Zoning Board To Discuss Proposed Route 10 Hotel Again

The controversial Springhill Suites proposal is slated to take center stage when the Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment continues to deliberate the matter during its Wednesday night meeting. 

Kamsad Giri LLC, a Morristown company with business interests in Morris County, has applied for variances to permit the construction of a four-story Marriott Springhill Suites hotel and a restaurant at the intersection of Glacier Drive and Route 10. What's known as the would straddle two zoning districts, one residential, the other commercial. As such, it would require variances to allow the zones to be consolidated, as well as variances to supersede zoning rules mandating allowable height, use and impervious soil coverage. 

Developers say the project would sit on about 3.2 acres. The new hotel would have 103 guest rooms. A separate structure would house the restaurant, which is described as a fast-casual eatery akin to Applebee's.

On April 20, when the zoning board last discussed the matter, the project's engineer said the proposed hotel/restaurant complex would cause minimal disturbance to the area. Steven Bolio of Chester-based Ferriero Engineering Inc. added that builders will plant 10- to 12-feet-tall evergreen trees to provide buffering for nearby residences.

Area homeowners provided testimony that differed from that of the developers and their representatives. 

Dan Leggett of Glacier Drive pointed out that contrary to Bolio's testimony, he can see the top of the existing Red Roof Inn from his home during the winter. He said he suspects a new four-story building would be seen as well.

Another area resident, Tom Vogelman, said he worried about the effect the proposed hotel would have on residents' property values.

When testimony continues this week, the project's architect and engineer are expected to address concerns over drainage, height, potential odor from dumpsters and the possibility of noise created by proposed rooftop compressors.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment, according to the municipal website, is scheduled to meet Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.