The Oneonta Town Board (New York) voted against a proposed one-year moratorium on new campgrounds. However, it has opened the door for potential zoning changes that could reshape the future of campground development in the area.
The board’s actions signal a nuanced approach to managing growth in the outdoor hospitality sector, balancing community concerns with the interests of campground and RV park owners.
As per a Daily Star report, the proposal for a moratorium emerged amid opposition from residents of the Lower Reservoir Road neighborhood to a planned campground on Clapper’s Maple Ridge Ranch. The ranch owners, Fred and Dana Clapper, have expressed their intention to create a seven-site farm stay on their 133-acre property, aiming to attract agritourism enthusiasts.
Despite rejecting the moratorium, the board approved a motion to hold a public hearing next month on proposed amendments to the town code affecting campground applications in residential-agricultural (RA) districts. This move indicates the board’s willingness to consider regulatory adjustments to address the concerns raised by both residents and developers.
The proposed zoning amendments, presented by board member Skylar Thompson, suggest that new campgrounds in RA zones would require parcels of at least 50 acres and be subject to a special use permit in addition to site plan approval. This proposal aims to ensure that new developments align with the town’s comprehensive plan and zoning codes, addressing concerns about environmental protection and community harmony.
The board is also considering a zoning map amendment to include campsites in the Planned Development District, a move that could facilitate the development of an RV campground on Birchwood Drive. This reflects the board’s broader strategy to guide the growth of the outdoor hospitality industry in a way that benefits both developers and the community.
During the same meeting, the board held a public hearing on a proposed law to ban overnight camping in public spaces and regulate the duration of stays in non-permanent residences on private property. Drafted by board member Kim Fierke, the law aims to address issues of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions by requiring a permit for any temporary occupancy exceeding seven days.
The board’s decisions reflect a complex balancing act between promoting the growth of the campground and RV park industry and addressing community concerns. For campground and RV park owners, outdoor hospitality operators, and industry stakeholders, these developments underscore the importance of engaging with local governance to shape policies that support sustainable growth and community well-being.