Residents voiced their concerns at the Warwick Town Planning Board meeting in opposition to the proposed Serenity Ridge Campground at the former Black Bear Campground site on Wheeler Road. The board will continue the public hearing on August 21.
Florida Village Mayor Daniel Harter Jr. previously encouraged residents through social media to attend the meeting and share their opinions.
“This potential conversion from a campground to a high-density rental housing project is concerning to the village board and most if not all of us will be attending this meeting,” Harter indicated in a Facebook post Facebook.
Harter also expressed the need for clarification and a better understanding of the project’s intentions, highlighting its proximity to the Village of Florida and the importance of raising awareness among residents.
In Chairman Ben Astorino’s absence, the meeting was led by Vice Chairman Roger Showalter, who facilitated the session and listened to public comments.
According to an article published by Warwick Advertiser on July 19, James McAteer, a resident of Union Corners Road, expressed his concerns about the project. He argued that the Warwick Town Code predated the existence of Park Model Recreational Vehicles (PMRVs), which are planned for the campground. He explained that these units are identical to mobile homes, raising questions about their compliance with existing regulations.
The audience’s enthusiasm for McAteer’s commentary was evident, with many calling for him to continue speaking beyond his allotted time. Audience members noted, “Let him continue,” and one attendee praised McAteer for “pointing out important facts.”
Showalter, however, remained firm on the two-minute limit, encouraging McAteer to submit additional comments in writing to the planning board secretary.
Another concern is tax increases. Daniel Harter of Harter Road expressed worry about potential tax increases resulting from “expanded police and fire services needed for the campground.” However, Showalter clarified that the building department would be responsible for code enforcement and annual permits for the RVs, addressing some of Harter’s concerns about oversight.
Environmental concerns were also discussed. Several residents expressed worry about the campground’s potential impact on the local ecosystem and the privacy of neighboring properties.
These concerns prompted the planning board to request additional information on the environmental impact of the project from the Serenity Ridge owners and representatives.
In addition to environmental concerns, one resident noted the potential impact on the Warwick Valley Central School District. While the applicant stated that children would be prohibited from attending Warwick schools, the resident pointed out that federal law could potentially allow families claiming homelessness to use the campground as their primary address, thereby requiring the district to educate any children residing there.