Opinion ID: 1735146
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The denial of Copa's request to build a hotel

Text: ¶ 11. In 1994, Edwards resigned, and Ed Blakeslee, the President of the Port Authority's Board, and Stone took a more active role in relations with Gulfside. ¶ 12. On June 29, 1994, Tilley Constructors and Engineers, Inc., submitted Gulfside's plans for a hotel to the Port Authority Board. The plans showed the proposed location of the hotel, a parking garage site, and a proposed barge location. Tilley also discussed the plans with the Port Authority engineer and prepared an estimate of the cost of the hotel. Gulfside also employed an architect to prepare detailed drawings of the hotel, which drawings were also submitted to the Port Authority on June 29, 1994. ¶ 13. On July 29, 1994, Blakeslee responded to Gulfside's request as follows: Until the master plan for Port development is adopted, it is premature to determine the best location for such a facility. ¶ 14. After reviewing and adopting a strategic plan, on October 26, 1994, the Port Authority Board rejected Gulfside's hotel plans and made it clear that it would not approve any plan for a hotel on the Copa's leasehold. On October 31, 1994, Blakeslee sent a letter to Pete Cladianos, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Copa, stating, The construction of a hotel on Gulfside's leasehold interest would not be in the best short or long term interest of the Port.