Developers Pitch Studio‑Resort Concept; Planning Board Requests Workshop on PUD vs. As‑of‑Right Options

A team led by developer Ben Rachmale and actor/producer Daniel Baldwin presented a conceptual resort and studio proposal May 14 that the applicants said would include lodging, production studios, hydroponic agriculture, workforce housing and cannabis cultivation.

Baldwin framed the plan as part economic revitalization and part cultural destination, describing a desire to revive the region’s family‑resort traditions and provide internship and workforce opportunities. "I would love to be a part of revitalizing that kind of thought and that kind of feeling up here because I think some of it, not all, but some of it has slipped away," Baldwin said. Rachmale described planned components including cannabis cultivation (applicant said it already holds a cultivation license), hydroponics for kosher/organic vegetable production, and potential studio/production facilities that could attract film and podcast clients.

Town Planner Helen Budrock recommended engaging the planner and town engineer for a workshop to assess whether the project could proceed as an as‑of‑right resort (hotels and resorts are a permitted use in the REC zone) or whether a PUD route is necessary given the mixed program and residential components. The board voted to engage Keystone and the planner, set an escrow for review and schedule a workshop.

Why it matters: The proposal could create jobs, housing and year‑round economic activity, but it raises infrastructure, land‑use and community character questions that will need technical and policy analysis before formal applications are filed.

What's next: Applicant will fund initial plan review escrow; the town will schedule a workshop with planner and engineer to identify regulatory path and technical information needs.