Inn on the Blues owner plans modern makeover for Grand View Hotel at York Beach

YORK, Maine — The owner of the Grand View Hotel is eyeing a makeover for his Long Sands Beach resort, looking to build eight new units with modern décor.

Jimmy Asprogiannis, who bought the hotel at 800 York St. in 2021, is looking for approval to tear down the Grand View’s current six-unit building and replace it with a new eight-unit motel structure, according to Planning Board documents. It will also include a new single-unit building for the innkeeper’s residence and new asphalt for the parking area.

The construction would take place after the 2024 season, with the new units ready to rent by 2025, according to Asprogiannis. He said he hopes to update the look of the Grand View with more current designs reflective of a seaside hospitality business. The hotel has been serving guests for more than 50 years, according to its website.

“We’re trying to basically be on par with everything that’s more of a modern hotel room out there and putting that into the new building,” Asprogiannis said. “We’re just trying to bring it up from the 60s, 70s, to today.”

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Stormwater a concern for Planning Board members

Planning Board members said on Jan. 25 that they mostly had concerns about stormwater management in light of recent flooding events. They voted to waive the necessary stormwater prevention plan to move the application along but said they would need one provided before final approval.

“Nine-tenths of the issue here is around dealing with water,” Planning Board member Peter Smith said.

The conversation followed two major storms that hit the southern Maine coastline in January. They caused significant flooding, especially in neighborhoods just west of Long Sands Beach, where water entered many homes.

Residents of neighboring properties said during the board’s public hearing they were concerned about storm runoff. Debbie Barber Donovan, who lives on Parker Street, said the use of asphalt will lead to more water running into neighborhoods like Tabernacle Road.

“Hopefully the owner’s going to think about that,” Donovan said. “It’s going to affect even their people that stay there.”

Geoff Aleva of the Civil Consultants, representing Asprogiannis, told the board that a stormwater plan was in the works and would be provided to the board before the end of the approval process. He said the plan would improve existing water runoff to nearby residents.

Currently, he said a gutter running along the property line does not properly connect with the drain that redirects water away from residents. He said the new construction would connect the water with that drainage and include a second curb that would knock excess water back into the gutter.

“Is it fail-safe? No. Is it going to make the situation better? I think so,” Aleva said.

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Asprogiannis looks to invest in Long Sands Beach

Asprogiannis has invested in York since he purchased the Inn on the Blues at Short Sands Beach in 2017. He previously owned restaurants in New Hampshire and Maine, including Mama Lena’s Pizzeria in Stratham.

Asprogiannis said he has enjoyed working in York for its seasonal industry, which is why he bought the Grand View and is working on improving it.

“For me, it’s a long-term investment,” Asprogiannis said. “I’m in for the long duration.”

Asprogiannis said he has spoken with residents about the impact of his project on their neighborhood. Some spoke during the Jan. 25 public hearing about the new innkeeper structure, which they say will block the view from their homes.

Asprogiannis said the ocean view should not be impacted for residents nearby. The innkeeper's residence is relatively thin, he said. He also noted his proposal is significantly less impactful than the prior owner’s pitch for 20 units straight across the property.

“That’s not what I’m doing,” Asprogiannis said. “This will look much more balanced out. The views will still be good. It’s a narrow building.”

Asprogiannis said Long Sands Beach is a different side of the Nubble Peninsula compared to Short Sands Beach, where families can go bowling and play arcade games. Families come looking for quiet, he said.

As owners like himself look to develop properties along Long Sands Beach, Asprogiannis said he hopes that the beach will not get too busy.

“I’m hoping it stays quaint,” Asprogiannis said. “We’ve got this great family beach.”

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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Grand View Hotel at York Beach seeks approval for new look, more rooms