Future RV park is OK’d
By Pete Gawda, Okeechobee News
It was a long evening for the Okeechobee County Planning Board/Board of Adjustments and Appeals for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 24.
Even though there were only three items to be discussed, two of them met with controversy.
The first item on the agenda was a request by Glenna Rucks for a special exception to allow a recreational complex in an agriculture zoning district at the Fort Drum Crystal Mine located on N.E. 304th Street.
Proposed plans for the 300-acre complex call for an RV park, tent camping, an outdoor amphitheater, a museum and learning center, gift shop, a restaurant, a bar, cabins and a lodge. The area would be developed in stages. There is a 100-acre lake on the property that was formed by the mining operations that would be used for various water activities.
The owners plan to make the resort available to clubs and hobby groups that could hold events related to their respective areas of interest such as rock collecting, obstacle course, waterskiing, rock crawl, fishing and scuba instruction.
Board member Jeff Sumner asked about rezoning the property instead of granting a special exception.
Planning official Bill Royce replied that there was a special exception for agriculture property that would be appropriate in this situation. He said in the future the zoning could be changed to planned development.
Attorney Devon Maxwell represented the owner and gave a history of the property and described future plans for the property which he said has “unique characteristics.”
Attorneys Wes Harvin and John Fumero represented the property owner to the north, Harry Randall. Even though the matter had been tabled from last month, the attorneys asked for more time to prepare their case. Mr. Harvin listed several items his client was concerned about which, he added, would require expert opinions.
Mr. Sumner noted that several of the areas of concern were not under the authority of the planning board.
Mr. Harvin was concerned about endangered species, an area in which the planning board has no authority. He was also concerned with drainage, which would be handled under permit from the South Florida Water Management District.
Mr. Harvin has also expressed concern about noise.
County attorney John Cassels noted that there are state laws addressing noise and the county has a nuisance ordinance that could be applied to this situation.
Board member Ted Kelchner also noted that some of Mr. Harvin’s concerns would be addressed in the site plan review process.
Mr. Fumero argued for protecting the rural and agricultural aspects of the area. He noted that only a 500-foot buffer separated his client’s property from the noise, light and other impacts of such a large development.
In his rebuttal, Mr. Maxwell asked for an immediate decision. He noted that Mr. Randall owns seven sections of land and the overall impact on his property would be minimal.
Board member Pam Newcomer expressed concern that concerts at the recreational complex would attract more people than the overnight guests.
After some discussion, the board unanimously approved the request for special exception.
Residents of Ousely Estates turned out to protest the proposed 509-unit Silver Palms RV park that would be located behind their subdivision.
Okeechobee Development, LLC, requested a change in zoning from residential general and neighborhood commerical-2 to planned development. The applicants own about 88 acres adjacent to Ousley Estates and Seminole Cove. The property fronts on S.W. 32nd Street and has access to U.S. 441 S.
Plans call for the RV park to be developed in three phases with a central recreation area of about three acres. Plans include a fitness center, a billiards room, a library, card rooms and a private lounge for owners and a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse that can be used as a hurricane shelter.
The planned development district is intended to allow for various and mixed use in a single, comprehensive development. It was established to encourage developments of a superior quality by allowing flexibility and creativity in design options.
Realtor Brandon Tucker, representing the owners, noted that there will be adequate buffering provided by Whidden Ditch and vegetative setbacks. He said there would be no impacts to the school system and less of an impact on sewer and water than site-built houses. He said it would be a first-class gated community with a two swimming pools.
The RV sites would be larger than usual. The sites would be marketed to aging baby boomers and people on the coast.
Mr. Tucker said that devdelopers would pay all impact fees except for school impact fees.
George DuPont of the Ousely Estates Homeowners Association took exception with the proposed development He expressed concerns about the proposed RV park’s effect on wildlife. He said permanent residents of the area would be subject to noise and lights from the RV park.
“Consider our privacy,” he asked the board. “Give us a buffer zone more than a few trees or bushes.”
He was in favor a concrete wall as a buffer.
“This area doesn’t need an RV park at all,” asserted Mr. DuPont. “Be kind to the people who live here year round and pay taxes.”
“Help us out,” was the plea of Darrell Donnelly of S.W. Ninth Way. He was concerned with runoff from the RV park and requested some kind of permanent barrier such as a concrete wall as a buffer.
Mr. Tucker pledged to talk to area citizens on an individual basis to address their concerns.
“I think you would be better off with this in your backyard,” was the opinion of board member Carl Shumate.
He called the planned RV park “reasonable” and stated that the impact would be much worse if the area were developed with site-built houses.
After hearing both sides, the board unanimously voted to recommend that the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners approve the zoning change.
On the other request for a zoning change, there was no controversy and the board unanimously recommended approval.
Jerry and Shirley Weaver and Peggy McKenzie Miller requested a change in zoning from residential mixed to neighborhood commerical-2 for their property on U.S. 98 N. On their application, they list no specific reason for the change. They wish to have the commercial zoning in place for future use.
A second public hearing on both requests for zoning change will be held before the county commissioners at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9. Normally, the commissioners make the final decision on zoning change requests after the second public hearing.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda may be reached at pgawda@newszap.com.
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Thursday, July 26, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Campgrounds, RV parks tout Wi-Fi
Campgrounds, RV parks tout Wi-Fi
From Times Wire Services
If you happen to drive past campgrounds or recreational vehicle parks this summer, chances are you'll see the signs that advertise Wi-Fi access right up there with showers and propane.
With wireless Internet access, campers often can log on to the Internet from their campsites without going to any special area of the park.
"We've become a society where e-mail is as important as our phone for business and personal communications," said Jef Sutherland, vice president of information services for Kampgrounds of America Inc.
Wi-Fi campgrounds and RV parks can be found on the Internet. Websites listing Wi-Fi facilities include http://www.wififreespot.com/rv.html . For listings for Kampgrounds of America sites, go to www.koa.com/wireless/.
From Times Wire Services
If you happen to drive past campgrounds or recreational vehicle parks this summer, chances are you'll see the signs that advertise Wi-Fi access right up there with showers and propane.
With wireless Internet access, campers often can log on to the Internet from their campsites without going to any special area of the park.
"We've become a society where e-mail is as important as our phone for business and personal communications," said Jef Sutherland, vice president of information services for Kampgrounds of America Inc.
Wi-Fi campgrounds and RV parks can be found on the Internet. Websites listing Wi-Fi facilities include http://www.wififreespot.com/rv.html . For listings for Kampgrounds of America sites, go to www.koa.com/wireless/.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Protests kill revised RV parking rules
Protests kill revised RV parking rules
Written by Ben Marrone/Sun Post
By Ben Marrone
MANTECA — An effort to make the city zoning code more understandable and “user-friendly” was derailed when more than 70 people showed up at a planning commission meeting Tuesday, June 26, to protest what they thought would be harsher restrictions on keeping boats and RVs in residential neighborhoods.
The changes to the city zoning code, according to a report from city planner Erika Hollander, were meant to fix certain sections that were “unclear, inadequate or outdated” and make code enforcement and project reviews “less bewildering to the … citizen.”
However, a change in the city’s storage requirements for recreational vehicles caused near panic after a local newspaper reported that the city was trying to reduce the number of RVs and boats people could keep on their property.
Many people showed up at the Tuesday planning meeting with the mistaken idea that, under the new code, every RV in a residential neighborhood would have to be parked in a garage.
Manteca resident Dave Wampler, who said he skipped his 25th wedding anniversary to attend the meeting, told the planning commission he had bought his house because it had a place to store an RV and he could not understand why the city would take away that ability.
“What is wrong with you people Do you have nothing better to do You should all be ashamed of yourself for something like this,” Wampler told the commission. “I don’t get it. Is it not America any more”
In fact, the change put forward by city planners would require RVs to be parked at least as far from the street as the front door. The existing law says an RV can be parked as close to the street as the city’s minimum front-lawn setback, which in most cases is 20 feet.
RV owners whose homes sit farther from the street than the city requires would have had to move their vehicles back several feet under the change, planning manager Kathy Wold said, but increasing setbacks was not the intent.
City code-enforcement officer Greg Baird had suggested the change, Wold said, because he thought the existing code language was unclear.
Most of the people who showed up at the meeting, however, were uncertain about what was being changed.
Dozens of people stepped forward to declare their outrage about rumors they’d heard and to ask the planning commission to explain what was being changed and why. Applause and cheers from the crowd followed most of the comments.
Their questions remained unanswered for nearly 1½ hours, because commission chair Brian Gookins said he wanted to hear everyone from the public before he had city planners respond.
Finally, planning head Kyle Kollar suggested that if planners were allowed to explain the change, people would probably have fewer questions about it.
But questions and protests continued after Wold’s brief and sometimes confusing explanation. Kollar then suggested throwing out the change to the RV parking code because it was not worth the controversy.
“If this is going to cause community uproar, I’m not sure it’s worth going through,” Kollar said, to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The planning commission voted unanimously to scrap any changes to the code governing recreational vehicle parking. They postponed other code changes on the agenda until their July 24 meeting.
Most of the audience went away satisfied, but the level of outrage and mistrust residents showed at the meeting suggested that RV parking in the city was already a sore spot.
Many people who spoke to the commission complained about items they thought were proposed changes to the code, but which had been written into the law for years.
For example, a provision that allows residents to keep just one RV or boat or trailer outside a garage has been on the books since 2002 and will remain active after Tuesday’s meeting.
Residents also complained that a code change would prohibit trucks weighing more than 8,000 pounds from parking in residential neighborhoods. That item, too, has been on the books since 2002, though it would have been eased by the proposed code change.
The proposal would have made regular pickups exempt from the 8,000-pound limit.
n Comment on this story at www.sunpost.net, or to reach Sun Post reporter Ben Marrone, call 239-6351, ext. 305, or e-mail bmarrone@sunpost.net.
Written by Ben Marrone/Sun Post
By Ben Marrone
MANTECA — An effort to make the city zoning code more understandable and “user-friendly” was derailed when more than 70 people showed up at a planning commission meeting Tuesday, June 26, to protest what they thought would be harsher restrictions on keeping boats and RVs in residential neighborhoods.
The changes to the city zoning code, according to a report from city planner Erika Hollander, were meant to fix certain sections that were “unclear, inadequate or outdated” and make code enforcement and project reviews “less bewildering to the … citizen.”
However, a change in the city’s storage requirements for recreational vehicles caused near panic after a local newspaper reported that the city was trying to reduce the number of RVs and boats people could keep on their property.
Many people showed up at the Tuesday planning meeting with the mistaken idea that, under the new code, every RV in a residential neighborhood would have to be parked in a garage.
Manteca resident Dave Wampler, who said he skipped his 25th wedding anniversary to attend the meeting, told the planning commission he had bought his house because it had a place to store an RV and he could not understand why the city would take away that ability.
“What is wrong with you people Do you have nothing better to do You should all be ashamed of yourself for something like this,” Wampler told the commission. “I don’t get it. Is it not America any more”
In fact, the change put forward by city planners would require RVs to be parked at least as far from the street as the front door. The existing law says an RV can be parked as close to the street as the city’s minimum front-lawn setback, which in most cases is 20 feet.
RV owners whose homes sit farther from the street than the city requires would have had to move their vehicles back several feet under the change, planning manager Kathy Wold said, but increasing setbacks was not the intent.
City code-enforcement officer Greg Baird had suggested the change, Wold said, because he thought the existing code language was unclear.
Most of the people who showed up at the meeting, however, were uncertain about what was being changed.
Dozens of people stepped forward to declare their outrage about rumors they’d heard and to ask the planning commission to explain what was being changed and why. Applause and cheers from the crowd followed most of the comments.
Their questions remained unanswered for nearly 1½ hours, because commission chair Brian Gookins said he wanted to hear everyone from the public before he had city planners respond.
Finally, planning head Kyle Kollar suggested that if planners were allowed to explain the change, people would probably have fewer questions about it.
But questions and protests continued after Wold’s brief and sometimes confusing explanation. Kollar then suggested throwing out the change to the RV parking code because it was not worth the controversy.
“If this is going to cause community uproar, I’m not sure it’s worth going through,” Kollar said, to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The planning commission voted unanimously to scrap any changes to the code governing recreational vehicle parking. They postponed other code changes on the agenda until their July 24 meeting.
Most of the audience went away satisfied, but the level of outrage and mistrust residents showed at the meeting suggested that RV parking in the city was already a sore spot.
Many people who spoke to the commission complained about items they thought were proposed changes to the code, but which had been written into the law for years.
For example, a provision that allows residents to keep just one RV or boat or trailer outside a garage has been on the books since 2002 and will remain active after Tuesday’s meeting.
Residents also complained that a code change would prohibit trucks weighing more than 8,000 pounds from parking in residential neighborhoods. That item, too, has been on the books since 2002, though it would have been eased by the proposed code change.
The proposal would have made regular pickups exempt from the 8,000-pound limit.
n Comment on this story at www.sunpost.net, or to reach Sun Post reporter Ben Marrone, call 239-6351, ext. 305, or e-mail bmarrone@sunpost.net.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Parking can take the fun out RV ownership
Parking can take the fun out RV ownership
The former Marine base at El Toro has become a haven for oversized vehicles, but as park development progresses, they will have to move.
By Tony Barboza, Times Staff Writer
June 25, 2007
Bill Kogerman used to land his F-8 Crusader fighter jet on the runways of El Toro Marine base when he was stationed there in the 1960s and '70s.
These days, the retired Marine lieutenant colonel lives in Laguna Hills and is a member of Orange County's Great Park board of directors. He uses the same runway as a parking spot for his 35-foot, blue and white, dolphin-decaled recreational vehicle.
"It's nostalgic, but I did it mostly for the convenience," he said.
Kogerman is not alone. The expansive runways and taxiways of the former Marine base have become landing spots for more than 2,300 RVs, boats and a few cars.
At a time when many Southern California cities are banning RV parking on their streets — even in driveways — Irvine is welcoming Winnebagos, Coachmen and Holiday Ramblers to the ample stretches of concrete that are slated for demolition to make way for the 1,300-acre Great Park.
For $1.7 million a year, the city since 2005 has leased part of the runway space to All Star Services as a 55- to 65-acre parking lot. The company also leases acreage from Lennar Corp., which is developing the commercial and residential properties. The Orange County Great Park Corp. uses the money to maintain the grounds as it starts its massive transformation.
RV and storage industry experts said it may be the largest motor home storage facility in the country, and it has attracted RV owners from as far as Nevada, Wyoming and Germany.
"I've never seen anything even close to this size," said Bob Lee, 67, as he looked down a seemingly unending line of RVs parked in slanted rows. Lee, a transit supervisor from Mission Viejo, pays $145 a month to park his 34-foot Winnebago Adventurer on a former taxiway, taking it on weekend trips up the coast.
Irvine leases other parts of the base for recycling, strawberry and bean farming, and even test-car driving, but RV storage is the most lucrative, providing most of the $2.7 million the park brings in each year.
"We are trying to be good stewards of what we have and generate as much revenue as we can to offset our expenses," said Rod Cooper, operations manager for the Great Park Corp.
If all goes as planned, most of the base, which closed eight years ago, will be demolished, then sculpted, planted and irrigated into one of the largest municipal parks in the country, at an expected cost of more than $1 billion. The park will feature a tethered helium balloon ride, a man-made canyon, orchards and sports fields encircled by 3,600 houses and condos, along with commercial areas.
Those who park their RVs at the base say they'll be in a pinch to find another place to store their vehicles. "It's going to be quite chaotic," said Marti Rogna, manager of All Star Services. "I don't even want to think about it at this point."
California law prohibits street parking of oversized vehicles for more than 72 hours at a stretch. Twenty-two Orange County cities, including Irvine, have ordinances that further restrict RV and boat parking.
"It's an eyesore," said Larry Herman, a councilman in La Palma, which banned parked RVs and boats on the street or in driveways. The ordinance "really has improved the appearance of our city. You can look down the streets now and you don't see the big 35- and 40-footers people have today."
After La Palma's 2005 ban, residents of neighboring Buena Park started noticing more RVs moving onto their streets. This week the City Council will debate whether to enact its own ban.
"There's a definite sense that people are getting chased out," said Sue Bray, executive director of the Good Sam Club, a national RV owners group. "We don't want our streets to become storage lots, but with building going the way it is, a lot of people just don't have space to keep an RV even if it is permitted to be there."
Some owners are bracing for a run on space elsewhere when the El Toro RVs are given 30-day notice to leave. Some are considering heading to the Inland Empire or as far as Arizona to find a suitable spot for a reasonable price.
Irvine officials say they would like to keep the RVs around at least three more years. But there are no guarantees; the current contract runs through September.
Rogna, the lot manager, said her customers' top concern seems to be the future of their spaces. "They're always asking, 'How much longer?' "
The former Marine base at El Toro has become a haven for oversized vehicles, but as park development progresses, they will have to move.
