Construction of Hotel Hamilton, adjacent to the former King George Inn, Dorneyville, has been delayed going into a second year due to location of a stormwater pipe connection on the premises of The Shops at Cedar Point.

South Whitehall Planner Gregg Adams explained the situation to The Press.

“There is only a swale there now which goes to a stormwater inlet,” Adams said. “To put in a proper stormwater system, they must go on The Shops’ property to do anything.

“The Shops changed ownership, which added a layer of complexity. They had to start the process all over again with new management.

“They were pushed back to square one and are negotiating with The Shops for access.”

Hotel developer Atul Patel received approval from South Whitehall commissioners two years ago to proceed with the project along Hamilton Boulevard.

Plans include a 100-room extended stay hotel, pharmacy and bank, plus preservation of the King George Inn for readaptive use as office space.

Situated on 5.36 acres bordered on the north and east by the City of Allentown, the development will have 192 parking spaces.

When Patel presented his original plans for the site some years ago, he intended to demolish the King George Inn.

In September 2013, residents filled the South Whitehall Township meeting room and expressed dismay at the thought of losing the Colonial tavern built in 1755.

Their outcry was so intense, commissioners, staff and Patel agreed to work together to try to keep the inn.

Adams said some work was done to stabilize the structure under Patel’s stewardship.

In the original plan, the drainage collection system would have been in the spot where the King George Inn stands.

Newton Engineering presented a stormwater outline in 2016 which allows the inn to remain in place with some piping crossing shopping center property.

Adams said the developer needs only about four to six feet to make a connection over The Shops’ territory.

He explained Patel and his representatives have been approaching the township for help.

“We’re favorable of the project but it is a private deal which involves legal agreements between two property owners,” Adams said.

At their Jan. 17 meeting, commissioners granted a one-year extension for the Hotel Hamilton team to submit a complete final plan application.