Erie’s bayfront will see a new addition after the Erie City Council voted 5-1 to approve a zoning request for the second phase of Scott Enterprises’ Harbor Place Development.

This phase represents the construction of an eight-story AC Marriott hotel along East Front Street.

“We continue to develop, we continue to invest money and to work with the CRIZ to make this an iconic vision for the bayfront that really makes a difference,” said Nick Scott Sr., president of Scott Enterprises.

With help from CRIZ funding, the hotel, with 139 rooms and three restaurants, will be built next to another Scott Enterprises hotel.

Bayfront development — Scott Enterprises seeks city approval for waterfront hotel

Supporters said the project could bring new life to Erie’s waterfront, but some community members still have concerns as development plans continue moving forward.

“They took two of the main viewing areas for the general public to come down and relax. I’m not talking about a playground or a park that is full-blown with slides and all that. Just for a place that people can come down,” said Ed Kissell, an Erie resident.

Locals say many of their concerns lie in public access for citizens, parks and green space, and the view of the bayfront.

“The water is the magnet of Erie. You know you don’t need water to build a hotel; you need water-related activities,” said Kissell.

Scott Enterprises works to balance bayfront development with open public space

Despite a majority vote for approval, the council also recognized many issues that are prevalent in the Erie community and need to be addressed.

“They’ve got the approval to do this next thing, and to bring in tourists, and to build up a livelihood down on the bayfront, but those who call Erie home need them to do the same thing and invest in them in the same way,” said Tyler Titus, president of the Erie City Council.

“I think what was an eye opener tonight- a lot of what city council talked about- that we can try to do more to help the community that needs help,” said Scott.

Scott Enterprises will now be moving forward with the next steps, and construction is expected to begin this year.

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