Planning Board approves Owl's Nest sketch plan; septic and historic-wall issues to be resolved

Representatives for the Owl's Nest lodge presented a sketch plan for restoring and reopening a long‑vacant lodge on Clubhouse Road, saying the immediate scope is to make the lodge operational with new parking and modest exterior work rather than large structural changes.

Applicants said the lodge would have roughly eight rooms and accompanying parking; they noted the existing septic system crosses into Delaware County and advised the board that they will engage a licensed septic engineer to confirm capacity and any cross‑county coordination. Board members expressed concern about a deteriorated retaining wall on or adjacent to the site that might be subject to a historic‑preservation review because of its age and association with the Grand Hotel; applicants said they plan to salvage and reuse stone where possible. After discussion the board treated the filing as a sketch plan and moved to approve that designation; the motion passed in a roll‑call style vote with several yes votes, at least one no and one member abstaining. Applicants were told they will likely return with additional materials (e.g., observation tower, more detailed site plans) for further review.