Warwick developer plans Pulpit Rock Inn project

Find a need and fill it.

Three years ago Warwick resident, business owner and developer Stephen Kitar purchased the property, just shy of 10 acres, along West Street identified by the prominent formation known as "Pulpit Rock"

Pointing to a photograph of that landmark, taken in 1900, Kitar explained that when that photo was taken, the population of Warwick was about 6,000 and there were four hotels.

"Today," he said, "there are almost 40,000 people and no hotels."

Kitar argues that having accommodations in the town for visitors is essential to the economy and that Warwick, with all its attractions, apple picking, street fairs and the like has become a major tourist destination.

Unfortunately there are insufficient accommodations for those who would like stay overnight.

"They either drive home or they find a place to stay in another town," he said, "and that's where they eat out and spend their money."

To solve that problem, Kitar plans to build, what he has named, "Pulpit Rock Inn," a project to build six cottage-type units and a central inn type accommodation, no higher than two stories and similar to the Residents Inn he visited in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia.

It includes preserving Pulpit Rock as part of its design.

Kitar also plans to improve the remaining seven acres as a picturesque park, including a dog walk, extending down to the Wawayanda Creek.

"What I plan to build is not a motel," he said. "I live here with my family and our home is nearby. I understand the historic significance of this area and the beautiful buildings that were part of its history. And my project will seamlessly incorporate that into this community without compromising its character. It can be constructed in a way to compliment local history and heritage."

Kitar anticipated questions and objections about the historic or possibly sacred site significance of Pulpit Rock.

To help clear the path for his development he contracted for historic, archeological, environmental and traffic studies, all of which found no impediments to its development.

"The results," he said, "are all available for public viewing in the Town Hall."

The land is zoned for this type of project and residents can follow the application appearance dates before the town planning board by checking the calendar on www.townofwarwick.org.