Cretella proposed a resort complex called the Landing on a mixed residential and commercial block of North Main Street. It would have 36 guest rooms, space for two artists-in-residence, and a public walkway along the river.

Stagnitto and other critics said the walkway would frequently be underwater due to rising tides. They also took issue with the size, location, and elements of the proposal that called for moving two existing structures and demolishing part of one.

Cretella withdrew the proposal last month. “I’m only paused. I’m never defeated,” he said during an interview from his North Jersey office. “I have invested $2.5 million toward ownership of this property, in stages, and I am proceeding.”

The New Hope Borough Council, he said, ”is made up of people who have an agenda that is not in favor of any more development.”Developers ‘with good intentions’ welcome

“If that’s his opinion, fine,” council president Ken Maisel said. “But I wouldn’t entirely agree with it.”

He described New Hope as “a little town that has found burgeoning development to be a blessing and maybe a curse at times.” Developers “who have good intentions and are willing to work within the guidelines” would be welcome.

First-term council member Kelly Whitman said she sees development as “a challenge,” rather than a problem.

“It’s great that people want to move here and start new businesses and expand their businesses here,” she said. “Welcoming new businesses and residents and historic preservation don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

Said second-term council member Louise Feder: “I completely understand where [development opponents] are coming from ... about the scope and scale of development.

“We have to be mindful when we try to decide what the future of the town is going to be. I don’t think that means we’re antidevelopment.”A parking garage rejected

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