Phoenicia property owner seeks special permit to operate lodge; board schedules public hearing

Pat McGann, who identified himself as a full‑time Phoenicia resident and owner of the property on Route 28, told the ZBA that he is pursuing a special permit to operate the property as a lodge or motel and requested relief for multiple front, rear and side‑yard setbacks so he can proceed to the Planning Board for a special‑permit review.

"We're in the process of hopefully getting this property a special permit to operate as a lodge development or a motel," McGann said, describing the site as five separate rental units (two one‑bedroom units and three two‑bedroom units), totaling about eight beds and five baths. He told the board most structures predate current zoning and that he had added a sauna and two small A‑frame accessory structures that he now understands are in the floodplain. McGann said he will seek a no‑rise certificate for the sauna and will anchor and add flood vents to the smaller structures if the board and planning staff permit them to remain.

Board members confirmed the ZBA's role is limited to setback relief that would allow McGann to proceed to the Planning Board for the special permit. Members asked about unit sizes, duration of ownership and on‑site management; McGann said the units range from about 550 to 890 square feet, the property has been in operation under short‑term rental arrangements, and he and a staff member are on site mornings and evenings. The board moved to set a public hearing on McGann's variance/special‑permit request for next month's meeting and set the meeting time at 6:30 p.m. for public comment and further consideration.