On Tuesday, a public hearing was held at the Chautauqua Town Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Sunset View – a Chautauqua Lake Community, on Route 430 in the hamlet of Dewittville.

Ellicott Development has proposed a $70 million development project there of a resort-style living experience. There would be a variety of high quality residential living organized in district zones, with a mix of for sale and short/long-term rentals and a restaurant/taproom on site.

The development would focus on an active lifestyles with on-site recreational amenities for residents and guests, preserving portions of open space. It would be managed by a Homeowners Association.

The plan was first unveiled to the public in late August. At that presentation residents from Chautauqua Lake Estates, the Villas at Chautauqua Point and Point Chautauqua came and expressed their displeasure to see a new housing development at the former golf course which had been closed since 2021.

A PowerPoint presentation of a housing project at the former Chautauqua Point Golf Course was given at the Chautauqua Town Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Also pictured is ZBA Chairman Troy Smith. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

The property was sold twice – once in February, 2022 for a little over $1 million and then again in July 2023 for $2.2 million. There were two other neighboring parcels purchased by 1200 Group, LLC for $400,000 total. 1200 Group, LLC is affiliated with Ellicott Development.

Sean Hopkins, on behalf of Ellicott Development, gave a presentation on the plans proposed so far. He noted that these plans are far from being completed and said he wanted to hear from both the town ZBA and the general public on any concerns or proposed suggestions for improvements.

Hopkins noted Ellicott Development has more than $1 billion in assets and is confident they can make this project work.

The $70 million projected would be financed through a mixture of private equity and financing. Hopkins said they have also had preliminary discussions with the county Industrial Development Agency regarding “potential qualified incentives that could be used to support the economic viability of this project.”

Even though they have plenty of resources and experience, Hopkins said one section of the development would have single-family homes and a different developer would be brought in for that part. “We’ve talked to some prospective home builders and as the project continues, we will collaborate with them,” he said.

For the parts that Ellicott Development will construct, Hopkins did say they plan to build it in phases to avoid having empty “spec buildings.”

In the north end of the development would be a mixed use building. That building was originally proposed to be a three-story structure, however Hopkins said it has been lowered to two. The building’s length has also been reduced by 100 feet and would have 24 units, instead of 40 as originally proposed.

The mixed use building has been shifted to the southeast portion of the property, away from Chautauqua Lake Estates.

A landscape buffer has been added along the north property line.

Some changes were made to the midtown portion as well. The roads for the town homes were adjusted for better traffic flow.

In the revised plan, Hopkins said 63% would be dedicated to green space. That does not include any parking lots, tennis courts, or roads.

RESPONSE

Following the 30-minute presentation, residents expressed their concerns and objections. Some individuals said they were opposed to the entire project, while others said they recognized they weren’t going to stop the project, but wanted to see some modifications.

One resident wanted Ellicott Development to construct its own road instead of using Leet Avenue as an entrance to the property. He expressed concern about additional traffic on the road.

Zoning board officials noted that Leet Avenue is a town-maintained road and therefore could be used by the developer if it wants. Still, Hopkins said they would be willing to consider the proposal.

For the proposed restaurant or tap house, one resident said there have been a number of restaurants that have failed in the town. He suggested moving it closer to Route 430 to help attract more attention.

John Jablonski with the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy called for the project to receive a “positive declaration” once the State Environmental Quality Review is completed so a more thorough environmental study is done. The zoning board is not involved in SEQR. That would be handled by the town board.

Attorney Joe Calimeri, who was hired by some Point Chautauqua residents, urged the zoning board to slow things down. He questioned if one special use permit can be issued for the entire project or if it should receive multiple variances for the various phases.

After listening to residents for about an hour, the zoning board tabled the project at the request of the developer, to allow for all written correspondence to be reviewed.

The zoning board will take up the project Feb. 18. Board members will vote if they recommend the preliminary plans go to the town board. The town board will have the final decision on issuing a special use permit.

Chautauqua Town Supervisor Don Emhardt said if the zoning board gives its backing at the February meeting, the town board would likely schedule a public hearing either in April or May.