The debate continues in Excelsior over a controversial hotel for which a final plan will be voted on by the City Council this summer or early fall.
The four-story boutique hotel got the green light in February with the City Council's approval of its general plan, overturning the city's Heritage Preservation Commission's denial of the project designs. Since then, the commission has had turnover with four commission members either resigning or not seeking reappointment.
The fourth, Judy Mueller, told the Star Tribune earlier this month that she also had called in her resignation in protest of the council's actions. But instead, she stayed on until giving her official resignation Monday.
The ongoing debate about the hotel comes months before the project is scheduled to have its final plan voted on by the City Council.
Mayor Mark Gaylord and other supporters say most of the city's residents are in favor of the hotel because it will boost tourism and revenue and be a landmark on the lake. Critics like Mueller contend it could threaten Excelsior's small-town character and set a precedent for larger buildings.
The hotel would be the first on Lake Minnetonka in decades.
Kelly Smith • 612-673-4141
Twitter: @kellystrib
