Mayfield RV park project still needs approval from town planning board, various state agencies
By Gwendolyn Craig
A family proposing a controversial 300-lot RV park on Great Sacandaga Lake in Mayfield was awarded $200,000 in Round 11 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the $196 million in awards to 488 projects across the state on Dec. 14.
Lane Winney, owner of the property on the dead-end Woods Hollow Road, did not know about the $200,000 when the Adirondack Explorer contacted him after the announcement. He said his daughter, Kalei Winney, had applied to several grant programs.
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“I hope it’s ours,” Lane Winney said.
A spokesperson for Empire State Development confirmed that the Market New York funding was a reimbursement grant to Kalei Winney, the daughter of Lane Winney and Jamie Winney. Located in Fulton County, the project is listed under Mohawk Valley awards, and part of the project site is within the Adirondack Park. The grant may be applied toward construction, supplies and engineering expenses.
Kalei Winney and Lane Winney did not return the Explorer’s follow-up requests for comment.
The RV park is in its early stages and subject to site approval from the town of Mayfield’s planning board. The project includes more than 200 sites for RVs. The remaining lots are for a mixture of “glamping,” tents and primitive camping. The Winneys also plan for boat docks, a boat launch, a picnic area and space for an amphitheater.
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The Regional Economic Development Council description said the campground “will increase tourism to the Mohawk Valley. This project will provide a safe and affordable getaway for families who want to reconnect with the outdoors while creating lasting memories.”
The Winneys still need permit approvals from several state agencies including the Adirondack Park Agency, state Department of Environmental Conservation and Hudson River-Black River Regulating District. Neighbors around the property are against the proposal and expressed concerns about an RV park’s impact on the environment and quality of life.
Some neighbors were alarmed that Lane Winney had felled trees without permits. Winney told the Explorer there is a mine on the property and the logging was part of reclamation work.
The planning board had scheduled two public hearings. One slated for November was cancelled because the town did not publish the meeting notice in time, officials said. The hearing was rescheduled to Dec. 15, but that, too, got cancelled.
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Carmel Greco, the town’s attorney, said the town called off the most recent meeting because it needed to notify property owners within 500 feet of the proposed project site by certified mail. The town had sent notices via ordinary mail, he said.
Mayfield and Fulton County planning officials plan to reschedule the hearing for Jan. 19 when the planning board next meets.
Sean Geraghty, planning consultant for the Fulton County Planning department, said he was unaware that the Winneys were awarded or had applied for the state funds.
mrdale14424 says
Really?? $200K of our tax money awarded to an RV park that doesn’t have the necessary approvals or environmental studies done yet!
Who, exactly decides to give away what is our money without due diligence?
Sounds alot like these IDA’s that are accountable only to themselves and since “we are all friends here”, why not approve tax breaks that the locals have to pay for.
LeRoy Hogan says
Actually, the campground will become a local tax payer.
LeRoy Hogan says
Why doesn’t this media show a picture of the proposed campground instead of these 2 ladies again? It’s like subliminal messages for a cause.