A proposed controversial RV campground at the junction of routes 2 and 164 (Connecticut) will likely be the main topic of discussion for the Inland Wetlands and Planning and Zoning commissions this month.
Blue Camp CT LLC proposes a recreational resort campground located on three parcels that total approximately 65 acres belonging to the Mashantucket Tribal Nation. Maryland-based Blue Water Development Corp. created the company for this venture.
The land borders route 2 and abuts Avery Pond. The developer plans to construct a safari tent camping area, a floating dock, and an elevated boardwalk to allow access by golf cart to the campsites along the shore.
The 304-unit development, dubbed Bluewater Recreational Campground Resort at Avery Pond, comprises 104 drive-through RV campsites having 2,424 square feet of space, 169 back-in RV sites, each of which has 2,223 square feet of space, four compact RV sites measuring 1,819 square feet, and 27 safari tent campsites at least 1,500 square feet.
The proposed campground will be seasonally open from April 1 to October 31.
Alongside the camping areas, the development will also include a 5,000-square-foot welcome center, three 1,560-square-foot bathhouses, and a pavilion of 1,640 square feet. The maintenance building would be 3,350 square feet.
There will also be a 3,857-square-foot swimming pool, a 950-square-foot splash pad, a 1,800-square-foot volleyball court, a 5,033-square-foot playground, two 1,288-square-foot bocce areas, two 7,000-square-foot tennis courts, a 118-foot-long floating dock in Avery Pond, and a 12-foot-wide golf cart boardwalk to the safari tent area in the northwest portion of the site.
Also proposed are parking spaces and a private road system through the property.
Wetlands and planning commission members visited the property in December. They were joined by scores of Preston residents.
The wetlands commission opened a public hearing on the project on December 21. The commission will continue the hearing with residents scheduled to speak on January 18. The hearing will start around 8 p.m. at Preston Plains Middle School.
The PZC is scheduled to begin its public hearings at 7. p.m. on January 25 at Preston Plains Middle School.