Public Hearing #16 Consider adopting Local Law Introductory No. 2-2025, considering Zone Change Application #2024-ZM-484, Rozewood Farm...

Spoke on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission in support of landmarking the Bateson and Bumpstead properties at Rosewood Farm.

Supported the Historic Overlay District for Rosewood Farm to preserve historical context and open space without taxpayer expense.

Attorney for the applicant outlined the vision for Rosewood Farm as a boutique hotel and wellness center, offering restrictions on events.

Project engineer described site plans, historic structures, parking, and environmental upgrades for Rosewood Farm.

Traffic engineer reported that traffic generation from the boutique hotel would be comparable to a 10-lot subdivision and less intensive than permitted religious or school uses.

Co-applicant shared her hospitality background and vision for creating a peaceful wellness retreat at Rosewood Farm.

Co-applicant detailed his international hotel management experience and commitment to preserving historic buildings and community farming.

Attorney representing adjacent homeowners on North Run argued that the overlay district permits commercial use detrimental to residential character.

Real estate appraiser testified that commercial use and events at Rosewood Farm would diminish neighboring property values and alter neighborhood character.

Immediate neighbor on North Run expressed strong opposition to commercial parking and event activities near his property.

Immediate neighbor on North Run cited discrepancies regarding event plans and urged strict restrictive covenants if approved.

Expressed opposition citing noise and dust from the service road and the disruption of a quiet residential neighborhood.

Expressed deep concern over losing residential privacy and wildlife views to delivery trucks, valets, and event crowds.

Expressed support for the historic overlay district and argued the retreat would be exclusive and quiet compared to nearby Airbnbs.

Argued the town needs a public advocate and mediation to resolve land use disputes fairly.

Attorney for opposing homeowners stated that fundamental disagreements over event hosting prevented a mediated resolution.

Longtime resident spoke against commercializing a residential neighborhood and questioned community benefits.

Supported the preservation of historic buildings and open space at Rosewood Farm over potential McMansion development.

Contractor working with the applicants praised their dedication to historic preservation and careful site planning.

Daughter of applicants spoke about her hospitality education and family commitment to the community.

Advocated for historic overlay zoning, drawing parallels to the successful preservation of Oheka Castle.

Read a letter from historic preservationist Joel Snodgrass supporting the adaptive reuse and protection of Rosewood Farm.

Estate manager and son of applicants described farming activities and peaceful stewardship of the property.

Longtime resident supported the preservation project over subdivision alternatives.

Nearby resident raised concerns over comprehensive plan consistency, lack of initial disclosures regarding events, and unresolved conservation board issues.

Longtime area resident urged rational discussions and mediation to find a compromise on preserving the historic estate.

Neighbor presented a petition signed by over 600 local residents opposing commercialization and event venues in residential zones.

Expressed concerns regarding traffic bottlenecks and long-term precedents if commercial hospitality is permitted.

Voiced opposition to the commercial overlay and suggested municipal acquisition of the land as an alternative.

Expressed safety and noise concerns regarding lack of operational details and potential event crowds near residential homes.

Expressed fear for neighborhood children's safety and privacy due to increased unfamiliar visitors and traffic.

Highlighted traffic safety risks and transient visitors entering an otherwise quiet residential neighborhood.

Immediate northern neighbor in the event business warned that commercial pressures for events would inevitably lead to disruptions.

Expressed concerns about light pollution, traffic, and preserving the quiet character of Cold Spring Harbor.

Supported the project as a positive alternative to subdivision and praised the tax benefits for local schools.

Real estate appraiser testified that the low-intensity wellness center is compatible with the neighborhood and preferable to subdivision.

Strongly supported the application, comparing it to the successful integration of Oheka Castle as a community gem.

Eighth-grade student spoke in favor of the project after visiting the farm and learning from the owners.

Eighth-grade student described visiting the farm stand and supporting the family's wellness retreat vision.

Cold Spring Harbor resident supported the wellness retreat and criticized misinformation circulating about events.

Expressed enthusiasm for the project and looked forward to enjoying the property's amenities locally.

Expressed strong opposition to commercializing a residential area and burdening neighbors with noise and congestion.

Voiced opposition to commercializing historic land while supporting basic historical preservation.

Library and museum trustee noted the town's promotion of Rosewood Farm as a film shoot location, questioning true intentions.

Expressed traffic safety concerns regarding frequent DWI accidents on the Woodbury Road S-curve near his home.

Supported the project, sharing her positive historical perspective on how Oheka Castle ultimately benefited her neighborhood.

Immediate area resident criticized the false dichotomy of hotel versus McMansions and opposed commercial ventures in residential zones.

Expressed dismay at commercializing residential areas and criticized promotional swag distributed at the meeting.