John Mason is reporting in the Register-Star the Redburn Development proposal to build a 55-room hotel in Hudson's southern waterfront district was unanimously granted a use variance by the city's Zoning Board of Appeals, Wed., Mar. 16. This makes the zoning change moved forward by Common Council earlier this week unnecessary for this project. During the public hearing before the ZBA vote Wednesday, Redburn's John Blackburn discussed project details. He said the renovation the building would maintain the historic character of the 150-year-old former factory, and would not include any large branding signs. The smallest rooms will measure 350 square feet. Limited services will be offered and the hotel will not have a restaurant. The proposed design includes a rooftop, enclosed-glass patio. Mike Tucker, interim director of the Columbia Economic Development Corp., said the hotel would contribute to tourism and “create a critical mass to enable other businesses to create opportunities.” The project now advances to the city Planning Board for site plan approval in April. Read the full story in the Register-Star.