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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Economical development continues in Wilkes-Barre Township with the announcement that a new hotel is planned near the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.
Tom Zedolik, township zoning and code enforcement officer, said developer Minu Desai of Allentown has submitted a development application for Sigma Hospitality Wilkes-Barre LLP, to construct a Home2 Suites by Hilton — a four-story hotel with 106 rooms on 4.21 acres of land adjacent to the Highland Park Senior Living facility.
When reached Wednesday, Desai confirmed that he has filed the development application. According to the company’s website, Home2 Suites offers large units with kitchens and are usually rented for extended periods of time.
Zedolik said Desai is seeking a height variance because the township zoning only allows for a maximum of three-story buildings, but has granted approval for four-story buildings in the past.
The matter will go before the township planning commission on Sept. 9 at 5:30 p.m. If approved, the township zoning hearing board will consider the matter on Sept. 10 at 6 p.m., Zedolik said.
Zedolik said there has been a demand for hotel rooms in recent years. He said large conventions, like the recent events held at the arena by Jehovah’s Witnesses, are attended by hundreds of people.
“Many of them had to stay in the Allentown area,” Zedolik said. “The hotels in Luzerne County are mostly full all the time.”
In May, it was announced that a new Residence Inn also will be built near the Mohegan Sun Arena on Highland Park Boulevard — a four-story, 110-room hotel that will face Interstate 81. Zedolik said the property is owned by Singh Realty.
In other township news, Zedolik said he expects the new Chick-fil-A full-service restaurant on Highland Boulevard to open in mid- to late September.
Zedolik said work is progressing at the 110 Schechter Drive site that will transform the building into a full-service Chick-fil-A restaurant that will feature drive-thru service.