Some Durham Township residents continue to be concerned about reported plans for a bridal venue on a winding country road where ducks and alpacas roam adjacent fields.
One resident said, “We don’t want to see it become the Jersey Shore and change the whole atmosphere of Lehnenberg Road.”
“That’s not likely to happen,” Durham Supervisor Chairman Bartley E. Millett, assured him.
Millett said representatives of Landmark Developers of Plainfield, N.J., the new owner of the property, had met with the township solicitor and zoning officer in January to discuss the hospitality company’s activity at the site.
He said Landmark representatives maintain the only work done at the site so far involved needed repairs and maintenance to the property that had been vacant for about two years during the pandemic.
But Landmark has not yet submitted any required applications to the township, Millett said.
Residents are opposed to the company’s proposal for building 40 micro-cabins as well as a honeymoon log cabin. Landmark also plans to convert one of the barns into a wedding chapel, but the developer will need to meet the township’s many-layered zoning and land development approvals.
Landmark faces “a long process — maybe years,” Millett stressed.
Landmark, a family business operated by its founder Frank Cretella and his wife, Jeanne, owns 20 hospitality venues, including Logan Inn, Mansion Inn, Hotel du Village and The Landing, all in New Hope, and several in Montgomery County, including the Elkins Estate and Chelten House. The developer previously announced plans to host weddings and other social events as well as corporate meetings at Durham Springs.
The company already has hosted a bridal show in January. The restaurant, the former Cascade Lodge, now renamed Cascade Café at Durham Springs, is expected to open in the spring.
In other business, the board appointed Angelo Quisito to fill a vacancy on the township planning commission.
The supervisors scheduled a large item clean-up day from 8 a.m. to noon on April 22
The supervisors also approved the advertising of bids for two separate projects, the paving of Sherers Hill/Funks Mill roads and the road crew’s proposed equipment shed at the township complex.
The board also approved waivers allowed by the township planning commission when Antonio Viegas asked for permission to divide his County Line Road property into two lots.
The township has a large supply of free COVID-19 test kits that residents may claim at no charge.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
