Proposed Hotel Development Sparks Concern From Residents In Lambertville

Residents are sharing concerns about a proposed 40-room hotel development on Coryell Street that would include a banquet hall and parking facilities.

The project, which is in preliminary stages, prompted discussions about maintaining the City of Lambertville’s residential character while supporting economic growth.

Jim Brandt, who lives adjacent to the proposed development site, addressed the City Council during their recent meeting to share his concerns.

“A 40-room hotel, a banquet hall, three stories … It’d be three stories right next to our home from the beginning of our house, from the curve to the backyard and past that,” Brandt said. “It’s also a residential area as well as a business district. We’re homeowners there.”

The development would be located at the former Finkels property. The longtime staple of the city closed at the end of last year.

According to Brandt, the developer owns several other properties in the area.

Mayor Andrew Nowick confirmed he met briefly with the developer and viewed preliminary sketches of the project.

“They didn’t have any plans, they were really just sort of elevations and sketches more than anything,” Nowick said. “He offered that to me as courtesy and so I was appreciative of that certainly.”

Brandt expresses concern about how the development would affect his property.

“It will box us in with no light, no air. And there’s always the intrinsic value of your home and the extrinsic value of your home,” Brandt said. “We’re concerned about both, mostly our intrinsic light, sun, air. All our windows are on that side of the house and we have porch on the side of the house and so facing three stores of wall.”

Council President Benedetta Lambert said she understands the importance of balancing development with community needs.

The council president said she “would be concerned about an overwhelming presence in such a small space.”

“I think what everyone is concerned with is that we protect our neighbors and we are good stewards of the community,” Councilmember Karen Kominsky said. “I’m all for people coming to Lambertville, shopping here, living here … But there is a balance of someone’s boutique experience infringing upon our community experience and our community life.”

Councilmember Steven Stegman said that any development would need to go through proper channels.

“They have full access to the zoning. I mean, as any developer would, coming in, doing something. There’ll be several public hearings, not only here, but should it proceed to the Planning Board,” Stegman said. “I would be surprised if they could do what they want to do without variances and a bunch of other steps.”

Nowick stresses the importance of communication between the developer and neighbors.

Matt Boyle, a resident of Canal Street, expresses concerns about the project and the developer’s communication with residents.

“A couple of days ago, I do know that there were surveyors in our driveway that put a survey stake about 5 foot off of my front door,” Boyle said. “I echo what the mayor is saying that I do think the developer needs to be a little bit more forthcoming with the residents that live adjacent to the property.”

Boyle also raises environmental concerns, noting that the property “used to be Massey’s coal yard” before it was developed as Finkels.

Jeff Tittle, a city resident, told council that the proposed development is in a broader context of changes facing Lambertville.

“This is probably one of the most critical days this council in this community has faced as long as I’ve been here. And maybe probably longer, because the future of our community is at stake,” Tittle said. “What happens there will also affect the town forever.”

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