Andy Close
During public comment at Monday’s Warren City Council meeting, there was brief public discussion regarding the city’s plan for a potential hotel.
(Photo by Brian Hagberg. Protestors gather at Breeze Point Landing on Friday to protest the proposed hotel development at the property.)
A public meeting scheduled for last week regarding the hotel was canceled.
Plans were first revealed for a riverfront hotel in downtown Warren in the summer of 2018, but the project has largely tread water since that time.
“We’re not even sure if the site is workable yet,” said Warren City manager Nancy Freenock. “It’s not necessary to have a meeting for that. The developer will not come until he knows he has a site that is viable. He doesn’t know that at this point.”
The parcel of land being discussed for the hotel would potentially result in the elimination of Breeze Point Landing Park.
“I’ve made it very publicly known that I’m opposed to the hotel,” said Warren resident Pat Evans.
A rally was held last Friday in opposition to the potential of a hotel at the Breeze Point Landing area, with between 25-30 members of the public participating.
“We got nothing but high fives and honks,” Evans said.
The parcel of land is located next to Bent Run Brewing Company and Allegheny Outfitters.
Evans, who has extensive experience in local government issues as a former Warren County Commissioner and Planning Commission member, is concerned the proposed development won’t live up to its promises.
“Sitting there (at Bent Run), until they and Allegheny Outfitters, the only people that got to see that view were people who were taking breaks at Lorangers,” Evans said. “They’ve given the city the gift of having these businesses. One of the reasons I’m not in favor of that view being taken away, it wouldn’t be a luxury hotel. It wouldn’t be extraordinary, which is what I think a riverfront hotel should be. I think that view should be maintained for the public.”
