No parking deal between Seaplace and St. Regis

Conversations between the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and its condominium neighbor to the north about parking have come to an end with rejection of the idea, residents and the association president said last week.

The Seaplace condo association informed residents via message any agreement between the two was off and “would not be pursued.’’

Association President Paul Gold, in a story last week in the Longboat Observer, said the proposal for the St. Regis to pay to use up to 50 of Seaplace’s unused parking spaces was a “possibility’’ for discussion. In a second interview following publication, he told the Observer opposition levels made it clear the issue wasn’t worth pursuing.

In the email sent to residents, Gold wrote: “At the time, this seemed like an idea worth exploring. However, even the informal discussion of the St. Regis request caused some owners anxiety and distress, and for that, I sincerely apologize.”

Gold also said the paid-parking proposal could have been a source of extra revenue for Seaplace at a time when insurance costs and other financial obligations for all condo associations statewide — but especially coastal ones — are on the rise, Even so, in a postscript to his email, Gold included this from the Seaplace association treasurer: "As we’ve stated numerous times during Finance Committee meetings, Seaplace is in excellent financial condition. We maintain significant equity and a sound balance sheet—thanks in large part to the continuing efforts of our Board and management team, who have done an exceptional job in making Seaplace one of the top-tier condominium associations in Florida."

Parking has long been a sticking point with the St. Regis, beginning months prior to unanimous denial by town commissioners of a proposed multi-level parking garage in favor of an expanded surface lot.

Town Manager Howard Tipton confirmed St. Regis representatives reached out to the town earlier this year to ask if the resort could use the lot near the Town Center Green for special events.

Tipton said the resort could use spots as long as the town was not using the area for events.

“Parking there has kind of been short term until they figure something out,” Tipton said.