By Tony Barboza, Times Staff Writer
June 25, 2007
Bill Kogerman used to land his F-8 Crusader fighter jet on the runways of El Toro Marine base when he was stationed there in the 1960s and '70s.
These days, the retired Marine lieutenant colonel lives in Laguna Hills and is a member of Orange County's Great Park board of directors. He uses the same runway as a parking spot for his 35-foot, blue and white, dolphin-decaled recreational vehicle.
"It's nostalgic, but I did it mostly for the convenience," he said.
Kogerman is not alone. The expansive runways and taxiways of the former Marine base have become landing spots for more than 2,300 RVs, boats and a few cars.
At a time when many Southern California cities are banning RV parking on their streets — even in driveways — Irvine is welcoming Winnebagos, Coachmen and Holiday Ramblers to the ample stretches of concrete that are slated for demolition to make way for the 1,300-acre Great Park.
For $1.7 million a year, the city since 2005 has leased part of the runway space to All Star Services as a 55- to 65-acre parking lot. The company also leases acreage from Lennar Corp., which is developing the commercial and residential properties. The Orange County Great Park Corp. uses the money to maintain the grounds as it starts its massive transformation.
RV and storage industry experts said it may be the largest motor home storage facility in the country, and it has attracted RV owners from as far as Nevada, Wyoming and Germany.
"I've never seen anything even close to this size," said Bob Lee, 67, as he looked down a seemingly unending line of RVs parked in slanted rows. Lee, a transit supervisor from Mission Viejo, pays $145 a month to park his 34-foot Winnebago Adventurer on a former taxiway, taking it on weekend trips up the coast.
Irvine leases other parts of the base for recycling, strawberry and bean farming, and even test-car driving, but RV storage is the most lucrative, providing most of the $2.7 million the park brings in each year.
"We are trying to be good stewards of what we have and generate as much revenue as we can to offset our expenses," said Rod Cooper, operations manager for the Great Park Corp.
If all goes as planned, most of the base, which closed eight years ago, will be demolished, then sculpted, planted and irrigated into one of the largest municipal parks in the country, at an expected cost of more than $1 billion. The park will feature a tethered helium balloon ride, a man-made canyon, orchards and sports fields encircled by 3,600 houses and condos, along with commercial areas.
Those who park their RVs at the base say they'll be in a pinch to find another place to store their vehicles. "It's going to be quite chaotic," said Marti Rogna, manager of All Star Services. "I don't even want to think about it at this point."
California law prohibits street parking of oversized vehicles for more than 72 hours at a stretch. Twenty-two Orange County cities, including Irvine, have ordinances that further restrict RV and boat parking.
"It's an eyesore," said Larry Herman, a councilman in La Palma, which banned parked RVs and boats on the street or in driveways. The ordinance "really has improved the appearance of our city. You can look down the streets now and you don't see the big 35- and 40-footers people have today."
After La Palma's 2005 ban, residents of neighboring Buena Park started noticing more RVs moving onto their streets. This week the City Council will debate whether to enact its own ban.
"There's a definite sense that people are getting chased out," said Sue Bray, executive director of the Good Sam Club, a national RV owners group. "We don't want our streets to become storage lots, but with building going the way it is, a lot of people just don't have space to keep an RV even if it is permitted to be there."
Some owners are bracing for a run on space elsewhere when the El Toro RVs are given 30-day notice to leave. Some are considering heading to the Inland Empire or as far as Arizona to find a suitable spot for a reasonable price.
Irvine officials say they would like to keep the RVs around at least three more years. But there are no guarantees; the current contract runs through September.
Rogna, the lot manager, said her customers' top concern seems to be the future of their spaces. "They're always asking, 'How much longer?' "
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Developers get green flag to sell RV lots near speedway
Developers get green flag to sell RV lots near speedway
Photo Earl Neikirk/Bristol Herald Courier
This area at the Race Day Center condominiums has been prepared complete with electric and sewer hookups. Bristol Motor Speedway is just across the street.
BRISTOL, Tenn. – A unique zoning law has opened the door for recreational vehicle parking near Bristol Motor Speedway and created financial opportunities for developers, the city and Sullivan County.
Bristol Tennessee City Council late Tuesday unanimously approved a Recreation Vehicle Development District to accommodate the influx of RVs near Bristol Motor Speedway during racing events.
A representative for one local developer tossed out a preliminary site proposal before council members had time to vote.
Mike Hamlin, attorney for Bristol’s Interstate Development Co., displayed a preliminary drawing of a lot that would be behind Race Day Center condominiums across Volunteer Parkway from BMS.
"Some have views of the speedway; others do not," Hamlin said of the lots. "But we expect a median price of about $75,000 given that we will have buyers with financial means.
"We expect these people will be downtown and at restaurants making a financial contribution to the city."
Interstate Development officials were not available for comment on Wednesday, and it is not known how many lots might be placed on the site.
Electric and sewer hookups already are installed, while marked, rectangle tracts are awaiting buyers.
Bob Icenhour, Sullivan County’s property assessor, said the company has planned an RV development at that location for some time. He also said the company stands to make "a bundle of money" when the land is subdivided.
"An acre is selling for more than $124,000 out there," he said. "So when you think about selling a piece of ground about the size of a motor home for $75,000 – yeah, they’ll be making out."
Icenhour said both the city and county also will benefit.
At a market value of $75,000, the county-assessed tax each year would be $474.38, and the city’s assessed tax would be $453.75. Combined, lot owners would pay $928.13 in property taxes. But such fees won’t unsettle RV owners, Icenhour said.
"The RV people [will] drive a half-million-dollar motor home up there," he said. "I don’t think they’re going to worry about the cost of a lot, and they’re only there a couple times a year."
Icenhour said RV owners are not necessarily getting special treatment.
"There’s no favoritism to it," he said. "If they [developers] can sell the lots instead of rent them, why not?"
For about two years, city staff looked at ways to develop regulations that would allow the sale of privately owned RV sites near the speedway.
"In this instance, all internal streets will be private, but each site, or lot, will have infrastructure hookups or access," said Mike Sparks, deputy city manager/development. "And the recreational vehicles must have full kitchen and bathroom facilities internal to the vehicle."
Sparks said he and his staff looked at a similar development near Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
"We used ideas from there and from resorts in Asheville, N.C., and the Florida coastal area," he said.
After researching the issue, city staff decided to place some restrictions on the developments.
Occupancy of any individual lot in an RV development must be vacated each year for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. In addition, RVs cannot occupy the purchased lot for more than 30 consecutive days, according to the new zoning ordinance.
Similar districts are in place at NASCAR tracks in Richmond and Fort Worth, Texas, said Kevin Triplett, BMS vice president of public affairs.
"Given the parameters, this is not unusual," he said. "RV use varies from track to track. Most are similar, and they [tracks] are generally located miles outside the city, and we are too."
Bristol Mayor Jim Messimer said the city wanted to accommodate the RVs at racing events, but did not want to create a permanent campground.
"This is a first," he said. "There’s still a lot of land out there near the speedway, but the majority of that right now is for camping. They [RVs] have been parking at several locations. This is a step to make a place for them, but it also keeps them from having a permanent home. We don’t want to create trailer parks."
The lots fall under the city zoning ordinance’s special-use provision within general business and planned business districts.
The developments must be a minimum of two acres with a maximum density of 13 units per acre. It’s the same density permitted for multifamily residential development.
ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-06-21-0007.html
Photo Earl Neikirk/Bristol Herald Courier
This area at the Race Day Center condominiums has been prepared complete with electric and sewer hookups. Bristol Motor Speedway is just across the street.
BRISTOL, Tenn. – A unique zoning law has opened the door for recreational vehicle parking near Bristol Motor Speedway and created financial opportunities for developers, the city and Sullivan County.
Bristol Tennessee City Council late Tuesday unanimously approved a Recreation Vehicle Development District to accommodate the influx of RVs near Bristol Motor Speedway during racing events.
A representative for one local developer tossed out a preliminary site proposal before council members had time to vote.
Mike Hamlin, attorney for Bristol’s Interstate Development Co., displayed a preliminary drawing of a lot that would be behind Race Day Center condominiums across Volunteer Parkway from BMS.
"Some have views of the speedway; others do not," Hamlin said of the lots. "But we expect a median price of about $75,000 given that we will have buyers with financial means.
"We expect these people will be downtown and at restaurants making a financial contribution to the city."
Interstate Development officials were not available for comment on Wednesday, and it is not known how many lots might be placed on the site.
Electric and sewer hookups already are installed, while marked, rectangle tracts are awaiting buyers.
Bob Icenhour, Sullivan County’s property assessor, said the company has planned an RV development at that location for some time. He also said the company stands to make "a bundle of money" when the land is subdivided.
"An acre is selling for more than $124,000 out there," he said. "So when you think about selling a piece of ground about the size of a motor home for $75,000 – yeah, they’ll be making out."
Icenhour said both the city and county also will benefit.
At a market value of $75,000, the county-assessed tax each year would be $474.38, and the city’s assessed tax would be $453.75. Combined, lot owners would pay $928.13 in property taxes. But such fees won’t unsettle RV owners, Icenhour said.
"The RV people [will] drive a half-million-dollar motor home up there," he said. "I don’t think they’re going to worry about the cost of a lot, and they’re only there a couple times a year."
Icenhour said RV owners are not necessarily getting special treatment.
"There’s no favoritism to it," he said. "If they [developers] can sell the lots instead of rent them, why not?"
For about two years, city staff looked at ways to develop regulations that would allow the sale of privately owned RV sites near the speedway.
"In this instance, all internal streets will be private, but each site, or lot, will have infrastructure hookups or access," said Mike Sparks, deputy city manager/development. "And the recreational vehicles must have full kitchen and bathroom facilities internal to the vehicle."
Sparks said he and his staff looked at a similar development near Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
"We used ideas from there and from resorts in Asheville, N.C., and the Florida coastal area," he said.
After researching the issue, city staff decided to place some restrictions on the developments.
Occupancy of any individual lot in an RV development must be vacated each year for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. In addition, RVs cannot occupy the purchased lot for more than 30 consecutive days, according to the new zoning ordinance.
Similar districts are in place at NASCAR tracks in Richmond and Fort Worth, Texas, said Kevin Triplett, BMS vice president of public affairs.
"Given the parameters, this is not unusual," he said. "RV use varies from track to track. Most are similar, and they [tracks] are generally located miles outside the city, and we are too."
Bristol Mayor Jim Messimer said the city wanted to accommodate the RVs at racing events, but did not want to create a permanent campground.
"This is a first," he said. "There’s still a lot of land out there near the speedway, but the majority of that right now is for camping. They [RVs] have been parking at several locations. This is a step to make a place for them, but it also keeps them from having a permanent home. We don’t want to create trailer parks."
The lots fall under the city zoning ordinance’s special-use provision within general business and planned business districts.
The developments must be a minimum of two acres with a maximum density of 13 units per acre. It’s the same density permitted for multifamily residential development.
ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-06-21-0007.html
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Most Romantic RV Parks
THE MOST ROMANTIC RV PARKS
Motorhome Magazine has announced its Top 10 Most Romance-inspiring RV Parks, in no particular order.
1. Oak Grove Campground/Resort in Holland, Mich. Romantic sunsets on the beach.
2. Wine County RV Resort in Paso Robles, Calif. More than 100 wine-tasting rooms in 10-mile radius.
3. Hershey Highmeadow Campground in Hershey, Pa. Street lights shaped like Candy Kisses.
4. Pagosa Springs Spa & RV Resort at Pagosa Springs, Calif. Guests have access to mineral-water swimming pool.
5. East Shore RV Park in San Dimas, Calif. Hilltop and sunset views.
6. Beverly Beach State Park at Newport, Ore. A beautiful panoramic beach.
7. Petoskey RV & Cabin Resort in Petoskey, Mich. Towering trees and flowers.
8. Winchester Bay RV Resort on the Oregon Coast. Waterfront views of the harbor.
9. Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley, Calif. Giant sequoias, waterfalls and snowcapped mountains.
10. Riverview RV Park in Loveland, Colo. Nature lovers' destination in foothills of the Rockies.
Motorhome Magazine has announced its Top 10 Most Romance-inspiring RV Parks, in no particular order.
1. Oak Grove Campground/Resort in Holland, Mich. Romantic sunsets on the beach.
2. Wine County RV Resort in Paso Robles, Calif. More than 100 wine-tasting rooms in 10-mile radius.
3. Hershey Highmeadow Campground in Hershey, Pa. Street lights shaped like Candy Kisses.
4. Pagosa Springs Spa & RV Resort at Pagosa Springs, Calif. Guests have access to mineral-water swimming pool.
5. East Shore RV Park in San Dimas, Calif. Hilltop and sunset views.
6. Beverly Beach State Park at Newport, Ore. A beautiful panoramic beach.
7. Petoskey RV & Cabin Resort in Petoskey, Mich. Towering trees and flowers.
8. Winchester Bay RV Resort on the Oregon Coast. Waterfront views of the harbor.
9. Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley, Calif. Giant sequoias, waterfalls and snowcapped mountains.
10. Riverview RV Park in Loveland, Colo. Nature lovers' destination in foothills of the Rockies.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Developer ditches plans to replace Bayview RV park
Developer ditches plans to replace Bayview RV park
Jessica Meyers
Staff writer
June 7, 2007
Frank Bixenstein just found out he might be able to keep his view of Lake Pend Oreille and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains – the scene that gives Bayview its name.
A developer has scrapped his plans to replace the 32-slot View of the Bay Mobile Home and RV Park with condominiums. Instead, Hayden developer Bob Holland has put the Bayview property up for sale for $1.6 million.
Last fall, park residents like Bixenstein were handed eviction notices and told they’d have to move by the end of this September.
Now, that may not be necessary, although no one can say what a new owner might choose to do, given the ever-increasing value of lake-view property.
“The sale was not expected,” said Bixenstein who spends almost every weekend in Bayview and feared losing the $14,500 he spent on an early 1970s trailer that is now too old to move to another park. “I feel better if it did sell and somebody was to buy it and leave the trailers there,” he said, already planning to remodel the deck and cover it with a roof.
Holland, who owns Waterford Park Homes LLC, has invested in numerous developments in Bayview and remains a controversial figure in the town located off the southwestern tip of Lake Pend Oreille.
As The Spokesman-Review has previously reported his plan to build a new marina at Bayview was stymied, and Holland was fined, when the Idaho Department of Lands halted the project due to damage caused to a kokanee salmon spawning bed.
Holland declined to be interviewed.
Waterford Marinas manager Tina Arendt, who coordinates Holland’s Bayview properties, denied widespread speculation in the town that the sale of the trailer park has anything to do with financial difficulties.
“We have a lot of projects going on that are higher priority” than redeveloping the trailer park land, she said.
Holland has previously talked of developing the Harborview Marina, formerly the Bayview Marina, with high-rise, multi-unit condominiums. Waterford Park Homes paid just over a million dollars for the Bayview trailer park two years ago, the newspaper previously reported.
Arendt said Holland plans to continue that project when his permit is renewed. He also plans to redevelop the nearby Vista Bay Marina, Arendt said.
And although Holland considered selling the company’s Scenic Motel property in Bayview, it is not on the market.
Hobart Jenkins, chairman of Bayview Chamber of Commerce’s Development Analysis Committee, is among Holland’s critics and among those wondering what the developer plans next.
“I think he is in some degree of financial pressure,” Jenkins said.
He cited 22 violations by Holland’s company in a year and a half including evading zoning rules and failing to report sewage leaks.
“He doesn’t think he can get approval for the grand plans that he had for Bayview within the line of credit that he has,” Jenkins speculated.
It is unclear what will come of the sale of the trailer park. Paul Scott, the Coldwell Banker Realtor handling the property, said the key location has garnered it attention with at least six possible investors.
Even residents are expressing interest. Bixenstein, 60, said there is discussion among tenets of forming a co-op and buying shares. Most residents pay $335 a month for a slot and consider these homes their summer getaway. Bixenstein pays an additional $20 monthly for his lake view. “I would be on the train if they decide to [buy] it,” he said, “but I don’t think everyone would do it or could afford that much.”
Half the park has already left. Retired Air Force Col. Skip Wilcox, 71, is one of the people who moved in anticipation of September’s eviction. “I’m not happy because I had to sign a lease on a new house and it would be difficult to get out of a lease here,” he said.
But he’s not sold on going back, even if he could.
“We don’t know what the new owner will do or who it will be,” Wilcox said. “We just hope Holland sells it to someone not in his hip-pocket.”
Jessica Meyers
Staff writer
June 7, 2007
Frank Bixenstein just found out he might be able to keep his view of Lake Pend Oreille and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains – the scene that gives Bayview its name.
