The New Hope Borough Zoning Hearing Board and the general public gathered at borough hall for what they hoped would be the conclusion of The Landing’s zoning hearing. Instead the night ended with another "to be continued."
On Aug. 10, the New Hope Borough Zoning Hearing Board gave the floor to Frank Cretella, of Landmark Hospitality; for his relief request on multiple variances to remodel The Landing Restaurant & Bar.
Cretella wants to construct a 44-room hotel, a restaurant with 75 interior dining seats and 45 outdoor dining seats, a pool, a terrace, a public river walk and other related improvements.
While Cretella has been ambitious about his project, New Hope Borough residents, who filled the room Thursday, have been voicing concerns. Their list of perturbations includes traffic, massing, over-development, project scale, obstruction of river views, removal of mature trees, overshadowing historic structures, noise pollution, preference for out-of-state investors, water and sewer system impacts and the loss of New Hope’s small-town charm.
Cretella prepared a slideshow for the hearing that sought to address the public’s worries and promote what he called “benefits” for the neighborhood, which he presented for the main duration of the meeting. One of his answers to multiple concerns was to expand traffic studies, find solutions for pedestrian crossings and stress his willingness to fund any improvements.
As he tried to ease apprehensions, he told the room, “We really are trying to address (community concerns),” Cretella said. “I’m vested in this town too.”
But his love for a “walkable downtown” and desire to be a part of the town’s community is still being doubted due to him not residing in New Hope and only operating businesses. One of the benefits Cretella presented was a reopening of Fred’s Breakfast Club, “which was always our intent,” he informed the crowd.
Another benefit would be The Landing redesigning East Randolph Pocket Park and taking over daily maintenance since it is requesting a pathway to the proposed public dock.
The plan would be similar to The Cannon Square redevelopment project with the Logan Inn.
Along with providing benefits, Cretella expressed how important it was to preserve the town’s culture and heritage.
“Landmark has always gone into communities we love,” he said. “New Hope, as we all know, is a special place that abounds in art, music, culture, and inclusivity,” one slide stated.
Cretella also introduced an Artists in Residence plan which would be a collaboration with the Monira Foundation non-profit organization. The proposed advantages of this program would be finding new inspiration for art and attracting other guests and artists to New Hope.
The Landing is also offering to host a welcome meet-and-greet to introduce the new artists to the community, and all revenue will go to a New Hope non-profit organization for the arts.
“This is not to bring tourists to the town,” Cretella said. “The program is really to bring the artists and bring them into the community. It’s meant to support local cultural institutions. This plan is to help preserve, and these are the things we’re trying to extend, not trying to change, or say that we’re ‘improving’ the culture. The only thing I want to do is maintain the culture.
After the presentation was over, Cretella stayed at the stand for the cross-examination which was stopped midday for the continuance request. The continued hearing will take place on Oct 12. The cross-examination will resume. Then the public will follow with questions.
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