Dear Neighbors, Friends, and Supporters,

We would like to thank you for all your work, support, and dedication in stopping the luxury hotel and “wedding mill” complex. We’re excited to share some great news and updates about the revitalization of the former Finkles Complex!

They listened to us—and progress on the new plan is in full swing. We can’t wait to see these changes when they are formally presented to the city. What we’re seeing so far are very positive proposals that can truly enhance our community:

• Lambert & Hope has just signed a lon-term lease for the former Finkles store and will be opening their doors in the new space this January! The owners are expanding their furniture offerings and product lines, bringing even more quality choices to our neighborhood. The store has already received a fresh coat of paint and will feature new lighting and flooring to create a vibrant shopping experience.   Plus, a separate retail space will be opening in the back section of the store with direct access to the towpath. We’re excited to announce that the original “Jos. Finkles and Son” sign will remain—a heartfelt homage to the family’s 105-year legacy.  In addition we understand:

• New “micro-shops” will be popping up “down the alley” toward the Boathouse and Revolution Grill, adding to the charm of Coryell Street.

• The current Lambert & Hope and lighting store spaces are attracting interest from potential new tenants—rumor has it more good things are coming.

• Plans are also in the works for the refurbishment of the historic Strand Theater, bringing even more life to our local arts scene.

The SOUL team is thrilled with these developments and remains committed to ensuring these community-minded proposals move forward. We will stay engaged, as there are still many pressing neighborhood and citywide issues that need attention.

Next on our agenda:

1. KHov Development and PILOT Program:
   We will stay involved in discussions about the impacts of the proposed 200-unit KHov development—especially advocating against the proposed PILOT program, which would drastically reduce or eliminate the tax contributions from this luxury development. That would ultimately raise taxes for existing residents who fund our schools, police, and infrastructure.

2. Updating the City Master Plan:
   Lambertville’s current Master Plan is outdated and needs a comprehensive update. We’ll be pushing City Council to begin this process as soon as possible to safeguard our community against overdevelopment, flooding, and traffic impacts. This revision is a time-consuming, lengthy and potentially expensive -- but essential -- process, that has continuously been deprioritized over the past many years.

3. Revising Zoning and Land Use Ordinances:
   We’ll urge the Mayor and Council to rewrite and update our city’s zoning and land use ordinances. Under current zoning, the hotel complex could have been approved. These ordinances must be updated to reflect today’s realities—especially the impacts of gentrification, traffic, parking, and flooding.

4. Immediate Zoning Updates:
   While the important and necessary Master Plan process move forward, we’ll also press for certain zoning changes right away. We can’t wait two years to act on urgent issues such as parking, stormwater management, and hotel placement ordinances .

We truly appreciate your continued support and engagement as we navigate these changes together. Stay tuned for more updates—and let’s keep building a vibrant, inclusive future for our neighborhood!

Warm regards,

The SOUL Team