A developer has scrapped his plans to replace the 32-slot View of the Bay Mobile Home and RV Park with condominiums. Instead, Hayden developer Bob Holland has put the Bayview property up for sale for $1.6 million.
Last fall, park residents like Bixenstein were handed eviction notices and told they’d have to move by the end of this September.
Now, that may not be necessary, although no one can say what a new owner might choose to do, given the ever-increasing value of lake-view property.
“The sale was not expected,” said Bixenstein who spends almost every weekend in Bayview and feared losing the $14,500 he spent on an early 1970s trailer that is now too old to move to another park. “I feel better if it did sell and somebody was to buy it and leave the trailers there,” he said, already planning to remodel the deck and cover it with a roof.
Holland, who owns Waterford Park Homes LLC, has invested in numerous developments in Bayview and remains a controversial figure in the town located off the southwestern tip of Lake Pend Oreille.
As The Spokesman-Review has previously reported his plan to build a new marina at Bayview was stymied, and Holland was fined, when the Idaho Department of Lands halted the project due to damage caused to a kokanee salmon spawning bed.
Holland declined to be interviewed.
Waterford Marinas manager Tina Arendt, who coordinates Holland’s Bayview properties, denied widespread speculation in the town that the sale of the trailer park has anything to do with financial difficulties.
“We have a lot of projects going on that are higher priority” than redeveloping the trailer park land, she said.
Holland has previously talked of developing the Harborview Marina, formerly the Bayview Marina, with high-rise, multi-unit condominiums. Waterford Park Homes paid just over a million dollars for the Bayview trailer park two years ago, the newspaper previously reported.
Arendt said Holland plans to continue that project when his permit is renewed. He also plans to redevelop the nearby Vista Bay Marina, Arendt said.
And although Holland considered selling the company’s Scenic Motel property in Bayview, it is not on the market.
Hobart Jenkins, chairman of Bayview Chamber of Commerce’s Development Analysis Committee, is among Holland’s critics and among those wondering what the developer plans next.
“I think he is in some degree of financial pressure,” Jenkins said.
He cited 22 violations by Holland’s company in a year and a half including evading zoning rules and failing to report sewage leaks.
“He doesn’t think he can get approval for the grand plans that he had for Bayview within the line of credit that he has,” Jenkins speculated.
It is unclear what will come of the sale of the trailer park. Paul Scott, the Coldwell Banker Realtor handling the property, said the key location has garnered it attention with at least six possible investors.
Even residents are expressing interest. Bixenstein, 60, said there is discussion among tenets of forming a co-op and buying shares. Most residents pay $335 a month for a slot and consider these homes their summer getaway. Bixenstein pays an additional $20 monthly for his lake view. “I would be on the train if they decide to [buy] it,” he said, “but I don’t think everyone would do it or could afford that much.”
Half the park has already left. Retired Air Force Col. Skip Wilcox, 71, is one of the people who moved in anticipation of September’s eviction. “I’m not happy because I had to sign a lease on a new house and it would be difficult to get out of a lease here,” he said.
But he’s not sold on going back, even if he could.
“We don’t know what the new owner will do or who it will be,” Wilcox said. “We just hope Holland sells it to someone not in his hip-pocket.”
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
RV Campgrounds Full Despite High Gas Prices
RV Campgrounds Full Despite High Gas Prices
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter
Watch Video
LINN COUNTY - The nation is still guzzling gas, despite it’s high price. The national average per gallon is $3.20. Iowa's average is even higher at $3.29.
Instead of going the distance this summer and continuously filling up, many travelers are saying goodbye to their cars and hello to an RV.
Joe and Pearl Coder say they found the right spot to vacation, only a few miles from their home. Squaw Creek Campground is just outside Cedar Rapids, and it kept them from spending their savings on gas.
County campgrounds are full and we found many of the RVers, like the coders, are also not far from home for the same reason.
It hasn't slowed everyone. Gary Ketelsen owns Ketelsen RV and sales have hit a record high, 10 percent higher than last year when gas was much cheaper. Even RV rentals are up.
"We're finding that two families are going in together to cut expenses in half," said Ketelsen.
Piloting one of these portables can be expensive. Some only get 8 miles per gallon of gas. And the rentals can run you $2,000 for a week. But, if you are going the distance, it will save on hotel costs.
While the Coders are enjoying their vacation very close to home, they say the price at the pump won't prevent them from visiting their son in New Orleans nearly a thousand miles away at the end up the summer.
They do hope the price at the pump goes down by then. But, travel agents we spoke with in the area Tuesday say the Coders are not alone.
Despite the high gas costs, most people aren't canceling their trips, especially if it's something they've had planned for a while.
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/7734472.html
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter
Watch Video
LINN COUNTY - The nation is still guzzling gas, despite it’s high price. The national average per gallon is $3.20. Iowa's average is even higher at $3.29.
Instead of going the distance this summer and continuously filling up, many travelers are saying goodbye to their cars and hello to an RV.
Joe and Pearl Coder say they found the right spot to vacation, only a few miles from their home. Squaw Creek Campground is just outside Cedar Rapids, and it kept them from spending their savings on gas.
County campgrounds are full and we found many of the RVers, like the coders, are also not far from home for the same reason.
It hasn't slowed everyone. Gary Ketelsen owns Ketelsen RV and sales have hit a record high, 10 percent higher than last year when gas was much cheaper. Even RV rentals are up.
"We're finding that two families are going in together to cut expenses in half," said Ketelsen.
Piloting one of these portables can be expensive. Some only get 8 miles per gallon of gas. And the rentals can run you $2,000 for a week. But, if you are going the distance, it will save on hotel costs.
While the Coders are enjoying their vacation very close to home, they say the price at the pump won't prevent them from visiting their son in New Orleans nearly a thousand miles away at the end up the summer.
They do hope the price at the pump goes down by then. But, travel agents we spoke with in the area Tuesday say the Coders are not alone.
Despite the high gas costs, most people aren't canceling their trips, especially if it's something they've had planned for a while.
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/7734472.html
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Walker citizens to decide on new RV park
Walker citizens to decide on new RV park
by Dean Morrill, Editor
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 04:20:46 PM
Walker citizens will have a chance to make their opinions known on whether an RV park at the corner of Highway 371 and 34 is good for the community.
But before a public hearing can be held, the council passed a motion requesting the planning and zoning board change the ordinance and allow for a public hearing.
The date for the public hearing was discussed, with the June 4 council meeting the likely date it would be held.
Gary Wilkening, who was sworn in at the beginning of the council meeting, said this is something the city needs and agreed with Jeff Kellogg, who made the proposal, that it is an ideal site.
"Let's put it out there for the people to have a comment on," Wilkening said of beginning a process to amend the ordinance to allow the RV park.
John Fjelstul agreed, seconding the motion while also adding it would be good for the community.
Kellogg brought plans for a self-contained RV park, which would be operated through AmericInn to the May 7 council meeting, a proposal that was also made last year but voted down under a different council. The 13, 10-by-30 foot landscaped sites would only include electricity and be for only short-term stops.
"We feel there is a need and it is a great location," said Kellogg, who added this park would be a way RV owners could stop, stay a few days and help the economy.
In other city business, the council
Decided to extend the sanitary sewer from the Nelson property south to the Walker Area Community Center. The cost of the project was estimated at about $16,000.
The council also approved a change order in the amount of $355,370.45 to revise the Tower Avenue and Second Street project bid to reflect the changes to end Tower Avenue at Division Street.
Another aspect of the project included a partial payment of $29,388.60 to Aspen Construction for the Tower Avenue remobilization fees. The council agreed this was the best course after the project was stopped because of the artifact dig site.
Approved payment of $10,100 to Landecker & Associates for the Tower Avenue street project.
Passed a motion to send an estimated $1.1 million Walker Airport project out to bid. The start date is expected to be around Aug. 20, which would close the airport for a few weeks in September and October.
The Airport Fund has about $380,000, with the remaining amount expected to come from a federal grant the city has to apply for.
Approved a conditional use permit for the construction of a 11,240 square foot Memory Care Facility at May Creek Lodge. The city said owners Ann Noland and John Rogen would need to meet the conditions set forth for additional parking and a water retention pond to allow for stormwater retention.
Approved a request from Brad Spry of State Farm Insurance to hold an open house celebration at its office and parking lot June 1.
The tent will be put up the morning of the open house in the parking lot in front of the insurance building and behind Orton's BP, and taken down the same day.
Heard from Orv Rosenberry who thanked the council for allowing the volunteer tax committee to use the Fire Hall to prepare and file more than 359 electronic tax forms.
Approved Olson Electric to install new bulbs on the City Park pole lights and repair lens at a cost of $660.
Approved Landecker & Associates, the city's business firm, to prepare the SWPPP for the Walker Industrial Park, meet with Minnesota Pollution Control and meet the proper National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirement at a cost of $7,920.
Purchased a 16-foot boot and 15 horsepower motor for $800 so city employees can put in and take out the city's docks instead of hiring someone. The city still needs to purchase a trailer for the boat and motor.
Approved the Walker Cemetery Board's recommendation to amend the cemetery rates.
Shortly before 9 p.m. and after business was discussed, the council closed the meeting so they could discuss a pending lawsuit and strategy with a lawyer from Minnesota's Cities.
by Dean Morrill, Editor
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 04:20:46 PM
Walker citizens will have a chance to make their opinions known on whether an RV park at the corner of Highway 371 and 34 is good for the community.
But before a public hearing can be held, the council passed a motion requesting the planning and zoning board change the ordinance and allow for a public hearing.
The date for the public hearing was discussed, with the June 4 council meeting the likely date it would be held.
Gary Wilkening, who was sworn in at the beginning of the council meeting, said this is something the city needs and agreed with Jeff Kellogg, who made the proposal, that it is an ideal site.
"Let's put it out there for the people to have a comment on," Wilkening said of beginning a process to amend the ordinance to allow the RV park.
John Fjelstul agreed, seconding the motion while also adding it would be good for the community.
Kellogg brought plans for a self-contained RV park, which would be operated through AmericInn to the May 7 council meeting, a proposal that was also made last year but voted down under a different council. The 13, 10-by-30 foot landscaped sites would only include electricity and be for only short-term stops.
"We feel there is a need and it is a great location," said Kellogg, who added this park would be a way RV owners could stop, stay a few days and help the economy.
In other city business, the council
Decided to extend the sanitary sewer from the Nelson property south to the Walker Area Community Center. The cost of the project was estimated at about $16,000.
The council also approved a change order in the amount of $355,370.45 to revise the Tower Avenue and Second Street project bid to reflect the changes to end Tower Avenue at Division Street.
Another aspect of the project included a partial payment of $29,388.60 to Aspen Construction for the Tower Avenue remobilization fees. The council agreed this was the best course after the project was stopped because of the artifact dig site.
Approved payment of $10,100 to Landecker & Associates for the Tower Avenue street project.
Passed a motion to send an estimated $1.1 million Walker Airport project out to bid. The start date is expected to be around Aug. 20, which would close the airport for a few weeks in September and October.
The Airport Fund has about $380,000, with the remaining amount expected to come from a federal grant the city has to apply for.
Approved a conditional use permit for the construction of a 11,240 square foot Memory Care Facility at May Creek Lodge. The city said owners Ann Noland and John Rogen would need to meet the conditions set forth for additional parking and a water retention pond to allow for stormwater retention.
Approved a request from Brad Spry of State Farm Insurance to hold an open house celebration at its office and parking lot June 1.
The tent will be put up the morning of the open house in the parking lot in front of the insurance building and behind Orton's BP, and taken down the same day.
Heard from Orv Rosenberry who thanked the council for allowing the volunteer tax committee to use the Fire Hall to prepare and file more than 359 electronic tax forms.
Approved Olson Electric to install new bulbs on the City Park pole lights and repair lens at a cost of $660.
Approved Landecker & Associates, the city's business firm, to prepare the SWPPP for the Walker Industrial Park, meet with Minnesota Pollution Control and meet the proper National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirement at a cost of $7,920.
Purchased a 16-foot boot and 15 horsepower motor for $800 so city employees can put in and take out the city's docks instead of hiring someone. The city still needs to purchase a trailer for the boat and motor.
Approved the Walker Cemetery Board's recommendation to amend the cemetery rates.
Shortly before 9 p.m. and after business was discussed, the council closed the meeting so they could discuss a pending lawsuit and strategy with a lawyer from Minnesota's Cities.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
RV Park Hoping for the Best
RV Park Hoping for the Best
By Steven Cote
Wednesday, May 09, 2007 03:54 AM
Water is creeping into the RV Park at Highway 97 and Salmon Valley Road ( photo opinion250 staff)
Rockin's River Resort, an RV park and campsite located on Salmon Valley road, is experiencing moderate flooding from the rising Salmon River.
Water levels have already risen above most of the facilities, including the rental sites, and little can be done by the park's owner to stop it.
"Business has definitely been hurt," says Robin, owner of Rockin's River Resort, adding that sites were already being rented by this time last year.
Robin, who purchased the RV park late last spring, fears she may have to start canceling reservations if the situation does not improve soon. "I'm hoping for the best," she says," but what can you do with mother nature?".
By Steven Cote
Wednesday, May 09, 2007 03:54 AM
Water is creeping into the RV Park at Highway 97 and Salmon Valley Road ( photo opinion250 staff)
Rockin's River Resort, an RV park and campsite located on Salmon Valley road, is experiencing moderate flooding from the rising Salmon River.
Water levels have already risen above most of the facilities, including the rental sites, and little can be done by the park's owner to stop it.
"Business has definitely been hurt," says Robin, owner of Rockin's River Resort, adding that sites were already being rented by this time last year.
Robin, who purchased the RV park late last spring, fears she may have to start canceling reservations if the situation does not improve soon. "I'm hoping for the best," she says," but what can you do with mother nature?".
Thursday, April 26, 2007
RV park planned
RV park planned
By Daniel Witter/Appeal-Democrat
April 25, 2007 - 12:55PM
Recreational vehicle enthusiasts looking for a camping spot along the Yuba River may soon have a new place to stay.
Developers have plans to convert a 113-acre site along Simpson Lane into a 200-space RV park with an existing 30-acre lake and a 7-acre lake. The Lake Marysville RV Resort, as it would be called, sits west of Marysville Raceway Park.
The State Reclamation Board gave its approval Friday for a special permit for builder Milton Miner to develop the site since it is in a flood project zone.
The project now needs Yuba County Planning Commission approval. The commission will consider issuing a conditional permit on May 16. That meeting will take place in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the Yuba County Government Center, 915 Eighth St. in Marysville.
“The initial study is out for review,” said Yuba County planner Dan Cucchi.
The project will occur in two phases: The first phase will include 100 recreational vehicle sites, 100 camping sites, lavatory units, laundry facilities, a recreational vehicle dump station, fixed-barbecue units and picnic tables, swimming beach, recreation room, manager’s office and a kiosk for guest check-in.
The second phase will include 100 additional recreational vehicle sites, a second lavatory unit and marine facilities including docks for fishing access.
The developers plan to pave a road and install stone planters at the entry and center aisle with landscaping improvements.
The project was initially approved in August 2002, but Miner didn’t start any work on the property, so the permit expired, Cucchi said.
The project only needs approval from the Planning Commission unless the item is appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appealdemocrat.com.
By Daniel Witter/Appeal-Democrat
April 25, 2007 - 12:55PM
Recreational vehicle enthusiasts looking for a camping spot along the Yuba River may soon have a new place to stay.
Developers have plans to convert a 113-acre site along Simpson Lane into a 200-space RV park with an existing 30-acre lake and a 7-acre lake. The Lake Marysville RV Resort, as it would be called, sits west of Marysville Raceway Park.
The State Reclamation Board gave its approval Friday for a special permit for builder Milton Miner to develop the site since it is in a flood project zone.
The project now needs Yuba County Planning Commission approval. The commission will consider issuing a conditional permit on May 16. That meeting will take place in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the Yuba County Government Center, 915 Eighth St. in Marysville.
“The initial study is out for review,” said Yuba County planner Dan Cucchi.
The project will occur in two phases: The first phase will include 100 recreational vehicle sites, 100 camping sites, lavatory units, laundry facilities, a recreational vehicle dump station, fixed-barbecue units and picnic tables, swimming beach, recreation room, manager’s office and a kiosk for guest check-in.
The second phase will include 100 additional recreational vehicle sites, a second lavatory unit and marine facilities including docks for fishing access.
The developers plan to pave a road and install stone planters at the entry and center aisle with landscaping improvements.
The project was initially approved in August 2002, but Miner didn’t start any work on the property, so the permit expired, Cucchi said.
The project only needs approval from the Planning Commission unless the item is appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appealdemocrat.com.
RV park will put campers at ease
RV park will put campers at ease
Horn Lake site to be like a multiuse home away from home
By William C. Bayne
Contact
April 25, 2007
The Audubon Point RV Park and Mini Storage isn't scheduled to open until Tuesday, but RV campers have already begun making inquiries.
