Glamourous camping, or "Glamping", in the form of a rustic treehouse cabin for two complete with a bed and other comforts, has been proposed for a partly wooded site just off Route 6 in White Mills.
The Palmyra Township supervisors heard Sarah LaBarbera's plans for her "Tree Top Getaways" venture at a hearing held April 4, to consider the proposed use for the parcels she hopes to buy. Although a neighbor expressed deep concerns about whether anyone would trespass onto his adjoining lands and other issues, LaBarbera expressed assurances about the type of amenity she is contemplating and how she would control it.
In an interview for this story, LaBarbera said that she got the idea while travelling and looking up bed and breakfasts to stay.
LaBarbera is the owner of a fitness center in Forty Fort, and also does some teaching. At 40, she said she sees this project as a long-term investment for herself who may want to retire someday.
She discovered a tree house rental that she said she "fell in love with," but couldn't book a stay since there were no vacancies at the time.
LaBarbera did some research and learned about the variety of commercial tree house experiences where one could rent for a unique vacation. Some were elaborate— LaBarbera described one as a "resort hotel" in the tree canopy, with rope bridges connecting various buildings.
According to LaBarbera, there were no accommodations like it in the local area.
While her plans for the "Tree Top Getaways" in Palmyra Township were not nearly on the scale of the resort hotel-style, they would be "luxurious." She envisions a 150-square foot cabin made of wood, set up on posts among the trees, eight to 10 feet off the ground. She said it would have a rustic feel and a "smell of wood."
There would be room for only two people, she said, not for a whole family. She said that she plans to market it to couples for a "romantic getaway."
The accomodation would feature a couch that folds out into a bed, a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot, and a rest room. The cabin would be about 12-13 feet in height and contain a loft. Steps would lead up to a small deck on the cabin.
Although the township sewage regulations would permit her to construct a maximum of seven of these cabins, she said in practical terms there may be only a few— perhaps three when the project is all done. Much of the land is rocky or contains a rock ledge, she said, making it hard to build upon.
The "Tree Top Getaway" cabins would be built on the 2.39-acre upper parcel where there is a field and forest.
She is hoping to buy the three adjoining parcels currently owned by Gladys Hoffman, two of which are accessed off Old Route 6, at the beginning of White Mills as one heads west on Route 6 from Hawley. There is an old house near the road which she said she'd keep for a rental unit, and an existing, small log cabin in the back alongside a creek, where she stated she expects to live part-time.
She stated that White Mills is the ideal location, being so close to so many places and recreational opportunities within a 20-minute drive. She said she'd be happy to donate to Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary where her renters could go to hike their trails. The Sanctuary's lands adjoin part of the property she wishes to buy, although the trail network is on the other end of the Sanctuary's extensive acreage.
If the project is approved, she wouldn't have the first cabin until a year from now, after tackling things like installing a septic system. She said she has been saving her money for this venture, which will have to be done gradually.
The cabins would be available to rent seasonally, and not in winter.
The supervisors asked that she get a perc test for the land, and to develop a list of rules for her renters. LaBarbera said that she plans to develop a contract stipulating such things as no smoking, causing any damage or trespassing on other properties. Township solicitor Jeffrey Treat said that parking needs to be provided, up to two spaces per unit. In addition to the septic, a well would be needed. Regular garbage pickup would be required. She may need to have a survey done.
Concerns over a party atmosphere at the Getaways
Ted Moser, whose property is behind the proposed site, expressed concern over possible trespassing onto his lands, and what he was concerned about the potential for a "party atmosphere" occurring.
He said he didn't want people taking stones from his stone wall bordering his property and of people partying and shooting off fireworks. He said it may begin with a couple cabins but might grow, and questioned the likelihood of being able to control what goes on. Moser said it is hard to get police to respond quickly if they're needed.Moser also spoke to some realtors, and said he was told that a commercial operation next door would lower his property values. Another concern he raised was of detrimental effects on the water quality with the stream that crosses through the lands the applicant wishes to buy.
Another member of the public also spoke, expressing concerns over noise and general interruptions to his property.
LaBarbera stressed that she is not investing her money into this venture to have a party atmosphere. She said there would be penalties on her renters for not following the rules, including a hefty fine and not being able to rent there again. She said she'd forbid any loud music after 9 p.m. and would have signs posted not to trespass onto neighbor's lands.
She noted that it might cost $350 a night to stay there, and while it is no guarantee, the cost itself should help attract clientele that will obey the rules. There would be no long-term renting, she said.
"I have no desire to let anyone be a disturbance," LaBarbera said, adding that as the owner, she would have the right to build whatever is legal. She said if any issues developed, she would be the one to contact and she would handle it, without the need for the police.
The supervisors tabled a decision on the conditional use zoning permit until their Monday, May 2 meeting, where conditions on approving the proposed use might be imposed. The monthly meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is held at the township offices on Oak Street, Marble Hill (off Columbus Avenue).
