Sharon Springs Inc. Project Top Topic at Planning Board

Sharon Springs Inc. wants to revitalize the old Imperial Baths site in the Village of Sharon Springs. Photo by Chris English.

By Chris English

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Joint Planning Board continued its site plan review of a project by Sharon Springs Inc. at the Wednesday, July 17 meeting.

Principals with Sharon Springs Inc. want to revitalize the Old Imperial Baths site on Main Street in the Village of Sharon Springs. The overall project includes the construction of a motel at the site, eventually getting the bathhouse up and running again, and other elements.

The proposal in one form or another has been an ongoing deal in Sharon Springs for roughly 15 years or so. At the July 17 meeting, there was a discussion of parking changes, water and sewer lines, and other issues. Some things need to be clarified and ironed out before the JPB is in a position to vote on site plan approval, officials at the meeting indicated.

In other actions from the July 17 JPB meeting, the board selected an engineering firm to help it in its review of a plan by partners Nick Drummond and Paul Pekarek to refurbish the old Pavilion Cottages in the village into a resort for the "LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community and its straight allies."

The JPB selected Lamont Engineers of Cobleskill from among three applicants who submitted proposals. All three were qualified but Lamont "would be the best choice from a cost perspective," said Sharon Springs Village Attorney Michelle Kennedy, who reviewed all the proposals. Lamont will charge a $5,000 retainer and an hourly rate of $157.

There was some brief discussion of the project, with Drummond saying he and his partner have recently made some driveway and parking adjustments on their plans. Drummond added that he hoped the JPB at its August meeting would set the public hearing for site plan review of the project for the September meeting.

The new owners of Sunnycrest Orchards on Route 10 in the Town of Sharon plan to expand the business by adding an Amish Marketplace, it was announced at the meeting.