"I'm excited to get it going, but I'm scared too," said Keith Russell of Jackson.
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"We've been in the mini storage business for 15 years, but this is the first time out in the RV park business. I believe we're going to be a big success.
"It's a tremendous location and the city has been fantastic to work with," he said.
Audubon Point is on 29.64 acres on the east side of U.S. 51, just south of Nail Road.
Russell, 59, a native of Brookhaven, said he chose Horn Lake for his first RV park "because it's one of the hottest real estate areas in the country."
He expects the RV park will cater to construction crews and to youth baseball teams competing at Snowden Grove Park in Southaven or Latimer Lakes Park in Horn Lake.
"We're limited to a maximum 45-day stay at one time, but we'll also have pads available for the overnight transient RV campers," he said.
"No one is going to be able to make this home, but it's going to be very nice for those who stay with us periodically."
Altogether, there are 114 concrete pads available for RV's, all with 50-amp electrical service.
The park has a large swimming pool, a bathhouse, a commercial laundry and a dog walk.
Russell said his business plan projects 80 percent occupancy at the RV park within three years.
"Our prime seasons will be summer and fall, but we expect that we will have construction workers throughout the year because of all the construction taking place in the county."
The park will be fully covered by security cameras, he said.
The mini storage facility will have both regular bins and climate-controlled storage.
"We have 980 containers ranging from 5 feet by 5 feet up to 20 by 20," Russell said.
The projected opening day for the mini storage is May 15.
The RV park "should generate a lot of cash business for stores in Horn Lake and Southaven," he said.
Russell's planned unit development for the RV park and mini storage also includes 5.69 acres of commercial space.
"All of the commercial space will have C-4 usage," Horn Lake planning director Anita Rainey said.
"That allows for such businesses as restaurants, ice cream stores, gift shops, bakeries, sporting goods stores, indoor recreation or convenience stores.
"What we're hoping for in that area are businesses that are walkable from the RV park. In addition to the other businesses, any kind of personal service business could also go there -- like a beauty salon or barber shop."
Altogether, Rainey said the commercial space would create about 60,000 square feet of retail business.
"My plan is to get both the RV park and the mini storage up and running before we get involved with the commercial space," Russell said.
Lee Smith, a retired Marine master sergeant, will manage the RV park, and Judy Clark, a veteran in the mini storage business, will manage the mini storage facility, Russell said.
-- William C. Bayne: (662) 996-1408
Horn Lake site to be like a multiuse home away from home
By William C. Bayne
Contact
April 25, 2007
The Audubon Point RV Park and Mini Storage isn't scheduled to open until Tuesday, but RV campers have already begun making inquiries.
"I'm excited to get it going, but I'm scared too," said Keith Russell of Jackson.
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"We've been in the mini storage business for 15 years, but this is the first time out in the RV park business. I believe we're going to be a big success.
"It's a tremendous location and the city has been fantastic to work with," he said.
Audubon Point is on 29.64 acres on the east side of U.S. 51, just south of Nail Road.
Russell, 59, a native of Brookhaven, said he chose Horn Lake for his first RV park "because it's one of the hottest real estate areas in the country."
He expects the RV park will cater to construction crews and to youth baseball teams competing at Snowden Grove Park in Southaven or Latimer Lakes Park in Horn Lake.
"We're limited to a maximum 45-day stay at one time, but we'll also have pads available for the overnight transient RV campers," he said.
"No one is going to be able to make this home, but it's going to be very nice for those who stay with us periodically."
Altogether, there are 114 concrete pads available for RV's, all with 50-amp electrical service.
The park has a large swimming pool, a bathhouse, a commercial laundry and a dog walk.
Russell said his business plan projects 80 percent occupancy at the RV park within three years.
"Our prime seasons will be summer and fall, but we expect that we will have construction workers throughout the year because of all the construction taking place in the county."
The park will be fully covered by security cameras, he said.
The mini storage facility will have both regular bins and climate-controlled storage.
"We have 980 containers ranging from 5 feet by 5 feet up to 20 by 20," Russell said.
The projected opening day for the mini storage is May 15.
The RV park "should generate a lot of cash business for stores in Horn Lake and Southaven," he said.
Russell's planned unit development for the RV park and mini storage also includes 5.69 acres of commercial space.
"All of the commercial space will have C-4 usage," Horn Lake planning director Anita Rainey said.
"That allows for such businesses as restaurants, ice cream stores, gift shops, bakeries, sporting goods stores, indoor recreation or convenience stores.
"What we're hoping for in that area are businesses that are walkable from the RV park. In addition to the other businesses, any kind of personal service business could also go there -- like a beauty salon or barber shop."
Altogether, Rainey said the commercial space would create about 60,000 square feet of retail business.
"My plan is to get both the RV park and the mini storage up and running before we get involved with the commercial space," Russell said.
Lee Smith, a retired Marine master sergeant, will manage the RV park, and Judy Clark, a veteran in the mini storage business, will manage the mini storage facility, Russell said.
-- William C. Bayne: (662) 996-1408
Monday, April 23, 2007
RV Park Reopening on Planned Tower Site
RV Park Reopening on Planned Tower Site
By Mark Mueller - 4/23/2007
Orange County Business Journal Staff
The last thing developer Urban West expected when it bought Anaheim’s Travelers World RV Park last July was to be opening a revamped RV park on the site.
That’s exactly what the developer will be doing in a few weeks.
A more glamorous project was envisioned for the 12-acre, West Ball Road location: Parc Anaheim, a 449-home project close to Disneyland Resort. The homes were to be centered around two 10-story towers.
But as part of the fallout from Walt Disney Co.’s battle with the city of Anaheim and other developers over proposed housing projects in the Anaheim Resort District, Urban West now is going with a “defensive strategy” for the time being, President David DiRienzo said.
That means reopening the RV site, which was shuttered late last year, while entitlement and legal issues are sorted out. The RV park will reopen in May under a new name: Anaheim RV Village. Urban West also put in about $1 million in improvements to the site.
“We never bought it as an RV park,” DiRienzo said. “But the partnership made the decision that as we go through the entitlement process it makes sense (to bring in some funds).”
Housing still is the goal, he said.
Even without opposition, Urban West expected it to take a few years to get permits for its plan. Now, with Disney actively opposing housing near the resort area, a timeframe is harder to figure out, according to DiRienzo.
Disney’s Case
Disney, backed by other Anaheim tourism businesses, has sued the city, opposing plans to build houses and condos near its theme parks. Homes don’t fit well with the area’s hotels, shops and other tourist venues, and could impact the tax base for the area, opposers say.
Housing development also could impact Disney’s plan for a third theme park.
Most of the opposition has been toward Irvine-based SunCal Cos.’ proposal to build 1,500 homes near the resort. A February City Council vote on the SunCal plan ended up in a disputed deadlock, leading to the lawsuit.
Other developers eyeing the resort area also are feeling the heat from the dispute.
Newport Beach-based Renaissance Pacific Properties LLC has plans for a 20-story tower on South Harbor Boulevard that would include 250 condos along with a 375-room hotel.
So far, the plan is still a go. The company is in the early process of applying for permits and entitlements, according to Michael Capaldi, a principal with Renaissance Pacific.
With Disney’s opposition to homes near its resort, “where it all comes out, who knows,” Capaldi said.
O’Donnell/Atkins, which helped put together SunCal’s Anaheim land buy last year, thinks an agreement that benefits all parties can be worked out.
“There was not nearly the interest or momentum in effectuating truly mixed-use development when the resort area plan was drafted as exists now,” said Tom Reimers, O’Donnell/Atkins senior vice president.
“There is a great opportunity here—crafting a site plan that will complement and support existing resort area development while providing for a more well-rounded, long-term land use pattern in the area,” Reimers said.
Capaldi said his big hope is that a compromise, brokered by Mayor Curt Pringle, will put an end to the litigation, and allow his project’s combination of luxury hotel rooms and condos to be built at the site of a former Toys “R” Us store.
“The bottom line is unless you have a residential component, it’s hard to justify building a hotel in the area,” Capaldi said.
Urban West’s DiRienzo thinks the location of his company’s Parc Anaheim project—one of the first big Anaheim residential projects recently proposed outside the city’s Platinum Triangle area—should help its eventual approval.
The site is technically part of the Anaheim Resort District, even though it falls on the opposite side of the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway, from where Disneyland is.
“The north side of the 5 doesn’t support tourism—we don’t see ourselves as part of the resort,” DiRienzo said.
“We’re completely perplexed” by Disney’s challenge of Parc Anaheim, he said.
By Mark Mueller - 4/23/2007
Orange County Business Journal Staff
The last thing developer Urban West expected when it bought Anaheim’s Travelers World RV Park last July was to be opening a revamped RV park on the site.
That’s exactly what the developer will be doing in a few weeks.
A more glamorous project was envisioned for the 12-acre, West Ball Road location: Parc Anaheim, a 449-home project close to Disneyland Resort. The homes were to be centered around two 10-story towers.
But as part of the fallout from Walt Disney Co.’s battle with the city of Anaheim and other developers over proposed housing projects in the Anaheim Resort District, Urban West now is going with a “defensive strategy” for the time being, President David DiRienzo said.
That means reopening the RV site, which was shuttered late last year, while entitlement and legal issues are sorted out. The RV park will reopen in May under a new name: Anaheim RV Village. Urban West also put in about $1 million in improvements to the site.
“We never bought it as an RV park,” DiRienzo said. “But the partnership made the decision that as we go through the entitlement process it makes sense (to bring in some funds).”
Housing still is the goal, he said.
Even without opposition, Urban West expected it to take a few years to get permits for its plan. Now, with Disney actively opposing housing near the resort area, a timeframe is harder to figure out, according to DiRienzo.
Disney’s Case
Disney, backed by other Anaheim tourism businesses, has sued the city, opposing plans to build houses and condos near its theme parks. Homes don’t fit well with the area’s hotels, shops and other tourist venues, and could impact the tax base for the area, opposers say.
Housing development also could impact Disney’s plan for a third theme park.
Most of the opposition has been toward Irvine-based SunCal Cos.’ proposal to build 1,500 homes near the resort. A February City Council vote on the SunCal plan ended up in a disputed deadlock, leading to the lawsuit.
Other developers eyeing the resort area also are feeling the heat from the dispute.
Newport Beach-based Renaissance Pacific Properties LLC has plans for a 20-story tower on South Harbor Boulevard that would include 250 condos along with a 375-room hotel.
So far, the plan is still a go. The company is in the early process of applying for permits and entitlements, according to Michael Capaldi, a principal with Renaissance Pacific.
With Disney’s opposition to homes near its resort, “where it all comes out, who knows,” Capaldi said.
O’Donnell/Atkins, which helped put together SunCal’s Anaheim land buy last year, thinks an agreement that benefits all parties can be worked out.
“There was not nearly the interest or momentum in effectuating truly mixed-use development when the resort area plan was drafted as exists now,” said Tom Reimers, O’Donnell/Atkins senior vice president.
“There is a great opportunity here—crafting a site plan that will complement and support existing resort area development while providing for a more well-rounded, long-term land use pattern in the area,” Reimers said.
Capaldi said his big hope is that a compromise, brokered by Mayor Curt Pringle, will put an end to the litigation, and allow his project’s combination of luxury hotel rooms and condos to be built at the site of a former Toys “R” Us store.
“The bottom line is unless you have a residential component, it’s hard to justify building a hotel in the area,” Capaldi said.
Urban West’s DiRienzo thinks the location of his company’s Parc Anaheim project—one of the first big Anaheim residential projects recently proposed outside the city’s Platinum Triangle area—should help its eventual approval.
The site is technically part of the Anaheim Resort District, even though it falls on the opposite side of the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway, from where Disneyland is.
“The north side of the 5 doesn’t support tourism—we don’t see ourselves as part of the resort,” DiRienzo said.
“We’re completely perplexed” by Disney’s challenge of Parc Anaheim, he said.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Anaheim RV park to reopen
Orange County Register - ANAHEIM ?Motor homes soon will roll back into a Disneyland-area RV park closed months ago to make way for a new development.
The landowner is expecting long delays in approval of the project because of a Disney-led, anti-housing campaign in the Anaheim Resort. So, he plans to reopen the former Travelers World RV Park by May to make money in the meantime.
"Operating as an RV park, we can fund our defensive strategy if we need to take one," said David DiRienzo, Urban West president.
Disney and resort business officials launched a ballot initiative that would require voter approval of new homes in the 2.2-square-mile resort district. The initiative, which would be retroactive to March 19, could interfere with Urban West's plans to build 449 homes and shops.
Disney officials are against any residences in the 13-year-old resort, which now forbids new housing.
The landowner is expecting long delays in approval of the project because of a Disney-led, anti-housing campaign in the Anaheim Resort. So, he plans to reopen the former Travelers World RV Park by May to make money in the meantime.
"Operating as an RV park, we can fund our defensive strategy if we need to take one," said David DiRienzo, Urban West president.
Disney and resort business officials launched a ballot initiative that would require voter approval of new homes in the 2.2-square-mile resort district. The initiative, which would be retroactive to March 19, could interfere with Urban West's plans to build 449 homes and shops.
Disney officials are against any residences in the 13-year-old resort, which now forbids new housing.
Friday, March 30, 2007
County Board approves permit for RV park
County Board approves permit for RV park
By Harold Campbell/Daily Sun staff writer
Friday, March 30, 2007 9:41 AM CDT
A recreational vehicle park will be established near Homestead National Monument of America following action on Wednesday by the Gage County Board of Supervisors.
The County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for Troy Stevens, 23436 SW 75th Road, to place an RV park about one-half mile north of Homestead National Monument.
“We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy rural America,” Stevens said. “This will help promote agribusiness and provide a safe, secure environment for those using the site.”
Earlier this month, the Gage County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of a special use permit for Stevens' planned RV park with stipulations limiting the number of RV pads to 14 and requiring Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality approval of a septic system.
On Wednesday, however, the County Board amended the DEQ stipulation to require DEQ approval only if Stevens actually installs a septic system.
Supervisor Gary Barnard led the effort to take away the DEQ stipulation, saying most state-run campgrounds and RV parks do not require a dump site.
“Why are we asking a private individual to have more stipulations than the state?” Barnard asked.
The County Board last year approved Stevens' application to establish a bed and breakfast near the site of the RV park. At the same time, the board denied Stevens' application for an RV park because county zoning regulations then in effect did not allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned Agriculture 3, Agriculture Conservation District.
However, the County Board earlier this year amended the county's zoning regulations to allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned AG-3.
Stevens plans to incorporate the RV park with the nearby bed and breakfast in an area called “Oak Aven Acres.”
In other business:
Dirt scraper: Voted for Marlin Kliewer, county highway superintendent, to delay purchase of a motor scraper at this time. Supervisor Shirley Gronewold cast the lone dissenting vote, saying her constituents always want the best services for their taxes. Other supervisors, however, said they would like to see more budget and purchase prioritization from the highway department.
Sheriff's office overtime claims: Following an executive session for personnel matters, authorized payment of $21,238.64 in back overtime claims to the Gage County Sheriff's Office. County Board Chairman David Anderson said with an expected partial reimbursement of about $10,000 from the county's insurance carrier, the county will be out about $11,000.
Railroad crossing: Approved an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to relocate a railroad crossing on South 134th Road near the E Energy Adams ethanol plant under construction.
Road vacation public hearing: Scheduled a public hearing for the County Board's regular April 25 meeting to discuss vacating a public road in Section 14, Blakely Township, about two miles north of Homestead National Monument of America.
Juvenile diversion program update: Heard an update on the Gage County Diversion Program from Dianne Swanson, program coordinator. Swanson said between September 1993 and February 2007, more than 825 youths have successfully completed the program. This represents nearly $290,000 in savings to Gage County taxpayers, she said.
Under juvenile diversion, youths with certain misdemeanor offenses can enroll in the program, and upon successful completion, the offense is removed from the court record.
Road tour: Took a tour of county roads Wednesday afternoon and was scheduled to resume the tour Thursday morning.
By Harold Campbell/Daily Sun staff writer
Friday, March 30, 2007 9:41 AM CDT
A recreational vehicle park will be established near Homestead National Monument of America following action on Wednesday by the Gage County Board of Supervisors.
The County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for Troy Stevens, 23436 SW 75th Road, to place an RV park about one-half mile north of Homestead National Monument.
“We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy rural America,” Stevens said. “This will help promote agribusiness and provide a safe, secure environment for those using the site.”
Earlier this month, the Gage County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of a special use permit for Stevens' planned RV park with stipulations limiting the number of RV pads to 14 and requiring Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality approval of a septic system.
On Wednesday, however, the County Board amended the DEQ stipulation to require DEQ approval only if Stevens actually installs a septic system.
