Revolutionary Trenton needs a hotel and a plan for drawing visitors [L.A. PARKER COLUMN]

Reading the latest OpEd “Growth in Action” by Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora produced images of Sir Elton John wearing signature rose-colored glasses.

John rocked various eyewear frames all with the same tint that matches the Gusciora inference that — “It’s Always Rosy in Trenton.”

By the way, on background, Elton John sold out the Sovereign Bank Arena in April 2000. Those were the good old days when Trenton had a chance wielded by punchers to make a comeback.

Ten words from one Gusciora sentence caused gag reflex. Stand back and cover your footwear.

“A developer has been chosen to redevelop the downtown hotel,” Gusciora noted. Had Mayor Gusciora made that announcement in July 2018 when he first took office, it would have sounded like he had a plan or clue. Seven years later he champions a hotel as critical to the revitalization of downtown.

This guy throws diddly poo against walls in a whimsical attempt to play catch up. Whatever happens now in the hotel space lurks as untimely, unable to coincide with Semiquincentennial celebrations set for 2026.

Read this portion of a column from April 2023:

This capital city will never, ever, enjoy real revitalization without a functioning, money-making hotel. In fact, it’s amazing how current Mayor Reed Gusciora and Mayor Eric Jackson, his predecessor, did not put this at the top of their to-do list. One well-run city hotel could change Trenton in a New York minute.

A December 2023 piece added:

If you buy into a belief that a hotel combined with a vigorous sell of Trenton history can revitalize downtown, then consider these dreams. First, let’s identify key historic sites in and around the city.

“Winds of Change” Declaration of Independence Reading Mural: 23 S. Warren St.

Washington Crossing The Delaware Statue: S. Montgomery St., near Mill Hill Park

Abraham Hunt House Site: W. State St. and N. Warren St.

Trenton Battle Monument: N Warren St. and Tucker St.

St. Mary’s Cathedral: 151 North Warren St.

Presbyterian Church Cemetery: 114 East State St.

John Fitch’s Gun Shop: 149 North Warren St.

St. Michaels’ Church: 140 North Warren St.

Assunpink Creek

Old Barracks Museum: 101 Barrack St.

William Trent House Museum: 15 Market St.

Friends Meeting House & Cemetery: 143 East Hanover St.

Second Battle of Trenton Site: S. Broad St. and Factory St.

Mill Hill Park

Alexander Douglass House: 165 East Front St.

Original Site of the Alexander Douglass House: 189 S. Broad St.

Washington’s Route Markers: 12 Obelisks Marking Wallington’s Route from Trenton to Princeton

One West State Street Building / Site of the Thirteen Stars Tavern / French Arms Tavern / City Tavern: 1 W. State St.

Trenton Ferry Site: Bloomsbury St. near Bridge St.

Washington Triumphal Arch Site: South Broad St. and Lafayette St.

Trenton Public Library: 120 Academy St.

Thomas Edison State College, Wyeth George Washington Mural: 101 W. State St.

South River Walk Park: Near Waterfront Park, Along the Delaware River

Smarter minds than mine could coordinate walking, bicycle and transport tours to these destinations. Restaurants will be in great need for guests who can enjoy weekend stays inside the hotel.

Imagine Patriots Week with a hotel. Right? Packed with visitors who will enjoy the reenactment of Gen. George Washington crossing the Delaware River then return to the hotel for warmth, comfort, drinks, meals, etc.

Plus, guests in Trenton can enjoy historic sites in other Mercer County towns. A personal dream includes bus junkets to Philadelphia and Valley Forge National Historical Park. People, both are less than an hour from Trenton.

Only Philadelphia can match Trenton history but this city holds the trump card — The First Battle of Trenton, a small strategic victory for the Continental Army but one that revitalized the revolutionary cause.

Trenton revitalization and revolution requires a successful hotel and events that not only attract visitors but keeps them coming back.

L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.