MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The former Days Inn on the corner of Route 209 and Route 447 in Smithfield Township near East Stroudsburg could soon see new life.
Township Supervisor Jacob Pride says a developer has a vision for the property which has sat empty for several years.
"The developer indicated they do have an agreement with sheetz, the other three are conceptual and we are marking it as such, we are hoping other tenants will be interested as well," explained Pride.
Those other businesses proposed include a McDonald's, a Starbucks and other retail space, but no formal plans have been submitted to the township.
Pride says this project is in the early planning stages of development for the busy intersection.
"Rest assured we are going to see other safety and infrastructure changes, otherwise the current situation would not facilitate those types of uses on that corner," said Pride.
People who live in the area tell Newswatch 16 they have mixed opinions about the plans.
"One more gas station won't hurt, especially when you're coming out of New York City and New Jersey somewhere to refresh, get some gas and java, and move on," said Mark Matthews of East Stroudsburg.
Robert Forte moved to the area five years ago from Long Island. He says there's enough in the area right now.
"Too much traffic, too much congestion, too many people and I feel they're bringing that to the Poconos. I guess it's good for peoples business but for every day way of life, I'm not a fan," said Forte.
Half a mile away from the hotel on Route 209, you'll find the Smithfield Gateway project in full swing with medical offices, plans for a Wawa, and other retailers.
Supervisors say the two projects will add a boost to jobs.
"The worker gains that were made over the pandemic are still driving a very hot labor market right now and we are optimistic that will benefit our township," said Pride.
Plans also include tearing down another gas station next to the hotel. Currently, no date is set for demolition.