[UPDATE] Flemington Union Hotel

by: Jeff Doshna

Fri Mar 25, 2011 at 07:43:38 AM EDT

Last week, I wrote a long-ish piece on redevelopment efforts at the Flemington Union Hotel.  Remember that two redeveloper candidates were being considered -- one who had a contract to buy the Hotel, obtain a liquor license, restore the property to its former use, and had the overwhelming support of the public.  And the other candidate team, who wanted to build apartments, and was looking for tax abatements, eminent domain  -- and was recommended by the committee headed by the newly-elected mayor.

Well, as they say, the people have spoken. And this time someone was paying attention.

As reported late yesterday online at nj.com, the second team has withdrawn from consideration.  In a letter to the Borough Council, (as quoted in the article), they say,

"A project of this importance to Flemington must have substantial support from the town council and the community at large" and that "it has become clear to us the second group's proposed hotel concept has struck an emotional chord with the community. We also recognize, it is near impossible to combat said emotions with business proformas, charts and schedules no matter how realistic, professional and well-done they may be."

"Although we have serious concerns about the marketability of the hotel concept, we find it necessary to withdraw from the Union Hotel redevelopment process. We will put our support behind the other team and aid them whenever possible," the letter said.

Well, I never said that they had to be entirely gracious about it.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.  -- Margaret Mead