Warren Residents Share Concerns Over Stone House Hotel Proposal

WARREN, NJ — Warren residents are continuing to come out in droves in opposition to the proposed application to build a hotel on the grounds of the Stone House Restaurant.

The application is looking to build a three-story, 48-room hotel with an underground parking deck with 37 spaces at the property at 50 Stirling Road. The proposed hotel will be located in the wooded area to the right of the existing hall near Stiles Road.

Maddy Realty LLC, is seeking two variances. One for use of the land for a hotel and the second for the height of the building. The proposed height exceeds 10 percent of the permitted amount.

At Monday's Board of Adjustment meeting Frank Cretella, a member of Maddy Realty who owns the property, spoke about what is being proposed.

"We are really doing this to keep our competitive edge and keep our price point," said Cretella.

Cretella noted the hotel would only be open to guests attending an event at the venue hall.

"People won't be staying at our hotel and going elsewhere," said Cretella.

He added that if a guest dining at the restaurant did inquire to stay overnight when the hotel was open and a room was available it could be accommodated. However, Cretella said the odds are the hotel would be fully booked when an event was happening.

The hotel would be classified as a boutique hotel with rooms priced between $300 to $400 a night.

"The quality and furnishings will be high quality… this is not an inexpensive hotel," said Cretella. "It's an accessory to be used with the catering end."

The project has drawn some fire from residents in the area so much so that a group of concerned residents, who live on Dillon Court next to the property, have hired an attorney to represent them against the proposal.

The attorney representing opposing residents and other neighbors questioned Cretella on several aspects such as traffic, garbage and delivery noises, operating hours, impacts on property values, and more.

The biggest point of contention from residents seemed to be that a diner could use the hotel if it was open.

Dina Wong said her concern was "with restaurant guests that could stay at the hotel."

She was worried that since the restaurant and hotel are expensive that businessmen may use the location as a way to bring an escort for a "hook up."

Cretella noted they are not looking to have diners stay over.

"The facility will not be open on a regular basis. We are able to do two events at a time so the chances are all rooms will be booked. We feel every event uses 40 rooms," said Cretella. "I only made that comment if a customer at the restaurant wanted to stay over and we had an open room available."

No decision was made on the application as the hearing will continue on April 5 or in-person and virtually online.

A Facebook group against the overdevelopment in the township was formed as a result of this application. To join the group click here.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.