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Currently, the town does not explicitly allow lodging businesses, Supervisor Peter Parsons said. He recalled a motel in town, which operated by Route 35, was allowed because it pre-dated zoning.
Supervisor Peter Parsons noted Lewisboro, which has places to hike, ride and fish, has no places to stay. The desired outcome from the legislative measures would be that people who patronize lodging businesses also would shop at other establishments in town.
One proposed legislation would cover bed and breakfasts. The terms being considered, Parsons said, include requiring having the owners continue to be present and not making obvious building changes that would suggest the buildings are no longer residences. Other provisions considered would be to require a minimum of 2 acres per eligible lot and for having one parking space per rented room.
Another legislation covers the operation of hotels and allowing them as a specially permitted use.
Which zones in town that would allow hotels as a specially permitted use have not been decided, Parsons said.
Public hearings for both legislative items have been set for April 20. The Town Board will continue discussing the items, which could be subject to further revision.
The board will take up both proposals again when it meets March 23, Parsons said.
The proposed changes were not in reaction to the closure of Le Chateau, Parsons said. The prominent South Salem eatery and events venue abruptly closed last month.
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