Supervisor Gary Barnard led the effort to take away the DEQ stipulation, saying most state-run campgrounds and RV parks do not require a dump site.
“Why are we asking a private individual to have more stipulations than the state?” Barnard asked.
The County Board last year approved Stevens' application to establish a bed and breakfast near the site of the RV park. At the same time, the board denied Stevens' application for an RV park because county zoning regulations then in effect did not allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned Agriculture 3, Agriculture Conservation District.
However, the County Board earlier this year amended the county's zoning regulations to allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned AG-3.
Stevens plans to incorporate the RV park with the nearby bed and breakfast in an area called “Oak Aven Acres.”
In other business:
Dirt scraper: Voted for Marlin Kliewer, county highway superintendent, to delay purchase of a motor scraper at this time. Supervisor Shirley Gronewold cast the lone dissenting vote, saying her constituents always want the best services for their taxes. Other supervisors, however, said they would like to see more budget and purchase prioritization from the highway department.
Sheriff's office overtime claims: Following an executive session for personnel matters, authorized payment of $21,238.64 in back overtime claims to the Gage County Sheriff's Office. County Board Chairman David Anderson said with an expected partial reimbursement of about $10,000 from the county's insurance carrier, the county will be out about $11,000.
Railroad crossing: Approved an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to relocate a railroad crossing on South 134th Road near the E Energy Adams ethanol plant under construction.
Road vacation public hearing: Scheduled a public hearing for the County Board's regular April 25 meeting to discuss vacating a public road in Section 14, Blakely Township, about two miles north of Homestead National Monument of America.
Juvenile diversion program update: Heard an update on the Gage County Diversion Program from Dianne Swanson, program coordinator. Swanson said between September 1993 and February 2007, more than 825 youths have successfully completed the program. This represents nearly $290,000 in savings to Gage County taxpayers, she said.
Under juvenile diversion, youths with certain misdemeanor offenses can enroll in the program, and upon successful completion, the offense is removed from the court record.
Road tour: Took a tour of county roads Wednesday afternoon and was scheduled to resume the tour Thursday morning.
Monday, March 26, 2007
RV park residents hitting the open road
RV park residents hitting the open road
Travis Whitehead
ROMA — The Roma Museum made Bob Clarke feel as though he had stepped back in time.
He and other residents of Fountain at Penitas RV Park were touring the museum, the Roma Bluffs World Birding Center, and the rest of the town as part of a growing interest in the location.
Clarke, originally of Ireland, now lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada during the summer months. He liked the museum’s authentic feel; it hadn’t been “cleaned up,” meaning it had a more natural feel, providing a more intimate connection between visitors and exhibits.
“That’s the way it should be in a museum,” Clarke said. “It isn’t changed one bit.”
The tour groups have been a win-win experience for everyone involved, said Smokey Cranfill, manager of the Roma Bluffs WBC.
Cranfill said visitors with the tour groups have responded with great exuberance to the sights and sounds of Roma, the exhibits at the birding center and the volunteers available to assist them.
“They all think it’s great,” he said. “They say things like, ‘Everybody’s friendly,’ ‘They give them the information they want’, ‘Cleanest restrooms they’ve ever had,’ and the historical aspects of the facilities, they love that. I haven’t had any complaints yet.”
Visitors also tell him they want to continue coming back with larger groups, so, “We gotta be prepared for that.”
The folks from Alamo Rose Mobile Home and RV Park had a pretty good time, too, when they visited on a previous day. Alamo Rose belongs to the Wilder Corporation that has purchased several big buses the size of Greyhounds. A park resident who used to drive Greyhounds has volunteered to drive the park’s tour buses on various excursions throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“We have what’s called the Explorers Club here,” said Pat Jeffries, who went on the trip. “The purpose of the Explorers Club is to go around and see all of the sites, wonderful sites in the Valley, such as going out to the air show, over to the Iwo Jima (Memorial), things like that.”
About 42 people took the trip to Starr County, stopping first at Falcon State Park, where they visited the bird blind, the butterfly garden and viewed a video and presentation by volunteer Steve Mondl. They had a brisket and mashed potato lunch, then returned to Roma.
“We stopped at the bluffs, the overlook there, and we got out and another representative from the World Birding Center told us about how they look at the birds there, and about the suspension bridge,” said Jeffries, 67. “I enjoyed the part at Roma, where we went out into the amphitheater where we learned not only about the birds but the history of Roma and stuff like that.”
Don and Connie Phillips, of Norwalk, Iowa, enjoyed the Roma tour. This is their first trip to South Texas.
“I feel it’s interesting to us,” said Don Phillips, 73. “We’re able to see some of their history.”
Many of those visiting the interpretive overlook liked the view.
Marie Burke, 64, said she has often driven right through Roma without stopping.
“We always just breezed through, because we didn’t know there was anything to see,” said Burke, a Winter Texan from Oklahoma who lives at the Bentsen Palm Park.
Cranfill said the tours make an important contribution to the Roma Bluff World Birding Center and to the city itself. Visitors come through, view the exhibits and then tell others about what they have seen.
The word seems to be getting out.
Jeffries said that within 10 minutes of putting out the sign-up sheet for the trip from Alamo Rose, the list was full and there was a waiting list of about 25 people.
“I compared the signing on the sign-up sheet to a shark feeding when you put chum in the water,” she said. “My goodness!”
———
Travis Whitehead covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4452. For this and other local stories, visit www.themonitor.com.
Travis Whitehead
ROMA — The Roma Museum made Bob Clarke feel as though he had stepped back in time.
He and other residents of Fountain at Penitas RV Park were touring the museum, the Roma Bluffs World Birding Center, and the rest of the town as part of a growing interest in the location.
Clarke, originally of Ireland, now lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada during the summer months. He liked the museum’s authentic feel; it hadn’t been “cleaned up,” meaning it had a more natural feel, providing a more intimate connection between visitors and exhibits.
“That’s the way it should be in a museum,” Clarke said. “It isn’t changed one bit.”
The tour groups have been a win-win experience for everyone involved, said Smokey Cranfill, manager of the Roma Bluffs WBC.
Cranfill said visitors with the tour groups have responded with great exuberance to the sights and sounds of Roma, the exhibits at the birding center and the volunteers available to assist them.
“They all think it’s great,” he said. “They say things like, ‘Everybody’s friendly,’ ‘They give them the information they want’, ‘Cleanest restrooms they’ve ever had,’ and the historical aspects of the facilities, they love that. I haven’t had any complaints yet.”
Visitors also tell him they want to continue coming back with larger groups, so, “We gotta be prepared for that.”
The folks from Alamo Rose Mobile Home and RV Park had a pretty good time, too, when they visited on a previous day. Alamo Rose belongs to the Wilder Corporation that has purchased several big buses the size of Greyhounds. A park resident who used to drive Greyhounds has volunteered to drive the park’s tour buses on various excursions throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“We have what’s called the Explorers Club here,” said Pat Jeffries, who went on the trip. “The purpose of the Explorers Club is to go around and see all of the sites, wonderful sites in the Valley, such as going out to the air show, over to the Iwo Jima (Memorial), things like that.”
About 42 people took the trip to Starr County, stopping first at Falcon State Park, where they visited the bird blind, the butterfly garden and viewed a video and presentation by volunteer Steve Mondl. They had a brisket and mashed potato lunch, then returned to Roma.
“We stopped at the bluffs, the overlook there, and we got out and another representative from the World Birding Center told us about how they look at the birds there, and about the suspension bridge,” said Jeffries, 67. “I enjoyed the part at Roma, where we went out into the amphitheater where we learned not only about the birds but the history of Roma and stuff like that.”
Don and Connie Phillips, of Norwalk, Iowa, enjoyed the Roma tour. This is their first trip to South Texas.
“I feel it’s interesting to us,” said Don Phillips, 73. “We’re able to see some of their history.”
Many of those visiting the interpretive overlook liked the view.
Marie Burke, 64, said she has often driven right through Roma without stopping.
“We always just breezed through, because we didn’t know there was anything to see,” said Burke, a Winter Texan from Oklahoma who lives at the Bentsen Palm Park.
Cranfill said the tours make an important contribution to the Roma Bluff World Birding Center and to the city itself. Visitors come through, view the exhibits and then tell others about what they have seen.
The word seems to be getting out.
Jeffries said that within 10 minutes of putting out the sign-up sheet for the trip from Alamo Rose, the list was full and there was a waiting list of about 25 people.
“I compared the signing on the sign-up sheet to a shark feeding when you put chum in the water,” she said. “My goodness!”
———
Travis Whitehead covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4452. For this and other local stories, visit www.themonitor.com.
RV lovers say sad farewell to longtime hotspot
RV lovers say sad farewell to longtime hotspot
Development forcing five-star park out of business on April 1
The Desert Sun
March 25, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerald Desert RV Park and Golf Resort in Palm Desert closes its gates for good April 1, and for the close-knit community at the five-star motor home park, the loss is irreparable.
The 80-acre park was sold last year to Taylor Woodrow Homes, a San Diego-based builder, and is being developed as an upscale residential project called Spanish Walk.
"It's absolutely criminal that they're doing this," said Rick Weiss, 79, of Oceanside, a regular visitor for 18 years. "There's no place like this one. It's absolutely first class."
Weiss was one of more than a 100 park long-timers who gathered for a community dinner Thursday.
The mood was festive, but nostalgic.
"We love all the activities and the people," said Arlene Abbott, 72, of Carmichael, who's been coming to the park with her husband, Orville, and the couple's "fifth wheel" - RV lingo for trailer - for 14 years.
What made Emerald Desert unique was the high quality of the facility and the fact it was a rental-only park, said Marilyn Cavanaugh, the park's concierge.
The park's popularity may have been its downfall, said Palm Desert Mayor Richard S. Kelly.
"It makes the land too valuable to use for that purpose," said Kelly, who used to own an RV. "It's strictly an economic decision."
Construction on Spanish Walk had already closed down about two-thirds of the park this season, Cavanaugh said. Instead of 760, about 230 RV sites were available this year.
Gil Miltenberger, senior vice president for Taylor Woodrow, said he hopes some of the RVers will live at Spanish Walk.
"We've had great dialogue with many of these folks and encourage all of them to visit us and tour the new community," he said in a e-mail statement Friday.
Raymond Mosher, 69, who's been coming to the park for 8 years, said no way. He's going to try out Rancho Casa Blanca, an RV park in Indio, but he said, it won't be the same.
"We're all going to miss a lot of people," he said. "It's like losing someone you really care for."
Development forcing five-star park out of business on April 1
The Desert Sun
March 25, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerald Desert RV Park and Golf Resort in Palm Desert closes its gates for good April 1, and for the close-knit community at the five-star motor home park, the loss is irreparable.
The 80-acre park was sold last year to Taylor Woodrow Homes, a San Diego-based builder, and is being developed as an upscale residential project called Spanish Walk.
"It's absolutely criminal that they're doing this," said Rick Weiss, 79, of Oceanside, a regular visitor for 18 years. "There's no place like this one. It's absolutely first class."
Weiss was one of more than a 100 park long-timers who gathered for a community dinner Thursday.
The mood was festive, but nostalgic.
"We love all the activities and the people," said Arlene Abbott, 72, of Carmichael, who's been coming to the park with her husband, Orville, and the couple's "fifth wheel" - RV lingo for trailer - for 14 years.
What made Emerald Desert unique was the high quality of the facility and the fact it was a rental-only park, said Marilyn Cavanaugh, the park's concierge.
The park's popularity may have been its downfall, said Palm Desert Mayor Richard S. Kelly.
"It makes the land too valuable to use for that purpose," said Kelly, who used to own an RV. "It's strictly an economic decision."
Construction on Spanish Walk had already closed down about two-thirds of the park this season, Cavanaugh said. Instead of 760, about 230 RV sites were available this year.
Gil Miltenberger, senior vice president for Taylor Woodrow, said he hopes some of the RVers will live at Spanish Walk.
"We've had great dialogue with many of these folks and encourage all of them to visit us and tour the new community," he said in a e-mail statement Friday.
Raymond Mosher, 69, who's been coming to the park for 8 years, said no way. He's going to try out Rancho Casa Blanca, an RV park in Indio, but he said, it won't be the same.
"We're all going to miss a lot of people," he said. "It's like losing someone you really care for."
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunshine Travel RV park given top rating in directory for Vero Beach
Sunshine Travel RV park given top rating in directory for Vero Beach
By staff report
March 24, 2007
Sunshine Travel is among the 40 Florida RV parks and campgrounds given a top rating in the 2007 Woodall's Campground Directory.
Of the more than 8,000 private campgrounds across North America that are rated in the directory, 247 earned the top rating. Orlando/Kissimmee area campgrounds that received top billing are: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Lake Buena Vista; Fort Summit KOA, Lake Buena Vista; Outdoor Resorts at Orlando, Clermont; and Tropical Palms Fun Resort, Kissimmee.
By staff report
March 24, 2007
Sunshine Travel is among the 40 Florida RV parks and campgrounds given a top rating in the 2007 Woodall's Campground Directory.
Of the more than 8,000 private campgrounds across North America that are rated in the directory, 247 earned the top rating. Orlando/Kissimmee area campgrounds that received top billing are: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Lake Buena Vista; Fort Summit KOA, Lake Buena Vista; Outdoor Resorts at Orlando, Clermont; and Tropical Palms Fun Resort, Kissimmee.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
California Offers RV-Friendly Parks Near Top Attractions
California Offers RV-Friendly Parks Near Top Attractions
Mar 22, 07 | 11:15 am
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.)— According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, recreation vehicles (RVs) continue to increase in popularity with more than 8 million recreation vehicles on the road today. Many of those travelers are choosing to enjoy the conveniences of home while visiting California and its RV parks.
“Whatever your method of recreation travel - a fifth-wheel trailer, conventional trailer, truck camper or motor home with all the bells and whistles - California offers a wide variety of RV Parks designed to fit your budget and locale preference,” Executive Director Caroline Beteta, of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), said. “California Tourism also provides extensive driving itineraries that take travelers through seaside playgrounds, arid deserts and snow-covered mountains.”
In the Los Angeles County Region, recreation vehicle enthusiasts enjoy sunshine, ocean breezes and a scenic panorama from Malibu to Catalina Island at Dockweiler RV Park in Playa del Rey.
This popular year-round beach campsite, Los Angeles County’s only RV Park on the beach, offers complete hook ups, pump-out station, hot showers and a laundromat. Each campsite has its own picnic table and barbecue. Visitors can play volleyball at nearby courts, take a walk on the sand and enjoy romantic fires on the beach. The 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail is only a few pedals away from the camp, connecting the RV Park with nearby popular locations, including Venice Beach. It’s also close to the freeway and Southern California’s many attractions, such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the Getty Museum and Villa.
Luxury camping is perfected 48 miles south of San Francisco at Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp in Pescadero, part of the San Francisco Bay Area Region. Recreation vehicle travelers have access to water, electrical and dump hook-ups, as well as use of the “comfort stations,” specially designed bathroom facilities that include a central courtyard with fireplace, sauna, heated concrete floors and private indoor and outdoor showers. Overnight accommodations include the main lodge, cabins, canvas bungalows erected on wooden platforms and traditional campsites. The resort’s on-site activities are extensive and include horseback riding, kids’ camp on weekends during the summer, guided naturalist hikes, surfing lessons, mountain biking and yoga classes.
Called the “Ritz of the RV Parks” by the Los Angeles Times, Newport Dunes Resort, in Newport Beach and part of the Orange County Region, offers a state-of-the-art 386-site RV park with amenities that include doublewide spaces for maximum privacy, outlets for cable television and 20, 30 and 50-amp electric services. The Dunes is also home to 24 mobile cottages that the public may rent. On-site conveniences include a waterfront restaurant, market/grocery store, pool and spa, game room, fitness center, 450-slip marina, six-lane boat ramp and dry boat storage, as well as kayak, windsurfer, bicycle, and pedal boat rentals in addition to an aquatic park (during the summer).
Located directly on the scenic shores of Lake Shasta, part of the Shasta Cascade Region, Antlers RV Park and Campground is open year round. The park’s RV sites include water and sewer hookups, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a number of outdoor activities, including fishing, water skiing, boating, swimming and wakeboarding. The site also offers basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade/game room, ping-pong table and jukebox.
Just minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay is a city-owned, 4,600-acre aquatic playground and the largest park of its kind in the world. Recreation vehicle enthusiasts have direct access to the area via Campland on the Bay, located on Mission Bay and part of the San Diego County Region, with its 750 tent and RV sites, most with full or partial hook ups along with its own beach, water sport rentals, pool and Jacuzzi area. The site also features picnic tables, fire grills, restrooms, playground, grocery, boat ramp and docks, bicycle rentals and laundry facilities. Children will enjoy the designated swimming area in the Bay and a large park for picnicking and flying kites.
