Texas Hold'em

Last night, I attended the Zoning Board Hearings at Borough Hall. Several Ward 2 residents had alerted me to a proposed expansion of the Amber Inn bar at Doyle St/Shewell Ave. The proposal would expand the Amber Inn into a second floor space to create a "Texas Hold'em" poker parlor and bar.


A non-conforming use as a poker parlor/bar is a difficult sell for the neighbors. The expansion on the building zoned "CR" (Commercial and Residential) could directly impact residential housing next door and across the street. Per vocal resident comments, there are already problems related to the existing Amber Inn and the proposed changes would simply be unacceptable. Underscoring these considerations, the hearing itself was actually an appeal of a prior Zoning Board decision. The proposal had already been rejected and the owner had failed to build community support.

I was encouraged to see such strong and spirited participation by residents. This feedback is critical in the context of Zoning Board decisions. Often the absence of the public comment is perceived as "support". Last night, the Shewell Ave residents made their voices heard. While the Zoning Board decision is still unknown, the public comment demonstrated a clear lack of support for the proposal.

For future Zoning Board Hearings, I will post agendas on the web site. I will also work to notify Ward 1 residents of development that may impact the character and fabric of our community.