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Homes might replace golf course

DeBartolo Development wants to build homes on the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club but won't reveal what it has in mind for the nearby hotel.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published September 13, 2005

BELLEAIR - DeBartolo Development revealed plans Monday to build almost 370 homes on the Belleview Biltmore's golf course on Indian Rocks Road but stayed mum on its vision for the hotel property itself.

Called Belleair Park, the project features single-family homes and two- and three-story residences, a town hall and a library. A trail system winds through the development, which is buffered by lakes and vegetation and split into north and south "villages."

After canceling a scheduled presentation last week, DeBartolo is now slated to discuss more details of its plan Thursday evening at a special meeting at Town Hall.

Ed Kobel, president of DeBartolo Development, would not discuss specifics of the plan.

"There's a lot going on, and we'll unveil it Thursday," Kobel said.

An attorney for DeBartolo, Ronald Weaver, contacted town commissioners over the weekend, saying the company needed to meet with town leaders as soon as possible.

Weaver said the matter was urgent because DeBartolo's option on the properties was running out, Commissioner Gary Katica said.

"I'm glad they're finally going to present something," Commissioner Bonnie Ruggles said. "We've been in the dark for too long."

DeBartolo, which has been interested in the property for about a year, has said little publicly about its intentions for the landmark.

But many have feared the company plans to raze the resort, especially since its previous partners had announced plans last year to do just that.

Although the future of the hotel has stirred the most emotion throughout the area, residents say development of the golf course is just as controversial for town residents.

They claim that building so many homes on the course will bring down nearby property values, hurt the environment and destroy Belleair's small-town ambience.

"We've got to save some green space. It would take away the charm of Belleair," said Wendy Fason Knaack, whose home is just south of the course.

Mayor George Mariani Jr. said he could not comment personally, but he added that a number of residents had talked to him about development of the golf course.

"I don't know of anyone for it, and I know a lot of people against it," Mariani said.

[Last modified September 13, 2005, 01:45:22]