Are there plenty of hotels serving visitors to the Northtown Center in Amherst?

Or not enough?

That was the central question before the Amherst Town Board on Monday -- as debate continued on whether to rezone three acres at the ice rink complex so a developer can build a four-story, 105-room Hampton by Hilton hotel.

Michele Marconi, the first of six speakers during a public hearing, said a "quick Google search" reveals dozens of hotels in close proximity and a short driving distance from the complex, which frequently hosts regional and national hockey tournaments.

"There is clearly no lack of hotel capacity in this area," she said.

But the proposal also has supporters, particularly in the ice hockey community.

Norm Page, sled hockey representative to USA Hockey and the only speaker in favor of the project, told the Town Board a hotel at Northtown Center would be convenient for skaters with disabilities who are using one of the center's three adaptive rinks.

"To have this hotel gives us the access these kids deserve," he said.

The Town Board unanimously agreed to hold off on making a decision until Oct. 30.

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