In the North Coast Region, visitors don’t even have to bring their recreation vehicle with them. Redwood Coast Camping, headquartered in Fort Bragg, takes the travel trailer to their preferred destination, sets it up and picks it up when the vacation is over. Most of the company’s trailers are stocked with essentials, such as dishes and cooking utensils, as well as options for towels and bedding. Pets are welcome.
Nestled beneath the picturesque foothills of the Rainbow Gap delineating the Temecula Valley, located 20 miles from the ocean, is the new, year round Pechanga RV Resort in Temecula, part of the Inland Empire Region. Each of the resort’s 168 sites offers full electric (20, 30 and 50 amp), water, cable television and sewer services. The resort also provides three Internet access stations in the clubhouse, available to guests at no charge. Other amenities include a recreation room, pool and two spas.
Many RV travelers enjoy the Marble Quarry RV Park and the 49er RV Ranch in Columbia, located in the Gold Country Region, both walking distance to Columbia State Historic Park. In this restored 1849 town, there is an old-time candy store, working blacksmith shop, ice cream parlor, stores, saloons, restaurants and a museum with many interactive exhibits. This Old West town is also home to horses, stagecoaches and buggies. After a day of sightseeing travelers can take in live theatre at the Sierra Repertory’s Fallon House Theatre, where professionals perform plays and musicals. In Plymouth, the Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort offers guests well-equipped facilities, including two swimming pools, and billiards and horseshoe recreation areas. The resort is also in close proximity to historic gold rush towns and the Amador wine country.
Located just south of Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in the Central Coast Region is the only state park in California where cars and RVs are allowed to drive and camp on the beach. Oceano Dunes is located within the 15,000-acre Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex and recognized by many as one of the most extensive coastal dunes remaining in state. Popular activities include riding the dunes in an ATV, Hummer or other type of off-road vehicle. Rentals are available.
The Vineyard RV Park is located in Vacaville, part of the Central Valley Region, and is midway between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, and only minutes from the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, Jelly Belly Factory, Vacaville Outlet Mall, the new Nut Tree and many golf courses. The Park is a full-hookup park, and mature trees shade most sites. Amenities offered include laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and a 60-foot pool, open seasonally, as well as a large enclosed dog walk area. Discounts are available for AAA and Good Sam Club members.
RV Sky Valley Resorts is located on 250 acres, in the Deserts Region, just outside Palm Springs. Travelers come to enjoy the resorts' natural, sulfur-free hot springs that feed directly into organic hot tubs, pools and spas. Nearby activities include hiking in Joshua Tree, shopping downtown Palm Springs, golfing the resorts’ nine-hole course or hitting the driving range. The resorts offer full hookups, as well as room for oversized RVs. Additional amenities include free Internet access, free cable television, restaurant, deli, general store, exercise facilities, massage and hair salon.
In Lake Tahoe, part of the High Sierra Region, Donner Memorial State Park is a state-government operated park, open during the summer months, with 130 sites that accommodate trailers up to 24 feet and motor homes up to 28 feet. The park is just west of Truckee and offers showers, restrooms, and swimming, boating and fishing. Visitors are also welcome at the nearby Emigrant Trail Museum and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who immigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains, the Donner Party, forced by circumstances to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47. Historic Camp Richardson Resort located along a long stretch of sandy Lake Tahoe beach is a year-round resort featuring a full-service marina, Mountain Sports Center for recreation rentals, and Beacon Bar & Grill where travelers can rest after a long day on the water.
The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state's travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. California is currently the number one travel destination in the country. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $93.8 billion annually in California, support jobs for 929,000 Californians and generate $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, go to www.visitcalifornia.com
Mar 22, 07 | 11:15 am
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.)— According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, recreation vehicles (RVs) continue to increase in popularity with more than 8 million recreation vehicles on the road today. Many of those travelers are choosing to enjoy the conveniences of home while visiting California and its RV parks.
“Whatever your method of recreation travel - a fifth-wheel trailer, conventional trailer, truck camper or motor home with all the bells and whistles - California offers a wide variety of RV Parks designed to fit your budget and locale preference,” Executive Director Caroline Beteta, of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), said. “California Tourism also provides extensive driving itineraries that take travelers through seaside playgrounds, arid deserts and snow-covered mountains.”
In the Los Angeles County Region, recreation vehicle enthusiasts enjoy sunshine, ocean breezes and a scenic panorama from Malibu to Catalina Island at Dockweiler RV Park in Playa del Rey.
This popular year-round beach campsite, Los Angeles County’s only RV Park on the beach, offers complete hook ups, pump-out station, hot showers and a laundromat. Each campsite has its own picnic table and barbecue. Visitors can play volleyball at nearby courts, take a walk on the sand and enjoy romantic fires on the beach. The 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail is only a few pedals away from the camp, connecting the RV Park with nearby popular locations, including Venice Beach. It’s also close to the freeway and Southern California’s many attractions, such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the Getty Museum and Villa.
Luxury camping is perfected 48 miles south of San Francisco at Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp in Pescadero, part of the San Francisco Bay Area Region. Recreation vehicle travelers have access to water, electrical and dump hook-ups, as well as use of the “comfort stations,” specially designed bathroom facilities that include a central courtyard with fireplace, sauna, heated concrete floors and private indoor and outdoor showers. Overnight accommodations include the main lodge, cabins, canvas bungalows erected on wooden platforms and traditional campsites. The resort’s on-site activities are extensive and include horseback riding, kids’ camp on weekends during the summer, guided naturalist hikes, surfing lessons, mountain biking and yoga classes.
Called the “Ritz of the RV Parks” by the Los Angeles Times, Newport Dunes Resort, in Newport Beach and part of the Orange County Region, offers a state-of-the-art 386-site RV park with amenities that include doublewide spaces for maximum privacy, outlets for cable television and 20, 30 and 50-amp electric services. The Dunes is also home to 24 mobile cottages that the public may rent. On-site conveniences include a waterfront restaurant, market/grocery store, pool and spa, game room, fitness center, 450-slip marina, six-lane boat ramp and dry boat storage, as well as kayak, windsurfer, bicycle, and pedal boat rentals in addition to an aquatic park (during the summer).
Located directly on the scenic shores of Lake Shasta, part of the Shasta Cascade Region, Antlers RV Park and Campground is open year round. The park’s RV sites include water and sewer hookups, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a number of outdoor activities, including fishing, water skiing, boating, swimming and wakeboarding. The site also offers basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade/game room, ping-pong table and jukebox.
Just minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay is a city-owned, 4,600-acre aquatic playground and the largest park of its kind in the world. Recreation vehicle enthusiasts have direct access to the area via Campland on the Bay, located on Mission Bay and part of the San Diego County Region, with its 750 tent and RV sites, most with full or partial hook ups along with its own beach, water sport rentals, pool and Jacuzzi area. The site also features picnic tables, fire grills, restrooms, playground, grocery, boat ramp and docks, bicycle rentals and laundry facilities. Children will enjoy the designated swimming area in the Bay and a large park for picnicking and flying kites.
In the North Coast Region, visitors don’t even have to bring their recreation vehicle with them. Redwood Coast Camping, headquartered in Fort Bragg, takes the travel trailer to their preferred destination, sets it up and picks it up when the vacation is over. Most of the company’s trailers are stocked with essentials, such as dishes and cooking utensils, as well as options for towels and bedding. Pets are welcome.
Nestled beneath the picturesque foothills of the Rainbow Gap delineating the Temecula Valley, located 20 miles from the ocean, is the new, year round Pechanga RV Resort in Temecula, part of the Inland Empire Region. Each of the resort’s 168 sites offers full electric (20, 30 and 50 amp), water, cable television and sewer services. The resort also provides three Internet access stations in the clubhouse, available to guests at no charge. Other amenities include a recreation room, pool and two spas.
Many RV travelers enjoy the Marble Quarry RV Park and the 49er RV Ranch in Columbia, located in the Gold Country Region, both walking distance to Columbia State Historic Park. In this restored 1849 town, there is an old-time candy store, working blacksmith shop, ice cream parlor, stores, saloons, restaurants and a museum with many interactive exhibits. This Old West town is also home to horses, stagecoaches and buggies. After a day of sightseeing travelers can take in live theatre at the Sierra Repertory’s Fallon House Theatre, where professionals perform plays and musicals. In Plymouth, the Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort offers guests well-equipped facilities, including two swimming pools, and billiards and horseshoe recreation areas. The resort is also in close proximity to historic gold rush towns and the Amador wine country.
Located just south of Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in the Central Coast Region is the only state park in California where cars and RVs are allowed to drive and camp on the beach. Oceano Dunes is located within the 15,000-acre Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex and recognized by many as one of the most extensive coastal dunes remaining in state. Popular activities include riding the dunes in an ATV, Hummer or other type of off-road vehicle. Rentals are available.
The Vineyard RV Park is located in Vacaville, part of the Central Valley Region, and is midway between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, and only minutes from the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, Jelly Belly Factory, Vacaville Outlet Mall, the new Nut Tree and many golf courses. The Park is a full-hookup park, and mature trees shade most sites. Amenities offered include laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and a 60-foot pool, open seasonally, as well as a large enclosed dog walk area. Discounts are available for AAA and Good Sam Club members.
RV Sky Valley Resorts is located on 250 acres, in the Deserts Region, just outside Palm Springs. Travelers come to enjoy the resorts' natural, sulfur-free hot springs that feed directly into organic hot tubs, pools and spas. Nearby activities include hiking in Joshua Tree, shopping downtown Palm Springs, golfing the resorts’ nine-hole course or hitting the driving range. The resorts offer full hookups, as well as room for oversized RVs. Additional amenities include free Internet access, free cable television, restaurant, deli, general store, exercise facilities, massage and hair salon.
In Lake Tahoe, part of the High Sierra Region, Donner Memorial State Park is a state-government operated park, open during the summer months, with 130 sites that accommodate trailers up to 24 feet and motor homes up to 28 feet. The park is just west of Truckee and offers showers, restrooms, and swimming, boating and fishing. Visitors are also welcome at the nearby Emigrant Trail Museum and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who immigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains, the Donner Party, forced by circumstances to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47. Historic Camp Richardson Resort located along a long stretch of sandy Lake Tahoe beach is a year-round resort featuring a full-service marina, Mountain Sports Center for recreation rentals, and Beacon Bar & Grill where travelers can rest after a long day on the water.
The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state's travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. California is currently the number one travel destination in the country. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $93.8 billion annually in California, support jobs for 929,000 Californians and generate $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, go to www.visitcalifornia.com
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Redevelopment of RV park denied
Redevelopment of RV park denied
Commissioners reject rezoning request for town homes
BY ANDREW MACKIE
RECORD STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
NEWTON - A recreational vehicle park won’t be turned into town homes.
Not in the near future, at least.
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously against a rezoning Monday night that would have allowed a 120-unit development on a 23-acre property now occupied by the Lake Hickory RV resort. Hurshel Teague owns the property, which he had planned to sell to Morganton-based 5-Star Land Development.
A group of about 80 people, many of them with leased spaces in the RV resort, opposed the rezoning.
About a dozen spoke against the rezoning.
Commissioners expressed concern about the private road, Monford Drive, leading to the property. They felt it could not handle what could be increased traffic with the town homes development.
The leasees celebrated the victory.
“Just because it’s an RV resort, we’re not bad people,” said Larry Deal, who began leasing a space about a year ago. “It’s a family-oriented place.”
John Ring drives from Winston-Salem with his wife to spend many weekends at the resort. He wants the leasees to have a chance to buy the property before it’s turned into something else.
“Every American has a right to sell his property,” he said. “We just want the opportunity to keep it an RV park. There is something about that community. We want to keep it that way.”
Commissioners reject rezoning request for town homes
BY ANDREW MACKIE
RECORD STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
NEWTON - A recreational vehicle park won’t be turned into town homes.
Not in the near future, at least.
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously against a rezoning Monday night that would have allowed a 120-unit development on a 23-acre property now occupied by the Lake Hickory RV resort. Hurshel Teague owns the property, which he had planned to sell to Morganton-based 5-Star Land Development.
A group of about 80 people, many of them with leased spaces in the RV resort, opposed the rezoning.
About a dozen spoke against the rezoning.
Commissioners expressed concern about the private road, Monford Drive, leading to the property. They felt it could not handle what could be increased traffic with the town homes development.
The leasees celebrated the victory.
“Just because it’s an RV resort, we’re not bad people,” said Larry Deal, who began leasing a space about a year ago. “It’s a family-oriented place.”
John Ring drives from Winston-Salem with his wife to spend many weekends at the resort. He wants the leasees to have a chance to buy the property before it’s turned into something else.
“Every American has a right to sell his property,” he said. “We just want the opportunity to keep it an RV park. There is something about that community. We want to keep it that way.”
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Showing posts with label RV Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RV Park. Show all posts
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Future RV park is OK’d
Future RV park is OK’d
By Pete Gawda, Okeechobee News
It was a long evening for the Okeechobee County Planning Board/Board of Adjustments and Appeals for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 24.
Even though there were only three items to be discussed, two of them met with controversy.
The first item on the agenda was a request by Glenna Rucks for a special exception to allow a recreational complex in an agriculture zoning district at the Fort Drum Crystal Mine located on N.E. 304th Street.
Proposed plans for the 300-acre complex call for an RV park, tent camping, an outdoor amphitheater, a museum and learning center, gift shop, a restaurant, a bar, cabins and a lodge. The area would be developed in stages. There is a 100-acre lake on the property that was formed by the mining operations that would be used for various water activities.
The owners plan to make the resort available to clubs and hobby groups that could hold events related to their respective areas of interest such as rock collecting, obstacle course, waterskiing, rock crawl, fishing and scuba instruction.
Board member Jeff Sumner asked about rezoning the property instead of granting a special exception.
Planning official Bill Royce replied that there was a special exception for agriculture property that would be appropriate in this situation. He said in the future the zoning could be changed to planned development.
Attorney Devon Maxwell represented the owner and gave a history of the property and described future plans for the property which he said has “unique characteristics.”
Attorneys Wes Harvin and John Fumero represented the property owner to the north, Harry Randall. Even though the matter had been tabled from last month, the attorneys asked for more time to prepare their case. Mr. Harvin listed several items his client was concerned about which, he added, would require expert opinions.
Mr. Sumner noted that several of the areas of concern were not under the authority of the planning board.
Mr. Harvin was concerned about endangered species, an area in which the planning board has no authority. He was also concerned with drainage, which would be handled under permit from the South Florida Water Management District.
Mr. Harvin has also expressed concern about noise.
County attorney John Cassels noted that there are state laws addressing noise and the county has a nuisance ordinance that could be applied to this situation.
Board member Ted Kelchner also noted that some of Mr. Harvin’s concerns would be addressed in the site plan review process.
Mr. Fumero argued for protecting the rural and agricultural aspects of the area. He noted that only a 500-foot buffer separated his client’s property from the noise, light and other impacts of such a large development.
In his rebuttal, Mr. Maxwell asked for an immediate decision. He noted that Mr. Randall owns seven sections of land and the overall impact on his property would be minimal.
Board member Pam Newcomer expressed concern that concerts at the recreational complex would attract more people than the overnight guests.
After some discussion, the board unanimously approved the request for special exception.
Residents of Ousely Estates turned out to protest the proposed 509-unit Silver Palms RV park that would be located behind their subdivision.
Okeechobee Development, LLC, requested a change in zoning from residential general and neighborhood commerical-2 to planned development. The applicants own about 88 acres adjacent to Ousley Estates and Seminole Cove. The property fronts on S.W. 32nd Street and has access to U.S. 441 S.
Plans call for the RV park to be developed in three phases with a central recreation area of about three acres. Plans include a fitness center, a billiards room, a library, card rooms and a private lounge for owners and a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse that can be used as a hurricane shelter.
The planned development district is intended to allow for various and mixed use in a single, comprehensive development. It was established to encourage developments of a superior quality by allowing flexibility and creativity in design options.
Realtor Brandon Tucker, representing the owners, noted that there will be adequate buffering provided by Whidden Ditch and vegetative setbacks. He said there would be no impacts to the school system and less of an impact on sewer and water than site-built houses. He said it would be a first-class gated community with a two swimming pools.
The RV sites would be larger than usual. The sites would be marketed to aging baby boomers and people on the coast.
Mr. Tucker said that devdelopers would pay all impact fees except for school impact fees.
George DuPont of the Ousely Estates Homeowners Association took exception with the proposed development He expressed concerns about the proposed RV park’s effect on wildlife. He said permanent residents of the area would be subject to noise and lights from the RV park.
“Consider our privacy,” he asked the board. “Give us a buffer zone more than a few trees or bushes.”
He was in favor a concrete wall as a buffer.
“This area doesn’t need an RV park at all,” asserted Mr. DuPont. “Be kind to the people who live here year round and pay taxes.”
