A proposal to develop a small-scale glamping site in the Town of Afton, New York, is currently under review by local officials.
The initiative, led by Bushra Umbreen, aims to attract visitors to the rural community while integrating local businesses and minimizing disruption to residents.
Umbreen, who has been actively searching for a property suitable for glamping, said she was drawn to Afton because of its natural beauty and open skies. “I was looking at the sky, and the sky was so broad. Nothing was there between you and nature,” she told 12 News.
The project was introduced at a Town of Afton board meeting in April 2025. During that meeting, several residents expressed concerns about potential noise and increased activity.
In response, Umbreen revised her original plan to address these issues, according to a report published by WBNG.
According to a letter submitted to the planning board, her updated proposal includes a number of restrictions: no events will be held on-site, quiet hours will be enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., only three sites will be open at any given time, and all contractors hired will be local.
Town Supervisor John Lawrence indicated support for the revised plan, saying, “She has, I think, presented a good opportunity for the Town of Afton to get new people to visit our town and maybe some of those people would take up residence here.”
He also noted, “I think that covers her sincere intent to make sure that this glamping site is not a noise violation.”
If approved, the site could receive the green light within the next two months. Umbreen has expressed a desire to become a permanent resident of Chenango County with her family if the project moves forward.
Some objections remain. Neighbor Hailey Christen told 12 News there is a driveway agreement in place that the proposed glamping site would violate. This could present a potential legal hurdle for the development.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, this case highlights the importance of early community engagement, flexibility in business planning, and clear communication with local authorities.
The integration of local resources and adherence to community standards may serve as a model for others seeking to launch or expand glamping operations in rural or small-town settings.