[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6491349,"mediaKeyId","5508798-4e4eb39242b27e360301eb83bb9cf530","parentId",5508798,"title","Two developer teams present competing hotel plans for Lafayette Hotel site; financing, brand and timelines remain key questions","audioSeconds",1756,"startMs",7624000,"endMs",9380000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508798-4e4eb39242b27e360301eb83bb9cf530&start=7624&end=9380","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508798-4e4eb39242b27e360301eb83bb9cf530/thumbnail_7624000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6491349/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Two-developer-teams-present-competing-hotel-plans-for-Lafayette-Hotel-site-financing-brand-and-timelines-remain-key-questions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491349-388a51f64f31369cfce9482d219181f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157086&Signature=OcQuRv41gkubvlwUivrLtUXgRBkvtv19VWR8T3cVb9EiDgEKCrSS5mDUroGt8TywrZLfkAnyRQo9p0lHlmIhopU9WKFM1ygnNIDBM9qvzr~-N2q7geb73760EXvmOtPgwA-UXtaTNm1w65J3wbHR4V2relt3uRQ~fq-KsMX~CBKWet0RPfxbdp7f6fNpS99~kouCjKexnqSYRAGkiOpmNqhwYZ4Vpoi963TPBL6v8BnIz5-fvo82eZ0tQ~wMXsZJWbWbKHJS4iaFVIRxwqWnZ7deI0zXAor2twwq0BFlejBx1gKD9qBotZt3n5TuchUZwVIuD-HFBh1PUeULyXhEgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Trenton","date","2025-07-30T20:15:52.36Z","article","Two developer teams presented competing proposals on July 29 to redevelop the long-vacant Lafayette Hotel in downtown Trenton, offering different brands, timelines and economic strategies but leaving financing and detailed cost estimates unresolved.

Team 1: Millstone Holdings / TKO Hospitality (Hyatt Centric partner)

George Alexander of Millstone Holdings and Kostas Caliguroplos, chief executive of TKO Hospitality, presented a plan to rebrand the Lafayette as a Hyatt Centric. The team said it envisions a full-service, 150-room hotel with about a 6,000-square-foot ballroom and banquet facilities aimed at weddings, conventions and weekend leisure business. Peter Abrams, a regional developer on the team, estimated a preliminary reconstruction budget in the neighborhood of $30 million; the presenters said the project could be phased and that a Hyatt affiliation would provide operating and brand support. Kostas Caliguroplos described an operator's approach that emphasizes community programming and workforce development and cited TKO's regional experience.

The presenters said the number of rooms would be reduced from the existing count to about 150 and that the ballroom would be a key revenue generator. They did not provide a formal construction loan commitment in the meeting; Peter Abrams and other team members said that an exact budget depends on a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) from the brand and a detailed walk-through to assess mechanical and structural needs. \"Nobody has financing\" fully committed at this early stage, one presenter said, but the team argued it has development experience and relationships with lenders and that a brand approval process would precede firm financing.

Team 2: ExpoItalia / Choice (Radisson brand) and local partners

A second group led by Grace Fernandez and ExpoItalia LLC proposed a different model: a 150-room hotel tied to the Radisson brand (Choice Hotels' recently acquired upscale banner), a trade-show and conference component of roughly 25,000 square feet, and an international-focused retail and incubator strategy that the team said would attract Italian, Dominican and other exporters to use Trenton as a trade hub. The team described phased construction with structural completion targeted in early 2026 in public remarks; Grace Fernandez and other proponents said they already have appraisals, environmental reports and letters of intent from manufacturers and partners and asserted they had $20 million available toward the project capital stack.

Choice Hotels representatives described owner-support programs that provide education, technology and selective financial incentives for operators and said the company has programs to guide a new owner through underwriting and development.

What developers differed on

- Cost estimates and capital commitments: Millstone/TKO cited a $30 million ballpark for renovation but said exact costs await a PIP and contractor estimates. ExpoItalia presented a larger five-year figure in its packet (a $44 million full redevelopment number appears on project paperwork provided to the council) and stated it had $20 million available in financing sources; Choice and the presenters said additional debt and tax-incentive layering would be pursued. Developers and choice-brand representatives said detailed financing commitments typically follow brand approvals and completion of a full assessment of the property.

- Operating model and market focus: Millstone/TKO emphasized full-service hospitality, banquets and weekend leisure demand for weddings and conventions. ExpoItalia emphasized a mixed hospitality-plus-trade-show model that would create a permanent exhibition and manufacturing tie-in for Italian and international brands, plus a public gym, spa and culinary incubator.

- Timelines: Presenters offered optimistic opening windows if selected and permitted; some estimated under a year for certain phases once financing and brand PIP were finalized, while others estimated multi-year, phased investment.

Why it matters: The Lafayette Hotel has been a longstanding downtown redevelopment priority. A successful reuse could anchor broader downtown revitalization, create construction and permanent hospitality jobs, and provide meeting and event space tied to other downtown cultural assets. The council will consider proposals alongside appraisals, environmental assessments and proof of funds before selecting a developer or designating a master developer.

