POTSDAM, N.Y. -- The proposal to build a new hotel on Market Street in Potsdam took a step forward Thursday night.

A public hearing was held to determine whether the hotel should be given a zoning variance to exceed the village's height limit on structures. The hotel would be built on the current site of two popular Potsdam attractions, Scoopachino's and Ton's Sports Bar, both of which would be knocked down.

This was the first formal chance the public had to let village officials know their opinion on the project, but no one took advantage of it.

"The next part of the process, as far as the village is concerned, is for the developer to secure a building permit and to do that they will need to submit a set of plans and specifications to our code enforcement officer," said Fred Hanss, Potsdam planning director.

The zoning board of appeals was unable to vote on the variance Thursday due to a lack of members, but will meet in two weeks to consider the proposal.