Zoning Board Denies Northgate Ventures Permit to Expand Camp Emerson RV Park

HINSDALE -- January 11, 2022, Hinsdale's Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied a special permit for a proposed 317-site RV resort at the historic Camp Emerson campground. The board voted 3-0 on January 11, with member Dan Thoren recused, after three public hearing sessions stretching from November 2021 through January. Chair Jeff Viner and members Bruce Alexander and Dion Douglas found the application by Northgate Ventures LLC failed all four required special permit findings under the town's zoning bylaw, citing incompatibility with Hinsdale's small-town character, detrimental impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, and pedestrian safety hazards on narrow local roads. Residents challenged Northgate's water usage estimates of 12.95 gallons per person per day, with one speaker presenting data from neighboring campgrounds averaging 35 to 46 gallons per person per day and arguing the full buildout could consume more than 22 percent of the safe yield from Belmont Reservoir. The board also raised doubt about whether an RV resort qualifies as a "commercial summer camp" under the bylaw, the only use category under which such a permit could be issued. A written decision must be filed with the Town Clerk within 90 days.