Quotations attributed to presenters at the July 29 meeting: Millstone partner Peter Abrams said, \"This is probably a $30 or $40 million project,\" and ExpoItalia's Grace Fernandez told councilors: \"We have financing; we have $20 million.\" Costas Caliguroplos of TKO said, \"We want to bring here an international brand with a powerful name that will enhance your location and the city center: a Hyatt Centric.\" Choice Hotels' representative Marcus Thomas said Choice would provide education, technology and incentive support to a qualified owner/operator.

Ending: Councilors indicated they will continue to vet proposals; no designation or selection was made at the July 29 session. Council staff said it will accept applications through the stated deadline and will return with a recommended process for vetting and selecting a developer.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Full Trenton City Council, Special Meeting, July 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Two competing developer teams on July 29 presented distinct plans to reopen the shuttered Lafayette Hotel in downtown Trenton: a Millstone/TKO team proposing a Hyatt Centric-branded, full-service hotel and an ExpoItalia/Choice Hotels-backed team proposing a Radisson-branded hotel paired with an international trade-show and incubator model.","taxTitle","Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey","taxId",2758,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491354,"Trenton council tables proposed ban on late-night public hours in Entertainment District after heated debate on policing",5062,1993000,7055000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508798-4e4eb39242b27e360301eb83bb9cf530&start=1993&end=7055","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508798-4e4eb39242b27e360301eb83bb9cf530/thumbnail_1993000.jpg","/articles/6491354/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Trenton-council-tables-proposed-ban-on-late-night-public-hours-in-Entertainment-District-after-heated-debate-on-policing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491354-9e1eb0c372f54da20dd613784d240300/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157086&Signature=kE2LJ~Nydk3qlmE~rW56GP9yGyDioKWSGRQEbqcwo4wDJAqmRAKsH2f0nDLUqZO1Clp-N07zOqvX7F4H3Hfogy-HJPGRtgNnnhN0Rj3UKJ7Uvl2ZooSkp3HwSGqSYeTIdjGgsZ6~j4XBLXLtAGedWlXTEm~KvNWFl-ExpxBW7e4jVgYhr~4U5I-Z3i0BQz2eYb4ojPb5CrC0PgeRoMPmQJYjMtA3qvxmf11pszPZj4N8G6VRxNkRJhSrr2YIdIikzdrLBm6cjnt12CC0QtOdq0OkLjAtuy5AzEib9e1RLY~kN5VppIgUKo4D0TJdMvav5D34ammERxYhgQeYnkTBeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Trenton City Council on July 29 heard a presentation from Mayor Ray Gassior proposing ordinance 25-69, which would restrict public hours in the city's Entertainment District, but the council ultimately tabled first reading after lengthy debate over public safety, police staffing and economic impacts.

Mayor Gassior told the council the measure was \"not about putting anyone out of business,\" but about \"putting the brakes on a surge in late-night violence and disorder\" on East State Street. He said incidents over the previous 30 days included shootings and a homicide and that the city had spent \"over $13,000 in police overtime per weekend\" to manage late-night disturbances.

The proposed ordinance would limit hours of operation in the Entertainment District so businesses could not admit the public past a designated hour; council members discussed narrowing exemptions and clarifying that the rule applies to when the public may enter, not to staff preparing food. Several council members said they supported a public-safety response but differed over the best approach and the burden on small businesses. Council vice president and others urged the administration to meet business owners and to expand policing resources rather than penalize all businesses.

Councilwoman Frisbie pressed the legal and operational questions and said she had requested a memo on whether the council could impose a moratorium on so-called \"pocket licenses.\" Several council members pressed city staff on police operations, deployment and vacancies; Captain Slack and others described current patrol staffing and said officers not assigned to patrol could be deployed if necessary. Council vice president read department vacancy numbers from the record: \"238 officers, 71 on patrol,\" and council members argued about why many officers remain in investigative or administrative assignments instead of patrol shifts.

After debate the council president moved to table first reading of ordinance 25-69; the motion to table was seconded and passed on a roll call vote. Members discussed an amendment to change the proposed morning opening hour (the ordinance on the docket originally set an opening time of 6 a.m.), and the council indicated it would pursue clearer language to protect legitimate early-morning food preparation while restricting public access during overnight hours. Several council members said they would continue talks with business owners, police and state partners about targeted enforcement and additional patrols.

Public comment at the meeting was extensive. Residents, business owners and arts and neighborhood advocates urged a mix of approaches; some urged stricter limits on hours to curb disorder, while a number of downtown business owners and nightlife promoters said closing hours early would punish law-abiding entrepreneurs and remove an engine for economic activity.

Why it matters: The ordinance would change the operating environment in the portion of downtown designated as Trenton's Entertainment District. Council members framed the debate as a choice between relying on policing and targeted enforcement or imposing citywide operating limits that might blunt downtown investment and harm small businesses.

