Northgate Resort Ventures LLC plans to develop an RV park on the grounds of a longtime summer camp, garnering around 300 guests at a time over six months a year. According to a report, the company is now seeking approval for a special permit from Hinsdale Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) that would allow it to acquire and invest between $10 million and $15 million to improve Camp Emerson.
This summer, Northgate introduced a plan to add Hinsdale (Berkshire County, Massachusetts) to its national portfolio of 19 camping spots. Northgate executives and consultants presented their case on July 28 to the town’s Planning Board before an auditorium full of town officials and worried neighbors.
In August, officials advised Northgate that the business required approval not from the Planning Board but from the ZBA.
Northgate’s latest application was received on October 18 and was made available to the public on Friday. Bob Graves, the town administrator, said the ZBA will have its first meeting regarding the application prior to Thanksgiving. A follow-up session will be scheduled three weeks after. There are no specific dates scheduled yet.
Tessa McCrackin, a spokeswoman for Northgate, said the company is “hoping for an expeditious review.”
Graves said that residents can submit questions regarding the project based on the guidelines set out by the ZBA chair.
In its latest application, Northgate says it will implement measures to regulate lighting and noise on the property, avoid traffic congestion, and protect the town’s water supply as well as various infrastructures. The application says it will restrict access to Plunkett Lake to the same levels as currently permitted by Camp Emerson.
Hinsdale has hired DPC Engineering LLC to examine Northgate’s plans for managing the property’s water and sewer needs. Innovative Data LLC will examine how traffic would be affected by the 317-site Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park business.