Council and HARB debate Mainstay Hotel façade; motion to deny withdrawn after applicant clarifies materials

The Historic and Architectural Review Board and borough council spent substantial time on an application for façade changes and an added floor at 184 Bridge Street (Mainstay Hotel). HARB member Miss Dugan moved to deny the certificate of appropriateness citing concerns about coloration, material and how the proposal would fit with the historic downtown streetscape. Owner Christopher Bridal described plans for additional suites, balconies, an elevator and a rooftop terrace and said the project would add pedestrian angles to the downtown experience.

HARB and council members questioned whether the HARB review should await the land‑development and zoning process and whether the proposed materials and color palette (concerns that a gray panel look would be out of character) were appropriate in the historic district. When asked whether the brick would be painted, the applicant clarified: "We're not doing the painting. We're just putting all brand new bridal up. It's all brand new brick going up. No painting at all." That clarification addressed a major HARB concern, and the board recessed briefly so staff could consult with the applicant.

Outcome: Miss Dugan initially moved to deny the façade application, but later withdrew the motion after additional information and a short recess; no denial vote was recorded. Council recommended further coordination between planning and HARB to avoid "chicken and egg" order‑of‑operations issues where aesthetic review and land‑development reviews overlap.