Developer seeks OK for hotel

By Peter Goonan

05/13/2008- The Republican

SPRINGFIELD - A developer is seeking a special permit for construction of a six-story, 98-room Hampton Inn hotel on East Columbus Avenue in the South End.

The City Council has a public hearing scheduled on May 27 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall to consider the special permit request sought by Dinesh Patel, manager of 66 Springfield LLC.

The hotel is proposed at the Balise Hyundai property on East Columbus Avenue between Norwood Street and Gardner Street. The property totals 58,504 square feet.

The special permit is needed because the building will exceed four stories and 60 feet in height, which is the maximum height allowed in the zone without a permit. The plans indicate the building is 67 feet high.

Patel could not be reached for comment.

Brian M. Connors, deputy director of economic development, said the hotel plan is another positive sign for Springfield.

"We are always encouraged when a national company wants to come in and invest in Springfield," Connors said. "This is certainly a significant investment."

A key point is how the hotel will fit in with the South End neighborhood and benefit local businesses there and attractions along the Connecticut River, Connors said.

"It will bring new jobs to the area and is another indication of the demand on the riverfront and the East Columbus Avenue," Connors said.

The total cost of the project was not available yesterday.

The site is just south of the closed Wendy's restaurant, and is just north of the Mobil gas station on East Columbus Avenue. It includes rear lots at 32-34 Norwood St., 22-24 Norwood St., and adjacent parcels on Norwood and Gardner streets.

The owner of the property is listed as Columbus Avenue Realty LLC, with James E. Balise Jr. listed as manager. Balise could not be reached for comment yesterday.

The news of the hotel breaks as the Boston-based development firm, Connolly and Partners, submitted a mixed-use proposal for a six-story office building at 13-31 Elm St., in the downtown, that includes a suites-style hotel. Connors said the hotels differ in style.