“Help us out,” was the plea of Darrell Donnelly of S.W. Ninth Way. He was concerned with runoff from the RV park and requested some kind of permanent barrier such as a concrete wall as a buffer.
Mr. Tucker pledged to talk to area citizens on an individual basis to address their concerns.
“I think you would be better off with this in your backyard,” was the opinion of board member Carl Shumate.
He called the planned RV park “reasonable” and stated that the impact would be much worse if the area were developed with site-built houses.
After hearing both sides, the board unanimously voted to recommend that the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners approve the zoning change.
On the other request for a zoning change, there was no controversy and the board unanimously recommended approval.
Jerry and Shirley Weaver and Peggy McKenzie Miller requested a change in zoning from residential mixed to neighborhood commerical-2 for their property on U.S. 98 N. On their application, they list no specific reason for the change. They wish to have the commercial zoning in place for future use.
A second public hearing on both requests for zoning change will be held before the county commissioners at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9. Normally, the commissioners make the final decision on zoning change requests after the second public hearing.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda may be reached at pgawda@newszap.com.
By Pete Gawda, Okeechobee News
It was a long evening for the Okeechobee County Planning Board/Board of Adjustments and Appeals for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 24.
Even though there were only three items to be discussed, two of them met with controversy.
The first item on the agenda was a request by Glenna Rucks for a special exception to allow a recreational complex in an agriculture zoning district at the Fort Drum Crystal Mine located on N.E. 304th Street.
Proposed plans for the 300-acre complex call for an RV park, tent camping, an outdoor amphitheater, a museum and learning center, gift shop, a restaurant, a bar, cabins and a lodge. The area would be developed in stages. There is a 100-acre lake on the property that was formed by the mining operations that would be used for various water activities.
The owners plan to make the resort available to clubs and hobby groups that could hold events related to their respective areas of interest such as rock collecting, obstacle course, waterskiing, rock crawl, fishing and scuba instruction.
Board member Jeff Sumner asked about rezoning the property instead of granting a special exception.
Planning official Bill Royce replied that there was a special exception for agriculture property that would be appropriate in this situation. He said in the future the zoning could be changed to planned development.
Attorney Devon Maxwell represented the owner and gave a history of the property and described future plans for the property which he said has “unique characteristics.”
Attorneys Wes Harvin and John Fumero represented the property owner to the north, Harry Randall. Even though the matter had been tabled from last month, the attorneys asked for more time to prepare their case. Mr. Harvin listed several items his client was concerned about which, he added, would require expert opinions.
Mr. Sumner noted that several of the areas of concern were not under the authority of the planning board.
Mr. Harvin was concerned about endangered species, an area in which the planning board has no authority. He was also concerned with drainage, which would be handled under permit from the South Florida Water Management District.
Mr. Harvin has also expressed concern about noise.
County attorney John Cassels noted that there are state laws addressing noise and the county has a nuisance ordinance that could be applied to this situation.
Board member Ted Kelchner also noted that some of Mr. Harvin’s concerns would be addressed in the site plan review process.
Mr. Fumero argued for protecting the rural and agricultural aspects of the area. He noted that only a 500-foot buffer separated his client’s property from the noise, light and other impacts of such a large development.
In his rebuttal, Mr. Maxwell asked for an immediate decision. He noted that Mr. Randall owns seven sections of land and the overall impact on his property would be minimal.
Board member Pam Newcomer expressed concern that concerts at the recreational complex would attract more people than the overnight guests.
After some discussion, the board unanimously approved the request for special exception.
Residents of Ousely Estates turned out to protest the proposed 509-unit Silver Palms RV park that would be located behind their subdivision.
Okeechobee Development, LLC, requested a change in zoning from residential general and neighborhood commerical-2 to planned development. The applicants own about 88 acres adjacent to Ousley Estates and Seminole Cove. The property fronts on S.W. 32nd Street and has access to U.S. 441 S.
Plans call for the RV park to be developed in three phases with a central recreation area of about three acres. Plans include a fitness center, a billiards room, a library, card rooms and a private lounge for owners and a 9,000-square-foot clubhouse that can be used as a hurricane shelter.
The planned development district is intended to allow for various and mixed use in a single, comprehensive development. It was established to encourage developments of a superior quality by allowing flexibility and creativity in design options.
Realtor Brandon Tucker, representing the owners, noted that there will be adequate buffering provided by Whidden Ditch and vegetative setbacks. He said there would be no impacts to the school system and less of an impact on sewer and water than site-built houses. He said it would be a first-class gated community with a two swimming pools.
The RV sites would be larger than usual. The sites would be marketed to aging baby boomers and people on the coast.
Mr. Tucker said that devdelopers would pay all impact fees except for school impact fees.
George DuPont of the Ousely Estates Homeowners Association took exception with the proposed development He expressed concerns about the proposed RV park’s effect on wildlife. He said permanent residents of the area would be subject to noise and lights from the RV park.
“Consider our privacy,” he asked the board. “Give us a buffer zone more than a few trees or bushes.”
He was in favor a concrete wall as a buffer.
“This area doesn’t need an RV park at all,” asserted Mr. DuPont. “Be kind to the people who live here year round and pay taxes.”
“Help us out,” was the plea of Darrell Donnelly of S.W. Ninth Way. He was concerned with runoff from the RV park and requested some kind of permanent barrier such as a concrete wall as a buffer.
Mr. Tucker pledged to talk to area citizens on an individual basis to address their concerns.
“I think you would be better off with this in your backyard,” was the opinion of board member Carl Shumate.
He called the planned RV park “reasonable” and stated that the impact would be much worse if the area were developed with site-built houses.
After hearing both sides, the board unanimously voted to recommend that the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners approve the zoning change.
On the other request for a zoning change, there was no controversy and the board unanimously recommended approval.
Jerry and Shirley Weaver and Peggy McKenzie Miller requested a change in zoning from residential mixed to neighborhood commerical-2 for their property on U.S. 98 N. On their application, they list no specific reason for the change. They wish to have the commercial zoning in place for future use.
A second public hearing on both requests for zoning change will be held before the county commissioners at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9. Normally, the commissioners make the final decision on zoning change requests after the second public hearing.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at www.newszap.com. Reporter Pete Gawda may be reached at pgawda@newszap.com.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Campgrounds, RV parks tout Wi-Fi
Campgrounds, RV parks tout Wi-Fi
From Times Wire Services
If you happen to drive past campgrounds or recreational vehicle parks this summer, chances are you'll see the signs that advertise Wi-Fi access right up there with showers and propane.
With wireless Internet access, campers often can log on to the Internet from their campsites without going to any special area of the park.
"We've become a society where e-mail is as important as our phone for business and personal communications," said Jef Sutherland, vice president of information services for Kampgrounds of America Inc.
Wi-Fi campgrounds and RV parks can be found on the Internet. Websites listing Wi-Fi facilities include http://www.wififreespot.com/rv.html . For listings for Kampgrounds of America sites, go to www.koa.com/wireless/.
From Times Wire Services
If you happen to drive past campgrounds or recreational vehicle parks this summer, chances are you'll see the signs that advertise Wi-Fi access right up there with showers and propane.
With wireless Internet access, campers often can log on to the Internet from their campsites without going to any special area of the park.
"We've become a society where e-mail is as important as our phone for business and personal communications," said Jef Sutherland, vice president of information services for Kampgrounds of America Inc.
Wi-Fi campgrounds and RV parks can be found on the Internet. Websites listing Wi-Fi facilities include http://www.wififreespot.com/rv.html . For listings for Kampgrounds of America sites, go to www.koa.com/wireless/.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Protests kill revised RV parking rules
Protests kill revised RV parking rules
Written by Ben Marrone/Sun Post
By Ben Marrone
MANTECA — An effort to make the city zoning code more understandable and “user-friendly” was derailed when more than 70 people showed up at a planning commission meeting Tuesday, June 26, to protest what they thought would be harsher restrictions on keeping boats and RVs in residential neighborhoods.
The changes to the city zoning code, according to a report from city planner Erika Hollander, were meant to fix certain sections that were “unclear, inadequate or outdated” and make code enforcement and project reviews “less bewildering to the … citizen.”
However, a change in the city’s storage requirements for recreational vehicles caused near panic after a local newspaper reported that the city was trying to reduce the number of RVs and boats people could keep on their property.
Many people showed up at the Tuesday planning meeting with the mistaken idea that, under the new code, every RV in a residential neighborhood would have to be parked in a garage.
Manteca resident Dave Wampler, who said he skipped his 25th wedding anniversary to attend the meeting, told the planning commission he had bought his house because it had a place to store an RV and he could not understand why the city would take away that ability.
“What is wrong with you people Do you have nothing better to do You should all be ashamed of yourself for something like this,” Wampler told the commission. “I don’t get it. Is it not America any more”
In fact, the change put forward by city planners would require RVs to be parked at least as far from the street as the front door. The existing law says an RV can be parked as close to the street as the city’s minimum front-lawn setback, which in most cases is 20 feet.
RV owners whose homes sit farther from the street than the city requires would have had to move their vehicles back several feet under the change, planning manager Kathy Wold said, but increasing setbacks was not the intent.
City code-enforcement officer Greg Baird had suggested the change, Wold said, because he thought the existing code language was unclear.
Most of the people who showed up at the meeting, however, were uncertain about what was being changed.
Dozens of people stepped forward to declare their outrage about rumors they’d heard and to ask the planning commission to explain what was being changed and why. Applause and cheers from the crowd followed most of the comments.
Their questions remained unanswered for nearly 1½ hours, because commission chair Brian Gookins said he wanted to hear everyone from the public before he had city planners respond.
Finally, planning head Kyle Kollar suggested that if planners were allowed to explain the change, people would probably have fewer questions about it.
But questions and protests continued after Wold’s brief and sometimes confusing explanation. Kollar then suggested throwing out the change to the RV parking code because it was not worth the controversy.
“If this is going to cause community uproar, I’m not sure it’s worth going through,” Kollar said, to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The planning commission voted unanimously to scrap any changes to the code governing recreational vehicle parking. They postponed other code changes on the agenda until their July 24 meeting.
Most of the audience went away satisfied, but the level of outrage and mistrust residents showed at the meeting suggested that RV parking in the city was already a sore spot.
Many people who spoke to the commission complained about items they thought were proposed changes to the code, but which had been written into the law for years.
For example, a provision that allows residents to keep just one RV or boat or trailer outside a garage has been on the books since 2002 and will remain active after Tuesday’s meeting.
Residents also complained that a code change would prohibit trucks weighing more than 8,000 pounds from parking in residential neighborhoods. That item, too, has been on the books since 2002, though it would have been eased by the proposed code change.
The proposal would have made regular pickups exempt from the 8,000-pound limit.
n Comment on this story at www.sunpost.net, or to reach Sun Post reporter Ben Marrone, call 239-6351, ext. 305, or e-mail bmarrone@sunpost.net.
Written by Ben Marrone/Sun Post
By Ben Marrone
MANTECA — An effort to make the city zoning code more understandable and “user-friendly” was derailed when more than 70 people showed up at a planning commission meeting Tuesday, June 26, to protest what they thought would be harsher restrictions on keeping boats and RVs in residential neighborhoods.
The changes to the city zoning code, according to a report from city planner Erika Hollander, were meant to fix certain sections that were “unclear, inadequate or outdated” and make code enforcement and project reviews “less bewildering to the … citizen.”
However, a change in the city’s storage requirements for recreational vehicles caused near panic after a local newspaper reported that the city was trying to reduce the number of RVs and boats people could keep on their property.
Many people showed up at the Tuesday planning meeting with the mistaken idea that, under the new code, every RV in a residential neighborhood would have to be parked in a garage.
Manteca resident Dave Wampler, who said he skipped his 25th wedding anniversary to attend the meeting, told the planning commission he had bought his house because it had a place to store an RV and he could not understand why the city would take away that ability.
“What is wrong with you people Do you have nothing better to do You should all be ashamed of yourself for something like this,” Wampler told the commission. “I don’t get it. Is it not America any more”
In fact, the change put forward by city planners would require RVs to be parked at least as far from the street as the front door. The existing law says an RV can be parked as close to the street as the city’s minimum front-lawn setback, which in most cases is 20 feet.
RV owners whose homes sit farther from the street than the city requires would have had to move their vehicles back several feet under the change, planning manager Kathy Wold said, but increasing setbacks was not the intent.
City code-enforcement officer Greg Baird had suggested the change, Wold said, because he thought the existing code language was unclear.
Most of the people who showed up at the meeting, however, were uncertain about what was being changed.
Dozens of people stepped forward to declare their outrage about rumors they’d heard and to ask the planning commission to explain what was being changed and why. Applause and cheers from the crowd followed most of the comments.
Their questions remained unanswered for nearly 1½ hours, because commission chair Brian Gookins said he wanted to hear everyone from the public before he had city planners respond.
Finally, planning head Kyle Kollar suggested that if planners were allowed to explain the change, people would probably have fewer questions about it.
But questions and protests continued after Wold’s brief and sometimes confusing explanation. Kollar then suggested throwing out the change to the RV parking code because it was not worth the controversy.
“If this is going to cause community uproar, I’m not sure it’s worth going through,” Kollar said, to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The planning commission voted unanimously to scrap any changes to the code governing recreational vehicle parking. They postponed other code changes on the agenda until their July 24 meeting.
Most of the audience went away satisfied, but the level of outrage and mistrust residents showed at the meeting suggested that RV parking in the city was already a sore spot.
Many people who spoke to the commission complained about items they thought were proposed changes to the code, but which had been written into the law for years.
For example, a provision that allows residents to keep just one RV or boat or trailer outside a garage has been on the books since 2002 and will remain active after Tuesday’s meeting.
Residents also complained that a code change would prohibit trucks weighing more than 8,000 pounds from parking in residential neighborhoods. That item, too, has been on the books since 2002, though it would have been eased by the proposed code change.
The proposal would have made regular pickups exempt from the 8,000-pound limit.
n Comment on this story at www.sunpost.net, or to reach Sun Post reporter Ben Marrone, call 239-6351, ext. 305, or e-mail bmarrone@sunpost.net.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Parking can take the fun out RV ownership
Parking can take the fun out RV ownership
The former Marine base at El Toro has become a haven for oversized vehicles, but as park development progresses, they will have to move.
By Tony Barboza, Times Staff Writer
June 25, 2007
Bill Kogerman used to land his F-8 Crusader fighter jet on the runways of El Toro Marine base when he was stationed there in the 1960s and '70s.
These days, the retired Marine lieutenant colonel lives in Laguna Hills and is a member of Orange County's Great Park board of directors. He uses the same runway as a parking spot for his 35-foot, blue and white, dolphin-decaled recreational vehicle.
"It's nostalgic, but I did it mostly for the convenience," he said.
Kogerman is not alone. The expansive runways and taxiways of the former Marine base have become landing spots for more than 2,300 RVs, boats and a few cars.
At a time when many Southern California cities are banning RV parking on their streets — even in driveways — Irvine is welcoming Winnebagos, Coachmen and Holiday Ramblers to the ample stretches of concrete that are slated for demolition to make way for the 1,300-acre Great Park.
For $1.7 million a year, the city since 2005 has leased part of the runway space to All Star Services as a 55- to 65-acre parking lot. The company also leases acreage from Lennar Corp., which is developing the commercial and residential properties. The Orange County Great Park Corp. uses the money to maintain the grounds as it starts its massive transformation.
RV and storage industry experts said it may be the largest motor home storage facility in the country, and it has attracted RV owners from as far as Nevada, Wyoming and Germany.
"I've never seen anything even close to this size," said Bob Lee, 67, as he looked down a seemingly unending line of RVs parked in slanted rows. Lee, a transit supervisor from Mission Viejo, pays $145 a month to park his 34-foot Winnebago Adventurer on a former taxiway, taking it on weekend trips up the coast.
Irvine leases other parts of the base for recycling, strawberry and bean farming, and even test-car driving, but RV storage is the most lucrative, providing most of the $2.7 million the park brings in each year.
"We are trying to be good stewards of what we have and generate as much revenue as we can to offset our expenses," said Rod Cooper, operations manager for the Great Park Corp.
If all goes as planned, most of the base, which closed eight years ago, will be demolished, then sculpted, planted and irrigated into one of the largest municipal parks in the country, at an expected cost of more than $1 billion. The park will feature a tethered helium balloon ride, a man-made canyon, orchards and sports fields encircled by 3,600 houses and condos, along with commercial areas.
Those who park their RVs at the base say they'll be in a pinch to find another place to store their vehicles. "It's going to be quite chaotic," said Marti Rogna, manager of All Star Services. "I don't even want to think about it at this point."
California law prohibits street parking of oversized vehicles for more than 72 hours at a stretch. Twenty-two Orange County cities, including Irvine, have ordinances that further restrict RV and boat parking.
