Boutique Hotel Developer Shares His Vision with Avalon

AVALON – With controversy swirling around the rumors of a new hotel complex in Avalon, developer Anthony Zurawski wanted to explain his vision for the property.
Zurawski has a number of businesses and parcels of land in Avalon, many of which are in the immediate area of the proposed development.
He owns the antique store at the corner of 20th and Ocean Drive and is converting the gas station property at 21st and Ocean Drive to Z’s Deli. Zurawski is also owner of the iconic Whitebrier and Sea Grill. His children own the neighboring Princeton Grill.
It is property he owns across the street from the back entrance to the antique store that is at the heart of the controversy. That property covers much of the center of the block on both 21st and 22nd. It is here that Zurawski wants to erect a “boutique hotel” complex that he feels will have a significant positive impact on the business environment in the borough.
“I expect to do about $5 million a year in gross revenue from the hotel,” Zurawski said, “and at least 30 percent of that will be payroll involving year-round jobs.”
The surrounding business community will also benefit, Zurawski claims. He admits that he doesn’t have a formal economic impact analysis, but points to the overwhelmingly positive impact of the Reeds at Shelter Haven complex in Stone Harbor.
The proposed hotel would have 38 rooms including cottage apartments, open space available for banquets, an in-house restaurant, a rooftop pool area and outdoor bar and ground level parking with 46 spaces.
Plans call for hotel complimentary transportation to and from the beach and local restaurants and entertainment venues so that guests will not have to move their cars. The architectural design is purposefully similar to that of the existing Whitebrier in order to provide an integrated presentation to the community.
As Zurawski walked the proposed site, the controversy over the complex came into focus. The back of the hotel property would front on 22nd street. Across the street are seven mostly small single-family properties all sporting “no hotel” signs in their front yards. That is the heart of the opposition to the project.
At recent borough council meetings, residents have voiced opposition to the proposed development citing fears over noise, traffic, security and the loss of Avalon’s family character.
Zurawski held an open meeting for residents hoping to dispel concerns. He notes his 50-plus years in Avalon and his commitment to the community. He points to the presence of his own family in businesses surrounding the area as proof of his commitment to family values. At all points, Zurawski said, he has been willing to try to meet the concerns of those opposed to the project.
Zurawski cited one example when he discussed the concern about parking on 22nd Street. “I offered to go to the borough with the neighbors and request that the street be turned into resident permit parking only,” he said.
As for noise, Zurawski said he would have to observe the same noise ordinances that govern all businesses in the borough. He also plans on a security guard on duty to deal with any incidents of drunken behavior.
His plans call for a complex that would attract a clientele unlike individuals who cause problems as they leave bars in summer months.
To build the hotel complex Zurawski will need zoning approvals. He plans to submit his application to the zoning board this week. His plans need approval for use, since the hotel district is in the southern part of the borough; for height, since his rooftop pool area would be above the permissible height; and for parking, since he wants to include the ground-level parking lot made possible by raising the hotel structure to meet flood requirements.
It is at the hearings for the zoning issues that the public would have an opportunity to voice concerns about the project. “The things I could build here (within the zoning guidelines) would be much more of a concern for residents. I could put an unattractive, three-story condo complex with stores on the first level,” he noted. “I don’t want to do that. I want to build something that fits the real character of Avalon.”
Zurawski, who moved the old Avalon Yacht and Motor Club building to the 21st Street area when he bought bay front property, sees himself as a restorer, as someone who contributes to the building of the Avalon community with a true commitment to its past.
For those opposed to his hotel project, he is a developer who is disregarding the family atmosphere of Avalon and furthering its destruction in the service of commercial interests.
This dispute will be heard in upcoming hearings before the zoning board. At those hearings there will be an opportunity for Zurawski and residents of 22nd Street to air their perspectives.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.