After the withdrawal of CAMPGROUNDS, under § 123-13. Campgrounds and Hospitality Use Regulations., they submitted a NEW Special Use Permit (SUP) application for "TOURIST CABINS" that fall under the Town's Zoning for SUMMER COTTAGE COLONIES (also under
§ 123-13.), now known as HUDSON HIDEAWAYS, a wellness retreat.

 

The Summer Cottage Colonies zoning is much less restrictive (1 page) than Campground regulations (6 pages plus), eliminating protections for the environment, community and residents. Nonetheless, the proposal is the same footprint, as the campground, with the same concerns. How is that possible? See attached pdf of code.

 

This proposal is currently before the Planning Board, pending approval/denial of the Special Use Permit. If approved, the permit will allow them to operate “seasonal” (up to 8 contiguous months per annum).  The plan is the same footprint as the previously proposed campground, with the number of cabins reduced from 47, to 39, to 36, to 24 (18 will be one-bedroom cabins while 6 will be two-bedroom cabins) and the 1800 sq. ft. maintenance building (now called "the Barn") that houses a 2-bedroom apartment and will now be two stories. 

 

For the purposes of analyzing cumulative environmental impacts under SEQRA, we have

included an additional 8 cabins in a second phase. Cabin amenities will include cedar soaking tubs + Solo Stoves for 16 cabins. The remaining 8 cabins will have a cold plunge + electric cedar barrel sauna. See attached pdf of code.

 

Calling this a “wellness retreat” is simply nothing but a trendy phrase used to make the project appear to be an attractive addition to our Town.  However, there is nothing in the plan that exemplifies what comes to mind in a "wellness retreat".  It is simply 24 clustered cabins, that resemble custom designed shipping containers, bordered by single family dwelling units. 

 

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