'Landing' Developer Seeking Variance Relief For Hotel Plan In New Hope

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — The first in a series of zoning board hearings convened June 8 on plans to redevelop The Landing on North Main Street with a hotel, restaurant, river walk, and artist-in-residence quarters.

In what is expected to be a marathon hearing stretching over several months, the developer is seeking upwards of 38 variances from the New Hope Borough Zoning Hearing Board to move the project forward.

Landmark Developers, a New Jersey-based real estate developer, is seeking zoning relief to build a 44-room hotel with a restaurant and pool along the waterfront at the site of the former Landing restaurant and Fred’s Breakfast Club off of East Randolph Street.

The plan also includes potential enhancements to the borough’s pocket park at the foot of East Randolph Street, a river walk just above the river, and a boat launch for the Eagle Fire Company.

This rendering shows what the new Landing would look like from the river.

One of the more unique aspects of the plan would be artist-in-residence units which would offer artists a place to live while creating and selling their works.

Landmark acquired the three properties that make up the site from the previous owners in early 2021 and plans to consolidate them into one lot for the project.

During the June 8 hearing, the developer's attorney Paul Cohen laid out his case before the board and called his first witness.

“When you look at the pictures and renderings that have been posted on social media and hear the number of variances being requested, it seems like a lot,” said Cohen. “My ask of the members of this board and the public is to approach this with an open mind. Please listen to the witnesses and look at the evidence. Look at what we’re presenting. What you’re going to find out is that this is a good project. That it is going to do a lot of good for the borough. I know many of you are skeptical, but I do ask you to listen."

Cohen noted that the number of variances being requested has more to do with the way the ordinance is written and less to do with the project's impact. He points to setbacks as one example.

"We're asking for variances for the setbacks. We're not proposing any buildings in the setbacks, but there are walkways in the setbacks, there are parking areas in the setbacks that are proposed. And that comprises 10 variances for essentially the same thing," he said. "So I ask that you not be too moved by the numbers here and just really look at what we're asking for."

Renderings showing the east and west elevations of the project.

Cohen told the zoning board that they have been listening to the public and addressing concerns with the plan and making adjustments.

"The impact on the view from Main Street is going to be almost nill. We will have testimony to that fact," he said. "We will also have experts testifying that traffic conditions will improve over what is permitted on that site currently. But what you're also going to see are substantial public amenities that are being proposed and offered including a riverwalk.

"In response to comments about improving the pocket park, the applicant has agreed to incorporate that and pay for improvements to that area and make it a real park that people can use," said Cohen. "There's going to be a park-like setting with meandering trails that will allow you to walk through and the applicant is intending to keep that site open for public use. "

The applicant is also proposing two Artist in Residence buildings that will have artists living in the building and using the downstairs space to sell their art to enhance and carry forward the tradition of art in New Hope.

"I just ask that as we go through this that you keep an open mind," he said.

Cohen spent much of the first hearing questioning his first witness - project engineer Brian Murphy - who spoke to the changes that would be made to the property.

Murphy said the plan includes demolishing the former Fred's Breakfast and the Landing restaurant, relocating one of the historic houses on site and constructing a hotel/restaurant along the riverfront.

When the hearing continues, Cohen will offer testimony from a traffic engineer, a planning expert, and Landmark founder and Logan Inn owner Frank Cretalla.

In May, Cretella told the borough council that the redevelopment would have a positive impact on the town.

“We’re here in this town because we love this town,” said Cretella, responding to comments on social media painting him as an outside investor here for the money.

"It’s different for us. We’re not going to build a bunch of homes and then say goodbye. We operate businesses in the buildings that we build. We want to be part of the community. The last thing I want to do is to make enemies out of people who I hope will be customers and friends."

The June 8 meeting was continued to Thursday, July 13 beginning at 7 p.m.

The proposed layout of the site.