Three members of the Zoning Board recused themselves from the hearings because they live within 200 feet of the church or one of the parking lots the Bridge Street Foundation would use The withdr
By John Tredrea, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — Over 100 people drove and walked through intensely heavy rain to jam the meeting room of Lambertville’s Justice Center June 27 only to find that the Zoning Board of Adjustment hearings on a controversial music hall proposal had to be delayed a month.
The Bridge Street Foundation, a nonprofit, wants to open the music hall in the now-vacant Old Baptist Church on Bridge Street.
The Foundation needs use variances to be able to move forward with its plan, which has sparked intense opposition from many residents.
At the emotionally charged June 27 session, Richard Mongelli, attorney for Bridge Street Foundation, requested that the hearings be delayed until next month.
Also at the June 27 meeting, three members of the Zoning Board recused themselves from the hearings because they live within 200 feet of the church or one of the parking lots the Bridge Street Foundation would use.
The withdrawal of those three members left the Zoning Board with less than its full membership of seven.
With five affirmative votes needed to obtain a use variance, Mr. Mongelli requested a continuance until seven members, plus an alternate member, could be on hand and qualified to vote on the application.
City officials said appointment of new members could bring the Zoning Board to full capacity. It was agreed that the new members would listen to tape recordings of previous meetings on this application before the next Zoning Board meeting.
That meeting has been scheduled for July 25, at a location with more seating than the Justice Center meeting room.
Officials said they would try to hold the meeting at the Lambertville Public School.
Interviewed before the June 27 meeting was called to order, Mr. Mongelli said the Bridge Street Foundation wants to offer live music six nights a week.
”There would be national and regional acts Thursday through Saturday, local acts Tuesday and Wednesday and acoustic music on Sunday night,” he said.
There would be a restaurant and bar in the music hall.
Two-hundred and twenty parking spaces would be provided at three locations, from which buses would shuttle patrons to and from the music hall.
Twenty of the parking spaces would be at Finkel’s hardware store. There would be 100 spots each at the ESC school and the Diamond Silver Office Complex.
Tanya Cooper, president of The Bridge Street Foundation, said — after the June 27 meeting was adjourned — “My heart is really in this project. It would do so much good. It would enhance the arts here, provide jobs and revitalize that part of the city. We really want the city to embrace what we’re doing. That’s why this music hall would be called The Lambertville Music Hall. We want to be part of the community. We don’t want to upset anyone.”

