Aurora board sets public hearing for proposed Big Tree Road campground, conditions added after zoning interpretation

The Aurora Town Board voted Monday to set a public hearing on a special use permit for a proposed campground at 1196 Big Tree Road, but members required the applicant to provide a licensed survey and an attorney’s letter clarifying which sleeping units fall inside the town’s 300-foot right-of-way delineation.

The hearing was set after a lengthy discussion about a May 28 written interpretation from the building department that, as staff explained, could limit use of the mansion on the property to two or three sleeping units. Assistant Code Enforcement Officer Rich Migo told the board the interpretation had been provided to the applicant and that resolution of that interpretation — by revised site plan, appeal to the zoning board of appeals, or variance — remained outstanding.

Peter Sorgy, speaking on behalf of Carter Development, told the board the planning board had recommended approval by a 6–0 vote and urged the town to proceed with the public hearing, noting the interpretation is the law ‘‘as of right now’’ and could later be appealed. He said the difference would be whether two or three rooms are allowed to be used for sleeping quarters and that the application could be amended to reflect that limit in writing.

Board members expressed concern that members of the public must have accurate information about what they are commenting on. Several members said a licensed boundary survey and a letter from the applicant’s attorney making explicit which rooms are part of the special use permit would clarify the application for the public. Supervisor Schneider and others said the planning board’s recommendation and the current interpretation do not prevent public comment, but that providing the survey and attorney confirmation would serve the public interest.

The board amended the motion to make the public hearing contingent on receipt of a licensed survey delineating the 300-foot right-of-way and a letter from the applicant’s attorney stating which sleeping units are proposed under the current application. The motion passed by voice vote.

The public hearing was scheduled to occur at the Aurora Municipal Center as part of the town’s notice process; the town clerk will post the survey and attorney letter for public review if they are submitted in time for legal notice requirements.