Bud Newton, engineer for the Hotel Hamilton development, reports the project is stalled due to lack of access to a culvert on the adjacent Cedar Point shopping center.

Proposed for a 5.3-acre parcel on the northeast corner of the intersection of Hamilton and Cedar Crest boulevards in Dorneyville, plans include an extended stay hotel, a bank and drug-store, both drive-thru, and parking.

Preservation of the King George Inn on the site is proposed.

Newton’s firm presented a drainage plan for the property to South Whitehall commissioners a year ago, detailing a stormwater management design to control flooding during heavy rains.

However, at the Feb. 1 meeting, Newton reported he has been unable to obtain permission to tap into the Cedar Point culvert.

He learned the shopping center is now owned by Developers of Diversified Real Estate.

“They’ve been silent since a meeting in September,” Newton said.

“There is a lack of communication.

“We may not be able to save the King George Inn without this culvert.”

The culvert will enable the drainage system to protect the King George but DDR must give the OK for it, Newton explained.

He asked commissioners for an extension of preliminary approval for the Hotel Hamilton subdivision.

Solicitor Joseph Zator commented on the matter.

“The King George is not just a South Whitehall resource, it’s a Lehigh Valley resource,” Zator said.

Board President Christina “Tori” Morgan suggested township staff and the parties involved get together to discuss the issue.

“We want them to understand the importance of this project and their role in it,” Morgan said.

Commissioners approved a resolution granting an extension for the project.