reaction to the proposed development has been mixed. Some residents have voiced concerns regarding the project's size, potential environmental impacts, and the absence of affordable housing for the local workforce. These residents worry that the scale of the development might alter the town's character and put additional strain on existing infrastructure and resources. On the other hand, supporters of the project argue that it will bring significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased tourism, and enhanced public amenities.

Jake Porritt, the developer behind the project, has been actively defending its merits. Porritt emphasizes that the proposed development represents a comprehensive plan that balances residential, commercial, and recreational uses. He argues that if the project is rejected, alternative developments on the site might not offer the same level of benefit to the community, potentially resulting in less cohesive and less beneficial uses of the space.

As the special election approaches, the town of Dillon is witnessing a vigorous debate among its residents. The outcome of the vote will determine whether the waterfront development proceeds as planned or if the town council will need to explore other options for the site. This decision is crucial, as it will shape the future development and character of Dillon, impacting both current residents and future generations.

Town councilors who previously voted no to the project, have switched their votes when the council was reconvened a short while ago on June 25th. One such councilor, the mayor, Mayor Carolyn Skowyra has stated publicly that she begrudgingly voted yes to let the residents have their say and decide the fate of the project.

The basis of the referendum was due to the current zoning of the parcel which for the new development would need to be rezoned to allow the building to begin. Porritt has stated publicly that if the city votes down his current proposal he will seek the development of a private fully residential structure that would be allowed "by right" (the current zoning would not need to be changed). Porritt argues that the "by right" structure would be less advantageous to the town as the building would be "larger and less attractive" then the current proposal.

With town councilors and residents split on the current plan, it will be interesting to follow the results and aftermath of the special election.