The Caroga Planning Board convened a public hearing to gather input on a proposed campground and pub along state Route 10. The Planning Board is scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. to decide on the project’s approval.
The project, known as the Royal View Pub Pavilion and Campground, sparked mixed reactions among board members and residents, with discussions centering on regulatory requirements and potential community benefits.
The Royal View project, proposed by local entrepreneur Greta Frasier and Code Enforcement Officer Anthony Fancher, includes plans for a 27-lot mixed-use campground and an accompanying pub.
At the outset of the meeting, Planning Board member Lynne Delesky expressed reservations about holding the hearing without a comprehensive review of the project materials. She voiced concerns about the board’s preparedness, citing the recent arrival of documents critical to the project’s evaluation.
“I am opposed to having a public [hearing] tonight,” Delesky stated, as reported by The Leader-Herald on January 13. “There’s a lot of information to review, and we did not have all of it. I strongly believe that we should’ve had a public [hearing] down the road so we can have a meeting to review all of the information — a lot of which just appeared in front of me tonight.”
Board Chairman Al Kozakiewicz defended the decision to proceed with the public hearing, arguing that community feedback was essential for a thorough assessment of the project. He emphasized the importance of transparency and public participation in the planning process.
“The idea was that we should have a public hearing so the public can understand what the project is, and make their comments,” Kozakiewicz explained. “We need that as part of the information we need moving forward.”
Frasier clarified that the project would occupy only four acres of an 80-acre parcel. Frasier also noted that the pub would operate year-round, while the campground would be open seasonally. The plan aims to cater to both locals and tourists seeking an Adirondack experience.
Despite adjustments to the project’s design to align with Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and town regulations, concerns remain. The primary issue raised by board members and residents pertains to the need for a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), a requirement for large-scale land development projects.
Former Planning Board alternate Anita McMartin Long also highlighted the absence of an SWPPP in the current proposal. She underscored the importance of such measures in mitigating environmental risks associated with the development.
“I support responsible development and a fair process,” McMartin Long stated. “But when we dive into the details of it, we’re not there yet. One of the things that came out of the last Planning Board meeting was that there was no stormwater prevention plan. Since the last meeting, we now know this project absolutely needs an [SWPPP].”
Delesky echoed these concerns, questioning whether the project would genuinely disturb less than one acre of land. She argued that the scope of the development necessitated a detailed environmental review.
However, not all board members agreed. Rick Gilmour pointed to a recent logging operation on the site, suggesting that the land’s prior disturbance should exempt it from SWPPP requirements.
Kozakiewicz proposed a motion to mandate an SWPPP for the project, but the motion failed to pass. Despite the lack of consensus, the meeting continued with comments from local residents, many of whom highlighted the potential economic benefits of the project.
One resident described the proposed development as a draw for visitors seeking an authentic Adirondack experience. “I feel like their impact on the land is so minuscule, and it’s such a benefit,” the resident said. “This is what people are traveling here for — that real Adirondack experience and to be able to give it to them.”
Another resident, who operates a local business, noted the economic challenges faced by businesses during the off-season. He expressed optimism that the project could help sustain local enterprises by extending the tourism season. “As a business owner, I’m missing probably three good months of business that this project.”
