Burke Close to Breaking Ground
- Details
- Created on Monday, 13 May 2013 14:24
- Written by Kevin Lessard
BURKE - Burke Mountain is one step closer to breaking ground on phase one of the N.E.K Initiative renovations. The mountain held a public hearing for an Act 250 permit, which is required by state law, where residents from the area were able to voice their concerns or ask any questions they may of had.
Before the meeting began, the board held a site visit, also open to the public. About an hour prior to the meeting, the public was invited to see some of the areas of concern for the project, as well as ask their own questions that may be of concern to them.
One area in particular that was of concern was the old toll house near Mid-Burke. What was once a toll to get to the top of Burke Mountain, is a now a private residence, owned by Larry and Caryl Ryczek. Due to the proximity of their house to the road, the Ryczek's are concerned that construction and increased traffic may cause damage to their house.
"What I really need to do is try to get the point across that this is a real concern for us," said Larry Ryczek at the Act 250 Public Hearing site visit. The Ryczek's showed the board the areas of concern that have them worried about their historic house.
Burke Mountain General Manager Tim McGuire spoke with the Ryczek's about their situation during the site visit, and after the hearing, and wanted to reiterate that the mountain is working with the Ryczek's to come up with a solution that both sides are comfortable with.
"Any increase in traffic would be a concern for them," said McGuire. "I understand their concerns and we're looking to see if we can do a few things to make sure traffic slows down in that area and make it as safe as it can be."
At the Act 250 Public Hearing later that night, the Ryczek's presented aerial view photo's to show alternate plans and ideas that they had to ease the traffic burden near their residence.
While much was discussed about the Ryczek's home, very little else was brought up. Although the meeting didn't discuss other topics, McGuire talked about how important the site visit can be for hearings. "You can never get anything off a plan or a piece of paper," said McGuire. "It's really invaluable to get on site and look where things are."
It's been a long time coming for the mountain, but if they get approved by the Act 250 permitting board, the new lodges should be open for the start of the 2014-2015 ski season.
"You know, this is something that the owners of Burke, and I'll say owners of Burke because there's been multiple owners of Burke over the last two decades, have looked forward for for a long time," said McGuire. "Getting some bed and lodging here at Burke which everyone has felt would be a key ingredient to the success of the ski area."
