By Jessica Ercolino, Staff Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — A proposed chain hotel in the township is now one link closer to becoming a reality.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment last week unanimously approved the preliminary site plan for a Staybridge Suites hotel on Robbinsville-Allentown Road (Route 526) and West Manor Way.
The four-story, 19,600-square-foot hotel will have 136 rooms and an adjoining 6,300-square foot restaurant, according to the plan.
Officials have regarded the proposed business as a way to bring ratables into the township and ease property taxes.
”I believe this location cries out for a hotel of this size and nature,” said board member James Krieg, noting the site’s proximity to the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 195 and Route 130, and the lack of lodging in the immediate area.
There is, however, a new 81-room Hilton Garden Inn about three miles away just over the border in Hamilton Township, which board members noted is doing well.
Township Engineer Jack West said the two hotels target different customers. The Hilton is aimed at the Route 130 market, he said, while Staybridge Suites will target the Turnpike, I-195 and Six Flags Great Adventure market.
The applicant, Washington Lodging Realty LLC, must now come before the board for final approval. Mr. West said that, pending approval, construction on the project might not begin until spring 2009 due to upcoming winter weather.
The board granted several variances Sept. 2, including floor area ratio, lot size and sign limitations for the planned commercial development lot. Officials agreed the hotel should be allowed two signs that exceed maximum sign height and area so they can be visible from the Turnpike. Signs are limited to 6 feet in height and 75 square feet in area, according to an ordinance. The proposed signs would be 50 feet and 8 feet 6 inches tall, and have areas of 167 square feet and 85 square feet.
The intersection at Route 526 and West Manor Way will be improved to accommodate the increase in traffic flow. John Rae, traffic engineer for the project, said the approaches would be widened from two lanes to three, with each having a separate left-turn, through and right-turn lane. The traffic light phases also would be modified to give both the West Manor approach and the hotel egress their own separate green lights, he said.
There is currently no tenant for the adjoining restaurant, which is the second phase of the hotel project, officials said. The site would have a liquor license, according to the plan.
The Staybridge Suites will share an access point with an approved two-story, 27,653-square foot veterinary specialty clinic on the site. The facility will be a regional emergency and trauma center for the Mercer County area with 13 examination rooms, four surgery rooms, an intensive care unit, special procedure rooms and more.
Another hotel proposed for West Manor Way is expected to come before the board Oct. 7. The applicant, Chris Vernon, is the owner of the Hilton Garden Inn on Route 130.
