Mayfield Neighbors, Entrepreneur Clash Over Proposed RV Park

Residents and an entrepreneur are at war over a proposed 300-lot RV park in Mayfield, New York.

According to a report, Lane Winney owns 83 acres at the southernmost point of Great Sacandaga Lake that cross into the Adirondack Park’s invisible Blue Line.

His property is located along a portion of the dead-end Woods Hollow Road where residents can enjoy natural beauty and peace, with the exception of some busy nights thanks to Lakeside Tavern and Marina at the end of the road. However, when Winney suggested the construction of a 300-lot RV park next to Michelle Kaplan, she and other neighbors got worried.

The plans are in their infancy, but Winney is hoping to get the RV facility in operation within two years.

However, neighbors are shaking their heads in disapproval. Kaplan and Christine Goossens hired Attorney Claudia Braymer to stop the plan. The issue is currently before the town’s planning board. Goossens and Kaplan, together with others in the area, are of the opinion that the campground could cause more noise and light pollution, traffic issues, and impact the natural environment.

Winney is now the subject of a lot of negative media attention as Kaplan created an online petition against the plan and has gathered over 1,000 signatures. Kaplan has created a website called Save Woods Hollow, where she has uploaded the latest application documents and communications. The website offers t-shirts for $30 with the slogan “Protect the Hollow” and an image showing the Great Sacandaga Lake. The proceeds go to “efforts to stop the RV Park,” according to the site.

However, Winney is determined to have his proposal approved. “We’re not going to bend over backwards for nonsense,” he said. “The planning board has brought up issues that I didn’t think of, that we have addressed. I think it’s basically going to be a wait and see.”

Winney is not a newcomer to southern Adirondacks. His family manages the 130-lot Dun Loggin Campground on the eastern shore of Great Sacandaga Lake.

Winney’s plans for 3425 Woods Hollow Road include a range of camping options including 213 RV sites, 32 glamping sites, 19 tent camping sites, and 13 sites for primitive camping. Winney admitted that he could have planned for a 700-lot campsite in the area, however, the idea was to retain a rural and “quaint” feel.

In addition, Winney would like boat docks, a boat launch, an area for picnics, and the possibility of an amphitheater. He is planning for glamping, tents, and camping in a more wooded area.

His proposal for Woods Hollow shows that approximately 30 acres are situated in Adirondack Park. It covers the location where Winney would like to build the main entrance and office, power transmission corridor, some of the glamping lots, a playground, a bathroom, parking, primitive camping spots, a pumphouse and drinking well, as well as part of a recreational area and a handful of the RV spots.

The Adirondack Park Agency confirmed it has some authority over the development, even though Winney along with his engineers haven’t yet filed an application. Mayfield’s planning board acts as the primary agency and is still deciding whether Winney has to provide an environmental impact statement.