Quotations: Mayor Ray Gassior: \"This measure is not about putting anyone out of business. It's about putting the brakes on a surge in late night violence and disorder.\" Councilwoman Williams: \"Nothing prohibits a business owner from coming in at 4 a.m. to prepare food; the hours of operation regulation opens the business to the public at 6 a.m.\" Councilwoman Figueroa Kettenberg: \"We have to be careful not to penalize all businesses for the actions of a few.\"

Ending: The council tabled first reading and asked staff to craft clarifying language and to provide additional information on enforcement, police deployment and targeted measures. The item will return to council when staff and councilors agree on a redraft.","Mayor and councilors debated an ordinance that would restrict public hours in the East State Street Entertainment District; council voted to table the first reading and seek more information and amendments.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491358,"Trenton ABC board agrees to audit license renewals, tables two renewals amid pocket-license questions",974,438000,1412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508798-4e4eb39242b27e360301eb83bb9cf530&start=438&end=1412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508798-4e4eb39242b27e360301eb83bb9cf530/thumbnail_438000.jpg","/articles/6491358/Trenton/Mercer-County/New-Jersey/Trenton-ABC-board-agrees-to-audit-license-renewals-tables-two-renewals-amid-pocket-license-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491358-f5be66ea183528655a3a23d3aaa36675/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157086&Signature=bNZxPu8YHz-izMTIcG4W3~ReV5sGoCwfNJ1G28d8i9QB07AnnEEcTq~hpttpo7vhOYKDJPlhU3kBnaRnJx4T1JEOcQwIIwrnAavz7FOA30G4jQfdqPrMseM0rrTKdmzPXuNmMuBFdpnDMuyDeNS4SYinEfB66KFComLCwuxA1IQt21CTikZiIIP5QzuZTeCP4SPnt2-ZuLAtbt6-jPsq42VcB7kBaEBWpdaXDWoCSaoOEDiiRTtHaPxXaISwgIymuRJC7LoHrJoJuzXXvyjoyqRPbi66Da~r3TzB95DiOfg5-VfFmLWXYOtKjCQ0XlyeF5fp6hoGq0xI7~eWFSNn4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Trenton Alcoholic Beverage Control board on July 29 agreed to direct the ABC officer to audit license renewals for compliance with the city's surveillance and reporting requirements and tabled two renewal items while members sought missing information.

Board members moved that the ABC officer produce a compliance report documenting that licensees have required cameras functioning indoors and outdoors and can provide footage on request, according to remarks on the renewal agenda. Councilwoman Williams said the board previously adopted an ordinance requiring surveillance and said an audit would confirm compliance.

The board also discussed \"pocket\" licenses\u0014licenses held by a person that are not attached to an operating location. Councilwoman Frisbie told colleagues she had asked whether the body could place a moratorium on pocket licenses; she said she was told it was not possible but asked the matter be revisited. Members discussed a state statutory reference (appearing in the meeting as \"NJSA 33:1D:1218\") and asked staff to circulate a legal memo so councilors could cross-check research.

Board members asked staff to identify licenses that had been dormant for long periods so potential buyers could be put in contact with holders; staff members said a hearing can be called to ask license-holders why they remain inactive if the board deems it necessary.

On formal business the ABC board voted to table two renewal resolutions, 25-101 and 25-102, after members said the packets lacked homeowner and date information. The motion to table was adopted by roll call with all members voting in favor. The board approved the remaining consent agenda items (excluding 25-096 and with 25-101 and 25-102 tabled). The board later approved resolution 25-096 by roll call; two members recused themselves on that vote.

Why it matters: ABC renewals and the management of pocket licenses affect who may open or operate alcohol-serving businesses in Trenton and how the city enforces public-safety and nuisance rules tied to those businesses. Board members said they want confirmation that surveillance requirements adopted by ordinance are being enforced and that long-dormant licenses are not blocking legitimate new businesses.

Board members and staff flagged two procedural follow-ups: a legal memo on how recent state statute changes affect pocket licenses, and a staff report by December documenting camera audits across licensees.

Quotations and attributions are from board members and staff during the July 29 ABC meeting: \"It's a good idea to do an audit to confirm compliance and put whatever enforcement measures are in place,\" Director Bridges said when discussing camera audits. Councilwoman Frisbie said: \"We have licenses here that have been dormant, that have been pocket licenses for 13, 14, 15 years,\" and urged the board to seek ways to limit inactivity.

Ending: The board carried its actions by roll call and moved to adjourn after completing public comment for the ABC portion of the evening; the special City Council meeting followed in the same chamber.","The Trenton ABC board moved to audit license renewals for camera compliance and tabled two renewal items after members raised questions about missing information and long-dormant \"pocket\" licenses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Two developer teams present competing hotel plans for Lafayette Hotel site; financing, brand and timelines remain key questions

Trenton council tables proposed ban on late-night public hours in Entertainment District after heated debate on policing

Trenton ABC board agrees to audit license renewals, tables two renewals amid pocket-license questions