EASTON, Pa. — A new luxury cigar bar and lounge with some serious legendary Easton-area backing may be headed to Northampton Street following the planning commission’s recommendation for a special exception.
Wednesday’s planning commission session saw authorities recommend a special exception for 154-156 Northampton St., a currently unoccupied building SERHANT Real Estate Luxury Specialist Larry Holmes Jr. intends to turn into a high-end cigar bar and lounge.
For the project to move forward, the developers will need a variance due to zoning which prevents a retail specialty establishment from being within 1,000 feet of another.
At the moment, 154-156 Northampton St. has five specialty establishments nearby: Jack’s Market at 222 Northampton, Puff Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco Products at 210 Northampton, a Cigarette Outlet at 170 Northampton, Lu-Co Tobacco, Beer & Wine at 204 Northampton, and a Fine Wine & Good Spirits at 111 Northampton.
“Staff believes this use is vastly different from what those stores offer customers."Planning Administrator Carl Langes
“Staff believes this use is vastly different from what those stores offer customers," Planning Administrator Carl Langes said at the start of the session.
"Therefore, staff advocates the planning commission’s recommendation to the zoning hearing board for granting the special exception request to Larry Holmes Jr. for the proposed use at 154-156 Northampton Street."
Unique features
Holmes said the idea is to offer “a unique experience with a cigar bar and lounge,” featuring a “world-class cigar selection, an impressive drink menu, and a private chef’s kitchen,” as Manges read from the application.
The kitchen would also be available for culinary demonstrations and private dining events, and live music would be presented on a regular basis. Holmes also said they were exploring the procurement of a liquor license for the establishment.
An access point from the back of the building would lead into a dining area sans cigar smoke, Holmes later said.
Memberships would also be available, with tiers for casual smokers, everyday smokers, and corporate accounts intended for networking. Benefits may include reserved seating and access to special events, Holmes said, and perhaps even exclusive special-edition merchandise.
“So what we're trying to do is kind of fall in line with what the city is already doing here in Easton, which is redeveloping, rebuilding, and creating a very unique and welcoming community."Larry Holmes Jr.
“So what we're trying to do is kind of fall in line with what the city is already doing here in Easton, which is redeveloping, rebuilding, and creating a very unique and welcoming community," Holmes said. "I think there's a lot of cigar smokers and aficionados in the area, and a lot of people that enjoy world-class entertainment, and we want to be able to offer that to them, so I ask for your recommendation and approval to open Legends Cigar Bar."
One of the factors that appeared to get the commission on board with Holmes was his mission not to simply sell cigars but create an atmosphere where people can “come in, relax, hang out, enjoy their cigar, have a drink, have some snacks or some food, and really enjoy the experience.”
The commissioners had only a few quick questions on the matter, voicing mild concerns over ventilation, which will be a requirement due to city codes, and a few other minor details Holmes was able to address.
Commissioner Hubert Etchison suggested to Holmes that he consider alternative energy sources, like solar panels, once renovations are underway.
Holmes responded that the idea has been presented to the building owner and is “up for debate.”
The exception was ultimately granted with the stipulation that any substantial change would necessitate a full review, and will move forward to the zoning hearing board in the near future.
