The Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a Marriott Residence Inn to be located adjacent to the Shoppes of Hamilton on Route 130.
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
HAMILTON — The Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a Marriott Residence Inn to be located adjacent to the Shoppes of Hamilton on Route 130.
The township approved use variances and preliminary and final site plans for Stoltz Management’s proposal for a 96,609 square foot, four-story hotel at the Oct. 8 meeting.
Representatives for the applicant noted the use had less impact and less impervious coverage than a previous proposal for an additional 26,768 square-foot retail use at the site. There is also already a sufficient detention basin at the site.
The hotel, described as an upscale enterprise by the applicant’s experts, will include a variety of amenities including an indoor pool and fitness center, an outdoor sport court and barbecue area, along with complimentary evening socials and a hot breakfast available each morning.
Steve Scharf, of Briad Development East LLC, told the board that pending permits from various state agencies, they hope to begin construction in the spring with an opening in the beginning of 2015.
The applicant already has Department of Transportation permits from the previous retail proposal.
Board members James L. Kochenour and David Maher praised the new use.
”I think it is a top-notch, first class facility,” Mr. Kochenour said, referring to his previous experiences at other Resident Inn locations.
Mr. Maher, noting some store vacancies, said he believes the hotel would benefit the Shoppes of Hamilton.
”I think something like this, a hotel in the area, will bring numerous guests to that location and probably greatly help some of those shops,” he said. “I consider it a great idea.”
Board Vice Chairman Anthony Celentano concurred.
”Tonight we’ve done the citizens of Hamilton Township justice by bringing in a first-rate operation,” Mr. Celentano said.
In a press release last week, Mayor Kelly A. Yaede hailed the application and its impact on the economic development in the township.
”The fact that a second, nationally-known extended stay hotel franchise is looking to expand into our community – in this year alone – speaks volumes about Hamilton Township, our vibrant local economy and the continued growth of economic opportunities here in our hometown,” said Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly A. Yaede. “This continues to build further upon the fact that Hamilton Township led Mercer County in ratable growth last year.”
A Homewood Suites extended stay hotel was approved for Route 130 earlier in the year on the former site of the World Class Harley-Davidson dealership.