Fate of Hacienda Hotel Up for Discussion

City leaders are discussin later this week what they want to see happen at the Hacienda Hotel. 

The New Port Richey City Council is holding a work session Thursday to discuss plans to redevelop the historic downtown landmark, negotiations with the potential developer and the stabilization of the hotel.

In 2003, the city's Community Redevelopment Agency agreed to buy the Hacienda. The Hacienda had opened as a hotel in 1927, but was being used only as an assisted living facility at the time of the city's purchase of the building.

The building has sat vacant since 2006.

Potential developer Community Development Partners (CDP) had expressed interest in renovating and expanding the property, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, but discussions with the firm have not yielded a firm agreement .

The city council is being asked to consider three questions, per a memo:

• How to stabilize the building while it can be redeveloped?
• What other ideas do you have for its use - both short and long term?
• Where do we stand with CDP and do you want to stay the course with CDP?

City leaders are not required to take public comment at a work session, but sometimes they do. Official votes are not taken at work sessions, but city council members can give direction.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall on Thursday, Nov. 29.

Correction: This story originally listed the dter as Tuesday, Nov. 27. The correct date is Nov. 29.

What do you think should be done with the Hacienda Hotel?