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Planning board approves four-story hotel at North Palo Alto Avenue after public questions on tenant displacement
Summary
The Panama City Planning Board unanimously approved a major development for a four-story, 99-room Hilton Home2 Suites at North Palo Alto Avenue and East 24th Plaza; applicants and residents discussed timeline and potential displacement of nearby rental tenants.
Panama City Planning Board on Monday approved a major development order for a four-story, 99-room Home2 Suites (Hilton) at North Palo Alto Avenue and East 24th Plaza.
The board’s unanimous 5-0 approval authorizes the project to proceed to the next permitting steps after staff findings were met, including that the site’s zoning (GC-2) allows a hotel that exceeds three stories subject to a major development review.
The project applicant, represented by Jim Slonina of Panhandle Engineering, said the proposed hotel will be adjacent to existing hotels and a stormwater pond and noted the development must satisfy about a dozen development-order attributes before final authorization. Slonina told the board the project is a “99-key Home2 Suites, which is a Hilton flag.”
The most substantive public comments focused on potential displacement of nearby renters. Milena Purnau, who said her mother lives at 828 East 24th Plaza, asked for a timeline for the project and expressed concern about relocation. Slonina responded the developer’s current estimate is “6 months to a year before ground is broken” and that he would relay relocation‑timing information to his client. Resident Carol Steffner, who also said she lives at 828 East 24th Plaza, described urgent housing‑condition issues at her property — including a failing ramp and a loose ceiling fan — and asked whom to contact for repairs. Staff offered to meet with Steffner after the hearing to provide resources.
Board members asked staff and the applicant questions about zoning, the major‑development threshold (exceeding three stories), and the review process. After public comment and discussion, a motion to approve the major development passed on a roll call vote: Board member Carol — yes; Board member Stamps — yes; Board member Barker — yes; Board member Rich — yes; Chairman Neubauer — yes.
The board’s approval is a planning‑stage development order recommendation; final building permits, design review and any required engineering approvals remain to be completed before construction can begin.
