Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry The proposed location for a downtown riverfront hotel project. The City of Warren Redevelopment Authority discussed the project at a recent meeting.

City of Warren staff have been discussing the possibility of a downtown hotel for at least a year.

But just now opposition to the project is gaining steam.

The challenge for city staff looking to respond to objections? There’s no specific plan to protest.

It’s not even clear if there is a parcel large enough to contract a proposed Cobblestone Inn & Suites on the city’s riverfront.

“As has been pointed out to me on many occasions, we only hear from the people with a negative view. Without knowing the extent of the project, it’s hard to determine the potential impacts,” City Manager Nancy Freenock said in an email to city staff, council and other community leaders that was shared with the Times Observer

Is there a parcel large enough for the hotel?

“No answer to that question yet,” Freenock said.

Other potential sites have been discussed but none have met with the approval of the developer.

“What we are hearing, I believe, is an objection to the idea of constructing a hotel at Breezepoint,” Freenock said. “The proposed site will not impact parking on the lots adjacent to the garage.”

The city applied for federal grant funds – an application that was not successful – and Freenock said changes to that application were made in consultation with the businesses in the former Loranger building.

“At this point in time, the BUILD grant map is all that I have to work with,” she said. “The subdivision plans that were developed are protected by RTK (Right to Know law) and need modification. Also, given state stormwater requirements, it is unclear whether the proposed site will be viable.”

In the email, Freenock offered a couple arguments in support of the project.

“What better way to introduce visitors to the great town of Warren, than to have a place in the commercial core from which to explore all that we have to offer? I agree that Breezepoint is a beautiful spot. However, the city taxpayers support 22 parks. As they say in the real estate business, it’s all about location, location, location, a sentiment with which I am sure the Loranger tenants would agree.”