Who is S.O.U.L. (Save Our Unique Lambertville)?

We are your neighbors, friends, and fellow residents of Lambertville who are deeply concerned about the future of our wonderful community. We believe that overdevelopment and massive construction projects threaten to destroy the city’s historic character and small-town charm. These projects will overwhelm our neighborhoods and damage our environment with traffic, flooding, water and air pollution, and excessive noise.

Why oppose the proposed Luxury Hotel / Wedding Complex at the former Finkle’s site?

We believe the proposed complex is too large and will have significant negative impacts on our community and quality of life. It will cause gridlock and noise on our narrow, quiet streets, increase polluted stormwater runoff into the canal, and severely impact the viewshed of the D&R Canal. The design is incompatible with the Historic District. We’re also concerned this project will pave the way for more large-scale developments by out-of-state hospitality corporations, which could drive out local, family-run businesses.

Do we oppose any development on the site?

No. We support responsible redevelopment of the site. Any new project should align with community goals, be compatible with the neighborhood, and complement Lambertville’s Historic District and unique character. The development should enhance life for both residents and visitors, while preserving what makes Lambertville so special.

What properties are proposed for development?

Coryell Street properties that have sold recently include:

• #7, the main hardware store

• #4, the parking lot and warehouse shed between the canal and Lambert Lane

• #12-14, the lighting store and offices

• The old Strand Theater 

Also recently sold were:

• Revolution Wood Fire Grill, (formerly Hamilton Grill)

• The Boathouse

• Storefront housing Lambert + Hope (formerly Blue Raccoon)

• Several office spaces along the canal

Who purchased these properties?

It’s difficult to know. According to city tax records, ownership is divided among several entities:

Lambertville Address     Owner

• #4 Coryell Street (Rear) Lambertville Warehouse LLC % A. Chalofsky

• # 6 Coryell Street 6 Coryell St. LLC

• #7 Coryell Street Lambert Hardware LLC % A Chalofsky

• #8 Coryell Street 6 Coryell St. LLC. And The Porkyard Inc. (two names listed)

• #10 Coryell Street Lambert Lighting LLC % A Chalofsky

• #12-14 Coryell Street 12 Coryell St. LLC

During a May public meeting at the Justice Center it was confirmed that all the properties are now controlled by one entity. It is widely believed that Andrew Chalofsky, a Bucks County resident and businessman, is the ultimate owner based on his name being tied to at least two of the LLCs and community accounts of his involvement. 

Additionally, John Connors, President of Brickstone Realty Corporation (Philadelphia), presented the proposed development. Brickstone appears to be the developer, though it’s unclear if they’ll have an ownership stake in the completed project.

Connors claimed the sites were “blighted,” drawing loud objections from the crowd. He showed renderings comparing current buildings with the proposed changes. In response to the audible gasps, he argued that the site has been “frozen in time,” skipping multiple generations of development over 100+ years. He implied the size of the proposed project reflects a “catch-up” to modern expectations.

What does the proposal include?

• A 49-room luxury hotel: 35 suites on the current hardware store site; 14 above the old Strand Theater.

• The Strand Theater and Lighting Store will be rebuilt into a 3-story structure for a 175-person event space, with a 7-room spa below and the small parking lot behind the building will become a patio for outdoor dining and live entertainment.  This space can host multiple events per day – morning, afternoon and evening - with overlapping guests’ entry and exit.

• The warehouse will be demolished and replaced with a 1-story, 93-space parking garage with access from Lambert Lane (which could be increased to two stories).

• The historic façades of the Strand and Hardware Store will be partially preserved and new multi-story construction will rise behind them.

• The current driveway between the Strand and Lighting Store will be replaced by construction that joins the two buildings.

A portion of this site may fall within a NJ State Special Hazard Flood Zone, though it’s unclear if any previous exemptions may apply to new construction. 

How does the hotel compare with other Lambertville hotels?

• Lambertville Station: 46 rooms (3 fewer than the proposed hotel) but only 2 suites 

• Lambertville House: 26 rooms (23 fewer)

Where will guests and staff park?

A 93-space garage is planned on the west side of the canal with access on narrow Lambert Lane. Connors noted that future expansion is possible. He claimed employees will have access to garage parking, but they will not have designated spots.  With over 100 employees, and 60–65 on-site during peak hours, with hundreds of guests each day, there is no way this parking is sufficient (not to mention the current residents!)

Can Coryell Street handle this traffic?

Coryell is a 29 foot-wide, two-way street, with parking on both sides. It is currently impossible for two cars to pass, going in opposite directions, when there are cars parked on both sides (one car must pull aside and wait for the other to pass).  Add almost 200 guests and staff, pouring in from the bridge and Union Street, with delivery trucks and double-parked cars by the valet – it makes for a gridlock nightmare on Lambert Lane, Coryell and Union Streets.

Can Lambert Lane handle garage traffic?

No. The entrance/exit will be on the narrowest section of Lambert Lane — just 17 feet wide with no street parking allowed. This is also where customers will enter and exit the new cannabis store, antique dealer and brewery. A car turning into the garage may have to swing wide, creating a dangerous conflict with oncoming traffic and the small sidewalk directly in front of homes on the street.

Noise, Smells, and Rats?

• the event patio will back up directly against homes on York Street (across from the Post Office).

• Live music, DJ sets, and receptions with up to 175 guests will make peace and quiet impossible — especially on spring/summer nights.

• Strong odors (from wood smoke grills) already affect nearby homes, will worsen.

• Increased trash and construction activity may exacerbate rodent infestations, with potential for displaced rats to spread into York Street, Coryell Street, and along the canal.

What happens next?

The developer is a legal “person” with rights under the law. If their application complies with the below committees, and no variances are required, the City may be legally obligated to approve it.

• The City’s Master Plan

• The Planning Board’s checklists

• State and local agencies like the Canal Commission, NJ Water Supply Authority, and Historical Commission

Is this inevitable?

No — but it will be a fight – AND WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. The submitted plan will likely be hundreds of pages. Every claim and technical detail must be reviewed by boards, commissions, and the public. That’s why we need informed, organized, and persistent community involvement, which we currently are building with our SOUL group.

Final Thought

John Connors was right: these properties haven’t changed in over 100 years. But that doesn’t mean we need to make up for “lost time” by approving one massive development that could alter the soul of Lambertville forever.

We live here. The developers and contractors don’t.

It’s our responsibility to speak up, stay engaged, and protect what makes Lambertville unique. 

Help us save the town that we love!