Inn & Restaurant Plans For Roxbury Main Street

By Mary A. Crisafulli

ROXBURY - Following a public hearing, the Roxbury Planning Board approved a site plan amendment for the Inn & Restaurant plans proposed at 53470 State Hwy 30, along Main Street. The original site plan was approved in June. Owner Andrew Williams requested moving the intended restaurant from behind the planned inn to the former Reeds Tavern site. The old tavern was torn down nearly ten years ago.

Two members of the public spoke at the hearing. One resident questioned plans for the culvert where the Vega Stream goes through the site. The Town Board has previously discussed repairing flooding issues in this area of the stream.

Kevin DePodwin, planning board chair, explained the culvert will remain as is until the town reviews it further.

Another attendee asked about plans for the restaurant, such as the cuisine type, which is not a part of the site plan review.

The project is part of the $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant awards to restore the Inn & Restaurant, which will be renamed the Dixon Roxbury Hotel. Several projects were selected as part of the DRI to help transform the downtown of Grand Gorge and Roxbury.

Williams, who co-owns the facility with Peter Ginger, said the name is historical, as the Inn was called Dixon Manor when it opened. "The locals know it as the Reeds Hotel," he noted, which was the previous business.

Williams and Ginger, who also operate Good Grocer and Watershed Cafe, plan to restore the Victorian structure to its authentic glory. Once complete, the Inn will have four sweets, said Williams. The restaurant is designed to seat roughly 50, with a small bar—the two plan for a family-style eatery, accessible and affordable, serving American cuisine.

For more information on the project, visit dixonroxbury.com or follow them on Instagram @dixonroxbury.

In other business, the board scheduled a public hearing for a site plan application from Play Catskills. The yoga studio at 221 Hillcrest Drive is seeking to expand by adding four dwelling units and a bath or shower house. The project is also part of the DRI grant awards. The hearing is set for Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 7:31 p.m.