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Owner seeks to restore Owl's Nest Lodge as a small motel and restaurant; freestanding sign will require ZBA review
Summary
Applicant Gabriel Giacce asked the board to reestablish a preexisting motel use at the Owl's Nest Lodge, describing a roughly 9‑room lodging plan and improvements including parking, retaining walls and an observation structure; the board advised submission of a sketch plan, property authorization and indicated a freestanding sign must go to the ZBA.
An applicant seeking to revive the Owl's Nest Lodge described plans to restore the long‑vacant lodge and reopen a restaurant, saying the property has been closed for many years and is in family ownership.
"I'm Vincent's grandson," said Gabriel Giacce, introducing himself and describing an intention to return the lodge to operation with roughly nine rooms and public dining. He told the board the building has been vacant about 15–22 years and that the proposed work includes aesthetic renovations, new parking, retaining walls and a small observation structure described in colloquial terms as a "fire tower" or observation deck.
Board members and staff advised that parts of the property sit near the Delaware County line and that the lodging use will be treated as a reestablished preexisting nonconforming use. The board recommended the applicant provide a clear sketch plan for the May meeting, a representative authorization form and larger color maps; staff said a freestanding sign would require review by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board suggested reestablishing the motel use first and returning with details on the observation structure and any additional site work.
Next steps: Applicant will supply formal sketch plans, representative authorization, and color site maps for the board and anticipated ZBA referral on signage and variances; the board signaled general support for pursuing reestablishment of the motel use pending submission of required materials.
