Atlantic Beach residents sue to block construction of controversial oceanfront hotel

A grassroots organization made up of legacy property owners in Atlantic Beach are suing town leaders and a developer with plans to build a $100 million high rise hotel along prized beachfront land.

“We refuse to stand idly by as a high-rise condo plan gains momentum, potentially devastating our entire community,” said Traci Young Cooper, an oceanfront property owner, in a statement issued by the group known as STARD.

Formally the Supporters for Tyson’s Ancestral Relations of the Deeds, the group wants to block plans for a “condotel” venture along 30th Ave S., and comes two months after town leaders approved a new development rule they acknowledged was a precursor for the submission of site plans.

Town leaders could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

In February, Georgetown County native Charles Morant submitted to the town a conceptual plan for “The Black Pearl of the Atlantic,” a massive mixed-use structure boasting 168 hotel rooms and 24 luxury condominiums along with several short-term rentals.

This is a developing story.