Residents rally against proposed hotel development in Venice

Residents of Venice voiced their concerns during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed hotel development on the island. The discussions highlighted fears about safety, property values, and the potential impact of increased traffic and noise on the community.

One resident, who has deep ties to Venice, expressed her worries about the shift from a multi-use residential area to a hotel, which she believes would attract transient visitors rather than long-term residents. She emphasized that a hotel would likely lead to a noisy environment due to constant in-and-out traffic, particularly from a parking lot, contrasting it with the quieter atmosphere of residential apartments.

Another speaker, Robert Russo, echoed these sentiments, raising alarms about overdevelopment on the island. He pointed out that there is already sufficient lodging available and stressed the importance of preserving the unique character of Venice, which he described as \"precious territory.\"

Both residents underscored their commitment to maintaining the safety and tranquility of their neighborhood, urging local officials to reconsider the implications of the proposed hotel project. The zoning change for the development has already been approved, but community members are hopeful that their concerns will be taken into account as plans move forward.