South Whitehall Solicitor Joseph Zator had good news for supporters of the King George Inn who gathered at the Oct. 2 commissioners' meeting.

The 1755 building has been proposed for demolition in a commercial plan by developer Atul Patel who wants to put a bank, restaurant and drug store at the site and its adjoining acreage in Dorneyville.

Zator reported on a meeting which included Patel and his attorney, property owner Cliff McDermott and his attorney, township Manager Jon Hammer and himself.

"Mr. Patel was receptive to concerns of the residents and the board," Zator said. "He will go and see if there is a way for the inn to be preserved.

"Destruction is not imminent. No demolition permit has been issued."

He said Patel wants to work with his engineer and attorney to review ideas that could lead to preservation of the Colonial tavern, but no promises were made.

The board received a letter from Lehigh County commissioners supporting adaptive re-use of the King George Inn within the planned development.

Nancy Lloyd, co-chair of the Friends for the Preservation of the King George Inn, asked commissioners to pursue a municipal curative amendment because no historic preservation ordinances were in place when the 2009 comprehensive plan was adopted.

"This would head off demolition," Lloyd said.

Lloyd presented items from the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code regarding curative amendments, mentioned stormwater issues at the site and presented examples of adaptive uses of historic buildings elsewhere.

Former state representative Joe Zeller, of Lowhill Township, suggested the King George be remodeled as a restaurant, thereby avoiding the need for zoning variances.

"We don't want our children to forget what made this a great nation," Zeller said.

Lloyd recommended the inn be adapted for use as a extended-stay hotel.

"It was probably an extended-stay hotel for many years in its history," Lloyd said. "This would maximize the use of the property. It could be attractive, if restored to its original appearance."

With Lehigh Valley Hospital nearby, the King George could become a place for people to stay while family members are in the hospital, she suggested.

"This would bring in tax money for South Whitehall and revenue for Mr. Patel," Lloyd said. "We would like him to be successful."