As this issue of the Gazette was going to press, it came to our attention that a group of investors is in contract to purchase the 141-acre Rosedale Nursery tree farm between Route 44/55 and the river, and has submitted an application for a Special Permit to the Gardiner Planning Board.
The developers plan to build a high-end glamping (glamor camping) resort called “Heartwood” across from the Honey Farm and within several hundred feet of the Shawangunk Kill. The Gazette was unable to interview the developer, Planning Board and affected neighbors in time for this issue. What we were able to find out from public information acquired at Town Hall is that the proposal includes a 5,582 square foot Main lobby/ Spa; a 4,639 square foot restaurant (open to the public); a 3,332 square foot “Events Barn” for weddings and other events; an Indoor/Outdoor pool; tennis courts; Bocce Courts; a gym, a 165-car parking lot; a service building; 31 luxury cabins and 40 “Eco cabins.” All the cabins will have full bathrooms. The water system will include two drilled wells with peak water usage estimated by the developers to be 12,600 gallons per day.
In total, the facility will accommodate 166 overnight guests, with a maximum capacity of 268 including day visitors. Two pathways will lead visitors down to the river, where a stone dock is planned.
Sewerage for the facility will be provided by four separate septic systems.
The Gazette will follow this story as it develops and will hopefully be able to cover it more fully in the next issue.