A proposed luxury camping project in Horicon, N.Y., is sparking concerns among residents and prompting efforts to draft regulations for mountaintop and hillside development.
According to an article published by Adirondack Explorer on August 4, the effort follows a series of property purchases and tree clearing by developer Jacob J. Weaver, who in recent years acquired 67 acres atop Pine Mountain and 15 acres closer to Brant Lake with beach rights.
Weaver, who develops “glamping” retreats, received town approval for a single-family residence on the mountaintop parcel but has also built a road and placed a small one-room structure.
Weaver’s company, WYLDBNB, has also promoted plans online for up to eight glamping sites and two pavilions on the mountain, as well as eight additional sites and two pavilions nearer to the lake.
The proposals have sparked concerns in the community. Horicon Zoning Administrator Craig Leggett said the proposal has generated a “stir.” among residents. Douglas Schultz, who chairs a nine-member committee, said the group plans to propose rules on hillsides development.
“None of us want to see the tops of the mountains cleared and have a glass house up there for the benefit of one or two people and at the detriment of the other 500 people on the lake,” Schultz said.
Weaver, 37, said his plans for Horicon are not finalized. “People typically assume the worst with a developer,” he said. “That’s not who I am. Glamping is on an upward trend. Look at all these old hotels that are run down. What I want to build is unique and world class.”
Originally from the Capital Region, Weaver has developed projects in Montana, Vermont, and other states, including a planned 46-site campground in Indian Lake on the former Wakely Lodge Golf Course.
In Horicon, residents indicate their concerns focus on clear-cutting atop Pine Mountain. Weaver said the work removed downed trees to create an emergency vehicle turnaround after a tornado.
Stephen Mullins, chairman of the town’s Planning Board, said current zoning regulations focus on lakeside development. “It’s pretty much the wild west when it comes to ridge tops,” he said.
The APA has also notified Weaver that it intends to inspect his Horicon site to determine whether a permit is needed for tourist accommodations and for clearing more than 25 acres.
Weaver said he will hold a community meeting if he decides to pursue the Horicon project.