The redevelopment of the historical Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa might be inching closer.
The 6th Judicial Court denied an appeal Friday by five petitioners who questioned an earlier ruling on parking and traffic requirements for a "Cabana Club" with hotel rooms and restaurant that will be located in Clearwater's Sand Key near the resort and is a part of the more than $100 million development plan.
"This is a real victory for us," said Stephanie Oddo, a commissioner for the town of Belleair.
"It's going to be a fabulous thing for the economic development for Pinellas County," she said.
Oddo said that with a lawsuit hanging over the heads of the developers, they couldn't get financing to rehabilitate the more than 100-year-old resort.
Legg Mason Real Estate Investors of Los Angeles bought the 22-acre property in 2007. Belleair commissioners approved the hotel renovation plans in 2008.
Shortly after, residents of Belleair sued concerned over parking and the height of a proposed building, Oddo said. In the first lawsuit, the judge ruled in favor of the development, she said.
Often called the world's largest occupied wooden structure, the 247-room Biltmore hotel was built by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant and opened Jan. 15, 1897. It has lured notables such as the Duke of Windsor, Babe Ruth and Thomas Edison.
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