A project to develop a “glamping”-style campground called Copacabana on a 197-acre tract off Morgan Highway in the northernmost part of Scranton remains in progress. The land was purchased in January 2021 by Lourival “Louis” Chiarentin and his wife, Regina, of New Rochelle, New York, with the intent of creating a campground.
The Chiarentins initially went before the city Zoning Board in April and July 2021 seeking a variance and special exception for the development. At the April hearing, the board delayed voting to allow time for discussions between the developers and local residents.
Concerns had been raised about potential campfire smoke, increased traffic, noise, forest fire risks, and runoff affecting a nearby defunct landfill.
In July 2021, the Chiarentins revised the plan to address some of these concerns. The updated proposal included 20 campfire rings, each with two or three tent platforms, resulting in 40 to 60 tents within a small section of the tract, approximately one mile from Allied Services’ main campus and three-quarters of a mile from Steele Street. The Zoning Board approved the plan with a condition prohibiting RVs and travel trailers.
On Wednesday, the Scranton Planning Commission reviewed a land development plan submitted by Chiarentin in October. The plan is still under review and has not yet been finalized for approval.
During the meeting, Chiarentin and his project engineer, Dennis Kutch of KBA Engineering of Jermyn, discussed elements including access from Route 307, stormwater management, and the placement of tents, restrooms, and other facilities. City planning officials provided comments and suggestions for the project.
“We’ll look at those comments and get back in touch with you and respond to them,” Kutch said during the meeting, according to a simulcast posted on YouTube by Electric City Television. City Planner Don King noted that the city would need to extend its 90-day review period as the project moves forward.
Commission Chairman Todd Pousley told The Times-Tribune, “As long as you’re comfortable with that, we can get the extension from you and take the time you need to address some of the comments,” allowing the developers to return next month for further review.
The continued review reflects the complexity of developing a campground in a forested area with steep, rocky slopes and a power line running through it.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, the case illustrates the importance of early engagement with municipal planning processes, addressing community concerns, and maintaining flexibility in project design to meet zoning requirements.