Cabins to be built along trail

By CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
A developer’s plan to build-out a 15-cabin vacation rental property along a snowmobile trail in Newport is moving forward after the town’s Board of Selectmen approved a zoning variance on Thursday, Nov. 16, for the project that also includes a duplex and recreational facilities.

Randall Barnes, of Newbury-based Back Woods Property Holdings, said the special mixed-use exception is appropriate as the East Mountain Road property is unique.

“It has a snowmobile trail system that goes right through the property,” Barnes said. “It’s a 10-plus acre parcel, it allows the opportunity for mixed-use giving residential living with a small business in front of the property and recreational facilities, including rentals, for access to the trails.”

A septic plan for the project has been completed and was approved by the state on Nov. 14.

“The proposal will not be detrimental, hazardous or injurious to the neighbors,” Barnes said. “The land will be used for residential use, and snowmobiles, hiking and other outdoor sports, as it has been commonly used for.”

Previously, the snowmobile trail on the property has been used for horseback and ATV riding, Barnes said.

The property, which combines a .75-acre parcel and a 10.75-acree parcel, already has five cabins with the expectation that five more within 36 months.

“The Newport Master Plan promotes new, innovative businesses to allow the enjoyment of Newport’s natural resources for tourists and residents,” Barnes said arguing for approval of the project.

While cabin rentals will be available, Barnes said he is unsure what the future business potential will be.

“At this point in time, we do not have any intention of renting any [snow] machines; it might not be advantageous from an insurance perspective,” he said.

The venue will not have a campground and RVs have also been ruled out.

“Each cabin will be more like a bed and breakfast without the breakfast,” he said. “We considered an RV Park, but with the roads, it was terrible.”

Duplex

The duplex “will be in character for the neighborhood. It will have limited visibility and be over 200 feet from the road,” Barnes said. “It’s back into the woods.”

“It will add much-needed housing and improve the area by adding housing for two additional families,” Barnes said. “There will be minimal impact on the environment. It will be a great benefit to the landowner and cause no harm to the neighborhood.”

Motions to approve the zoning variance and the duplex were both introduced by Board of Selectmen Representative Jeffrey Kessler and seconded by Board Member Nicholas Vertefeuille.