Nov. 20--HERSHEY -- A proposed plan to build a 120-room hotel on East Chocolate Avenue is now in the hands of the Derry Township Zoning Hearing Board.

Last night, the board heard details about the plan during a public hearing. The board has 45 days to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

Developer Daniel Sheffy is seeking a special exception to build the hotel on a site that once housed the Frederick Chevrolet dealership at 515 E. Chocolate Ave. The dealership closed a few years ago.

The dealership was a nonconforming use under the township's zoning regulations. A hotel also would be a nonconforming use. In addition, Sheffy is seeking a variance to increase the floor-area ratio in the hotel from what is allowed under the township's ordinance.

Architect Keith D. Good of Calabrese Good Architects of Leola said the hotel will have a pool and sports court. The entrance or main lobby of the hotel would be a one-story portion on the east side of the site, while the portion with the rooms would be four stories tall, he said.

The site presented a challenge for the architects because it is a long, narrow property. However, Good said, a hotel on the site would be less detrimental than a car dealership and fits well with the surrounding properties.

Two residents raised some concerns about the proposal.

Resident Ray Manari said he had no objection to the hotel but was concerned that a hotel would increase traffic on East Chocolate Avenue.

"The car dealership closed at noon on Saturdays and was closed during holidays. The hotel will have more traffic on Saturdays and Sundays," he said.

Manari also raised concerns about sewer problems and the site's proximity to a golf course, which borders the north side of the site.

ChrisSholly@LDNews.com

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