A new cigar bar may make its way to Downtown Easton. Larry Holmes Jr. , the son of former pro boxer Larry Holmes , proposed a luxury cigar bar and lounge in Downtown Easton to the city’s Planning Commission.
According to the resolution, the cigar bar will include live entertainment and a private chef’s kitchen. The full kitchen would offer chef tastings, culinary demonstrations and private dining events. It would be located at 154-156 Northampton St.
, and the location is currently vacant. The project will go before the Zoning Hearing Board. Holmes Jr.
will need a variance to proceed, due to a zoning ordinance that prohibits retail specialty establishments from being located within 1,000 feet of any other retail specialty establishment. This means other businesses of similar retail, such as Cigarette Outlet on Northampton Street, may be too close in proximity, according to the ordinance. The zoning district where the address is located allows for retail speciality use by special exception , the resolution says.
The resolution recommends the zoning hearing board grant the project this special exception. It states that the plan is generally consistent with the comprehensive plan and city codes, as long as the board grants the special exception and any additional concerns are addressed. The Zoning Hearing Board will meet at 6 p.
m. on Monday, Aug. 19 at City Hall.
Holmes Jr. deferred comment on the project to lehighvalleylive.com until after Monday’s meeting.
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