Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press council over proposed 3‑story hotel at former Finkles site as court fight looms
Summary
Residents told the council they fear a proposed three‑story, ~40‑room hotel and ballroom at the former Finkles property will overwhelm a residential area; the mayor said only sketches have been shared and the project will likely go to the planning board, while a separate builder's‑remedy lawsuit is pending in court.
Several Lambertville residents used the council's public‑comment period to press the city for more information about a proposed three‑story, roughly 40‑room hotel and a banquet ballroom planned for the former Finkles property on Coriel Street.
"It'd be 3 stories right next to our home…box us in with no light, no air," resident Jim Grama said, urging council members to consider the impacts on neighboring homes. Matt Boyle, a neighbor, said survey stakes were placed five feet from his front door and asked that the developer be more forthcoming with immediately adjacent residents.
Mayor (S1) said he had briefly seen elevations and sketches provided by the developer, identified only as Andy, and that a planning‑board review appears likely. "We saw the sketches that we saw…they're probably gonna move right to the planning board," the mayor said, adding he encouraged the developer to talk to neighbors and offered to act as an intermediary.
Jeff Fiddle, who said he has experience on planning boards, urged the council to prepare for both litigation and policy changes if the town faces larger development pressures. "This is probably one of the most critical days this council and this community has faced…if they win, it's gonna start off a whole cascade," Fiddle said, calling for updated ordinances, stronger redevelopment guidelines and limits on parking decks in historic districts.
Council members and the mayor emphasized the planning‑board process will include public hearings and likely require variances if the developer pursues the current concept. One council member also noted Canal Commission approvals would be required for elements near the canal. The mayor said the city will start a contact list for neighbors who want updates.
What happens next: the developer is expected to submit the project to the planning board, where public hearings, variance requests and technical reviews will occur. Residents and council members asked for fuller plans to be published so the public can assess impacts on light, traffic, parking and the historic character of the downtown area.
