Lambertville/New Hope Chamber of Commerce Announces Events – Free Parking

The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and the Lambertville Chamber of Commerce encourage neighbors and friends to come back and shop. All but a few businesses are back up and running after the flood. To help celebrate the speedy recovery of the river towns and to promote all of May’s events, both New Hope and Lambertville Borough Councils approved free parking from April 25th through May 1st.

“The businesses of Lambertville and New Hope look forward to the spring and summer shopping seasons and want all to know that the cities are alive and well: we welcome one and all to enjoy our restaurants, lodging, art galleries, fine shops and hope that the week of free parking will help jump-start our season,” says Lambertville Chamber president, Tom Martin. “The businesses in town have gone through a lot in the past year with a bridge closing and two floods, Borough Council recognizes this and wants to help promote a strong summer season. It’s a great time to visit and enjoy town,” says New Hope Chamber president, Brian Fitting.

Upcoming area events include: Free parking-April 25th –May 1st, Sculpture New Hope – April 30th, Somewhere Over the Rainbow – May 13 – May 15, the 24th Annual Shad Festival - May 21 and 22, New Hope History Day - May 22, and Memorial Day Weekend - May 28 through 30. For more information on these events, go to www.NewHopeChamberofCommerce.org, www.lambertville.org and www.newhopecelebrates.com.

PA Canal Path Update

River Road (Route 32) Update -- At this time, most all of River Road has
re-opened after the most recent flooding. Businesses from Bristol to New
Hope and up to Riegelsville, with few exceptions, are open and eagerly
awaiting spring and summer visitors. Please do not hesitate to recommend
scenic River Road (Route 32) to guests visiting our area. It is still a
spectacular drive and a highlight to any visit to Bucks County.

There are two sections of River Road that remain closed and will require
that traffic detour around it. The first is located in Washington Crossing,
from the intersection of Route 532 up through the intersection with
Taylorsville Road (map 1). The Washington Crossing Park, the David Library
of the American Revolution, and Café Marcella’s are open for business. This
section of River Road will remain closed until sometime in 2006.

The other section includes River Road (Rt. 32) north of Bridgeton
Hill/Marienstein Road and south of the Rts. 32 and 611 intersection (map 2).
The many shops, inns, and restaurants located in this stretch remain open
for business. Trucks are required to detour from River Road on Bridgeton
Hill/Marienstein Road to Route 611, but all other traffic may proceed past
the Road Closed signs and continue along River Road to Narrows Hill/Center
Hill Road. The Indian Rock Inn is located just past this intersection and
is a great stopping point for travelers. Just past the Indian Rock Inn, the
road is closed and will remain closed through most of the summer. Narrows
Hill/Center Hill also connects with Route 611 and can be used in lieu of
Marienstein/Bridgeton Hill Road.

Towpath Update -- The Towpath is closed from Easton to Upper Black Eddy. It
is open from Upper Black Eddy to the Golden Pheasant (approx. 6 miles). It
is closed from the Golden Pheasant to the David Library of the American
Revolution in Washington Crossing. It is open from Washington Crossing to
Bristol (approx. 18 miles).

Lambertville and New Hope Recovery

After the recent flooding from the spring rains, Lambertville and New Hope have quickly started and completed recovery. Very quickly, shops and restaurants have reopen one after another. Inspections have been completed to ensure the safety of the free bridge and local water supplies.

Although the devistation was very real and some residents and businesses will need much more work to return to normal, almost 95% of all area businesses and attractions are open.

This weekend was a beautiful spring weekend with warm weather and sunny skies. Normally both Lambertville and New Hope would be full with activity, however many people must still have the river water in their memory and are not venturing out. I assure you, we're ready for you. We at the Bridgestreet House and many other businesses were not affected AT ALL by the flood.

So come on back out and join us to welcome spring!