"It's an eyesore," said Larry Herman, a councilman in La Palma, which banned parked RVs and boats on the street or in driveways. The ordinance "really has improved the appearance of our city. You can look down the streets now and you don't see the big 35- and 40-footers people have today."
After La Palma's 2005 ban, residents of neighboring Buena Park started noticing more RVs moving onto their streets. This week the City Council will debate whether to enact its own ban.
"There's a definite sense that people are getting chased out," said Sue Bray, executive director of the Good Sam Club, a national RV owners group. "We don't want our streets to become storage lots, but with building going the way it is, a lot of people just don't have space to keep an RV even if it is permitted to be there."
Some owners are bracing for a run on space elsewhere when the El Toro RVs are given 30-day notice to leave. Some are considering heading to the Inland Empire or as far as Arizona to find a suitable spot for a reasonable price.
Irvine officials say they would like to keep the RVs around at least three more years. But there are no guarantees; the current contract runs through September.
Rogna, the lot manager, said her customers' top concern seems to be the future of their spaces. "They're always asking, 'How much longer?' "
The former Marine base at El Toro has become a haven for oversized vehicles, but as park development progresses, they will have to move.
By Tony Barboza, Times Staff Writer
June 25, 2007
Bill Kogerman used to land his F-8 Crusader fighter jet on the runways of El Toro Marine base when he was stationed there in the 1960s and '70s.
These days, the retired Marine lieutenant colonel lives in Laguna Hills and is a member of Orange County's Great Park board of directors. He uses the same runway as a parking spot for his 35-foot, blue and white, dolphin-decaled recreational vehicle.
"It's nostalgic, but I did it mostly for the convenience," he said.
Kogerman is not alone. The expansive runways and taxiways of the former Marine base have become landing spots for more than 2,300 RVs, boats and a few cars.
At a time when many Southern California cities are banning RV parking on their streets — even in driveways — Irvine is welcoming Winnebagos, Coachmen and Holiday Ramblers to the ample stretches of concrete that are slated for demolition to make way for the 1,300-acre Great Park.
For $1.7 million a year, the city since 2005 has leased part of the runway space to All Star Services as a 55- to 65-acre parking lot. The company also leases acreage from Lennar Corp., which is developing the commercial and residential properties. The Orange County Great Park Corp. uses the money to maintain the grounds as it starts its massive transformation.
RV and storage industry experts said it may be the largest motor home storage facility in the country, and it has attracted RV owners from as far as Nevada, Wyoming and Germany.
"I've never seen anything even close to this size," said Bob Lee, 67, as he looked down a seemingly unending line of RVs parked in slanted rows. Lee, a transit supervisor from Mission Viejo, pays $145 a month to park his 34-foot Winnebago Adventurer on a former taxiway, taking it on weekend trips up the coast.
Irvine leases other parts of the base for recycling, strawberry and bean farming, and even test-car driving, but RV storage is the most lucrative, providing most of the $2.7 million the park brings in each year.
"We are trying to be good stewards of what we have and generate as much revenue as we can to offset our expenses," said Rod Cooper, operations manager for the Great Park Corp.
If all goes as planned, most of the base, which closed eight years ago, will be demolished, then sculpted, planted and irrigated into one of the largest municipal parks in the country, at an expected cost of more than $1 billion. The park will feature a tethered helium balloon ride, a man-made canyon, orchards and sports fields encircled by 3,600 houses and condos, along with commercial areas.
Those who park their RVs at the base say they'll be in a pinch to find another place to store their vehicles. "It's going to be quite chaotic," said Marti Rogna, manager of All Star Services. "I don't even want to think about it at this point."
California law prohibits street parking of oversized vehicles for more than 72 hours at a stretch. Twenty-two Orange County cities, including Irvine, have ordinances that further restrict RV and boat parking.
"It's an eyesore," said Larry Herman, a councilman in La Palma, which banned parked RVs and boats on the street or in driveways. The ordinance "really has improved the appearance of our city. You can look down the streets now and you don't see the big 35- and 40-footers people have today."
After La Palma's 2005 ban, residents of neighboring Buena Park started noticing more RVs moving onto their streets. This week the City Council will debate whether to enact its own ban.
"There's a definite sense that people are getting chased out," said Sue Bray, executive director of the Good Sam Club, a national RV owners group. "We don't want our streets to become storage lots, but with building going the way it is, a lot of people just don't have space to keep an RV even if it is permitted to be there."
Some owners are bracing for a run on space elsewhere when the El Toro RVs are given 30-day notice to leave. Some are considering heading to the Inland Empire or as far as Arizona to find a suitable spot for a reasonable price.
Irvine officials say they would like to keep the RVs around at least three more years. But there are no guarantees; the current contract runs through September.
Rogna, the lot manager, said her customers' top concern seems to be the future of their spaces. "They're always asking, 'How much longer?' "
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Developers get green flag to sell RV lots near speedway
Developers get green flag to sell RV lots near speedway
Photo Earl Neikirk/Bristol Herald Courier
This area at the Race Day Center condominiums has been prepared complete with electric and sewer hookups. Bristol Motor Speedway is just across the street.
BRISTOL, Tenn. – A unique zoning law has opened the door for recreational vehicle parking near Bristol Motor Speedway and created financial opportunities for developers, the city and Sullivan County.
Bristol Tennessee City Council late Tuesday unanimously approved a Recreation Vehicle Development District to accommodate the influx of RVs near Bristol Motor Speedway during racing events.
A representative for one local developer tossed out a preliminary site proposal before council members had time to vote.
Mike Hamlin, attorney for Bristol’s Interstate Development Co., displayed a preliminary drawing of a lot that would be behind Race Day Center condominiums across Volunteer Parkway from BMS.
"Some have views of the speedway; others do not," Hamlin said of the lots. "But we expect a median price of about $75,000 given that we will have buyers with financial means.
"We expect these people will be downtown and at restaurants making a financial contribution to the city."
Interstate Development officials were not available for comment on Wednesday, and it is not known how many lots might be placed on the site.
Electric and sewer hookups already are installed, while marked, rectangle tracts are awaiting buyers.
Bob Icenhour, Sullivan County’s property assessor, said the company has planned an RV development at that location for some time. He also said the company stands to make "a bundle of money" when the land is subdivided.
"An acre is selling for more than $124,000 out there," he said. "So when you think about selling a piece of ground about the size of a motor home for $75,000 – yeah, they’ll be making out."
Icenhour said both the city and county also will benefit.
At a market value of $75,000, the county-assessed tax each year would be $474.38, and the city’s assessed tax would be $453.75. Combined, lot owners would pay $928.13 in property taxes. But such fees won’t unsettle RV owners, Icenhour said.
"The RV people [will] drive a half-million-dollar motor home up there," he said. "I don’t think they’re going to worry about the cost of a lot, and they’re only there a couple times a year."
Icenhour said RV owners are not necessarily getting special treatment.
"There’s no favoritism to it," he said. "If they [developers] can sell the lots instead of rent them, why not?"
For about two years, city staff looked at ways to develop regulations that would allow the sale of privately owned RV sites near the speedway.
"In this instance, all internal streets will be private, but each site, or lot, will have infrastructure hookups or access," said Mike Sparks, deputy city manager/development. "And the recreational vehicles must have full kitchen and bathroom facilities internal to the vehicle."
Sparks said he and his staff looked at a similar development near Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
"We used ideas from there and from resorts in Asheville, N.C., and the Florida coastal area," he said.
After researching the issue, city staff decided to place some restrictions on the developments.
Occupancy of any individual lot in an RV development must be vacated each year for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. In addition, RVs cannot occupy the purchased lot for more than 30 consecutive days, according to the new zoning ordinance.
Similar districts are in place at NASCAR tracks in Richmond and Fort Worth, Texas, said Kevin Triplett, BMS vice president of public affairs.
"Given the parameters, this is not unusual," he said. "RV use varies from track to track. Most are similar, and they [tracks] are generally located miles outside the city, and we are too."
Bristol Mayor Jim Messimer said the city wanted to accommodate the RVs at racing events, but did not want to create a permanent campground.
"This is a first," he said. "There’s still a lot of land out there near the speedway, but the majority of that right now is for camping. They [RVs] have been parking at several locations. This is a step to make a place for them, but it also keeps them from having a permanent home. We don’t want to create trailer parks."
The lots fall under the city zoning ordinance’s special-use provision within general business and planned business districts.
The developments must be a minimum of two acres with a maximum density of 13 units per acre. It’s the same density permitted for multifamily residential development.
ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-06-21-0007.html
Photo Earl Neikirk/Bristol Herald Courier
This area at the Race Day Center condominiums has been prepared complete with electric and sewer hookups. Bristol Motor Speedway is just across the street.
BRISTOL, Tenn. – A unique zoning law has opened the door for recreational vehicle parking near Bristol Motor Speedway and created financial opportunities for developers, the city and Sullivan County.
Bristol Tennessee City Council late Tuesday unanimously approved a Recreation Vehicle Development District to accommodate the influx of RVs near Bristol Motor Speedway during racing events.
A representative for one local developer tossed out a preliminary site proposal before council members had time to vote.
Mike Hamlin, attorney for Bristol’s Interstate Development Co., displayed a preliminary drawing of a lot that would be behind Race Day Center condominiums across Volunteer Parkway from BMS.
"Some have views of the speedway; others do not," Hamlin said of the lots. "But we expect a median price of about $75,000 given that we will have buyers with financial means.
"We expect these people will be downtown and at restaurants making a financial contribution to the city."
Interstate Development officials were not available for comment on Wednesday, and it is not known how many lots might be placed on the site.
Electric and sewer hookups already are installed, while marked, rectangle tracts are awaiting buyers.
Bob Icenhour, Sullivan County’s property assessor, said the company has planned an RV development at that location for some time. He also said the company stands to make "a bundle of money" when the land is subdivided.
"An acre is selling for more than $124,000 out there," he said. "So when you think about selling a piece of ground about the size of a motor home for $75,000 – yeah, they’ll be making out."
Icenhour said both the city and county also will benefit.
At a market value of $75,000, the county-assessed tax each year would be $474.38, and the city’s assessed tax would be $453.75. Combined, lot owners would pay $928.13 in property taxes. But such fees won’t unsettle RV owners, Icenhour said.
"The RV people [will] drive a half-million-dollar motor home up there," he said. "I don’t think they’re going to worry about the cost of a lot, and they’re only there a couple times a year."
Icenhour said RV owners are not necessarily getting special treatment.
"There’s no favoritism to it," he said. "If they [developers] can sell the lots instead of rent them, why not?"
For about two years, city staff looked at ways to develop regulations that would allow the sale of privately owned RV sites near the speedway.
"In this instance, all internal streets will be private, but each site, or lot, will have infrastructure hookups or access," said Mike Sparks, deputy city manager/development. "And the recreational vehicles must have full kitchen and bathroom facilities internal to the vehicle."
Sparks said he and his staff looked at a similar development near Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
"We used ideas from there and from resorts in Asheville, N.C., and the Florida coastal area," he said.
After researching the issue, city staff decided to place some restrictions on the developments.
Occupancy of any individual lot in an RV development must be vacated each year for a minimum of 90 consecutive days. In addition, RVs cannot occupy the purchased lot for more than 30 consecutive days, according to the new zoning ordinance.
Similar districts are in place at NASCAR tracks in Richmond and Fort Worth, Texas, said Kevin Triplett, BMS vice president of public affairs.
"Given the parameters, this is not unusual," he said. "RV use varies from track to track. Most are similar, and they [tracks] are generally located miles outside the city, and we are too."
Bristol Mayor Jim Messimer said the city wanted to accommodate the RVs at racing events, but did not want to create a permanent campground.
"This is a first," he said. "There’s still a lot of land out there near the speedway, but the majority of that right now is for camping. They [RVs] have been parking at several locations. This is a step to make a place for them, but it also keeps them from having a permanent home. We don’t want to create trailer parks."
The lots fall under the city zoning ordinance’s special-use provision within general business and planned business districts.
The developments must be a minimum of two acres with a maximum density of 13 units per acre. It’s the same density permitted for multifamily residential development.
ggray@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-06-21-0007.html
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Most Romantic RV Parks
THE MOST ROMANTIC RV PARKS
Motorhome Magazine has announced its Top 10 Most Romance-inspiring RV Parks, in no particular order.
1. Oak Grove Campground/Resort in Holland, Mich. Romantic sunsets on the beach.
2. Wine County RV Resort in Paso Robles, Calif. More than 100 wine-tasting rooms in 10-mile radius.
3. Hershey Highmeadow Campground in Hershey, Pa. Street lights shaped like Candy Kisses.
4. Pagosa Springs Spa & RV Resort at Pagosa Springs, Calif. Guests have access to mineral-water swimming pool.
5. East Shore RV Park in San Dimas, Calif. Hilltop and sunset views.
6. Beverly Beach State Park at Newport, Ore. A beautiful panoramic beach.
7. Petoskey RV & Cabin Resort in Petoskey, Mich. Towering trees and flowers.
8. Winchester Bay RV Resort on the Oregon Coast. Waterfront views of the harbor.
9. Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley, Calif. Giant sequoias, waterfalls and snowcapped mountains.
10. Riverview RV Park in Loveland, Colo. Nature lovers' destination in foothills of the Rockies.
Motorhome Magazine has announced its Top 10 Most Romance-inspiring RV Parks, in no particular order.
1. Oak Grove Campground/Resort in Holland, Mich. Romantic sunsets on the beach.
2. Wine County RV Resort in Paso Robles, Calif. More than 100 wine-tasting rooms in 10-mile radius.
3. Hershey Highmeadow Campground in Hershey, Pa. Street lights shaped like Candy Kisses.
4. Pagosa Springs Spa & RV Resort at Pagosa Springs, Calif. Guests have access to mineral-water swimming pool.
5. East Shore RV Park in San Dimas, Calif. Hilltop and sunset views.
6. Beverly Beach State Park at Newport, Ore. A beautiful panoramic beach.
7. Petoskey RV & Cabin Resort in Petoskey, Mich. Towering trees and flowers.
8. Winchester Bay RV Resort on the Oregon Coast. Waterfront views of the harbor.
9. Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley, Calif. Giant sequoias, waterfalls and snowcapped mountains.
10. Riverview RV Park in Loveland, Colo. Nature lovers' destination in foothills of the Rockies.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Developer ditches plans to replace Bayview RV park
Developer ditches plans to replace Bayview RV park
Jessica Meyers
Staff writer
June 7, 2007
Frank Bixenstein just found out he might be able to keep his view of Lake Pend Oreille and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains – the scene that gives Bayview its name.
A developer has scrapped his plans to replace the 32-slot View of the Bay Mobile Home and RV Park with condominiums. Instead, Hayden developer Bob Holland has put the Bayview property up for sale for $1.6 million.
Last fall, park residents like Bixenstein were handed eviction notices and told they’d have to move by the end of this September.
Now, that may not be necessary, although no one can say what a new owner might choose to do, given the ever-increasing value of lake-view property.
“The sale was not expected,” said Bixenstein who spends almost every weekend in Bayview and feared losing the $14,500 he spent on an early 1970s trailer that is now too old to move to another park. “I feel better if it did sell and somebody was to buy it and leave the trailers there,” he said, already planning to remodel the deck and cover it with a roof.
Holland, who owns Waterford Park Homes LLC, has invested in numerous developments in Bayview and remains a controversial figure in the town located off the southwestern tip of Lake Pend Oreille.
As The Spokesman-Review has previously reported his plan to build a new marina at Bayview was stymied, and Holland was fined, when the Idaho Department of Lands halted the project due to damage caused to a kokanee salmon spawning bed.
Holland declined to be interviewed.
Waterford Marinas manager Tina Arendt, who coordinates Holland’s Bayview properties, denied widespread speculation in the town that the sale of the trailer park has anything to do with financial difficulties.
“We have a lot of projects going on that are higher priority” than redeveloping the trailer park land, she said.
Holland has previously talked of developing the Harborview Marina, formerly the Bayview Marina, with high-rise, multi-unit condominiums. Waterford Park Homes paid just over a million dollars for the Bayview trailer park two years ago, the newspaper previously reported.
Arendt said Holland plans to continue that project when his permit is renewed. He also plans to redevelop the nearby Vista Bay Marina, Arendt said.
And although Holland considered selling the company’s Scenic Motel property in Bayview, it is not on the market.
Hobart Jenkins, chairman of Bayview Chamber of Commerce’s Development Analysis Committee, is among Holland’s critics and among those wondering what the developer plans next.
“I think he is in some degree of financial pressure,” Jenkins said.
He cited 22 violations by Holland’s company in a year and a half including evading zoning rules and failing to report sewage leaks.
“He doesn’t think he can get approval for the grand plans that he had for Bayview within the line of credit that he has,” Jenkins speculated.
It is unclear what will come of the sale of the trailer park. Paul Scott, the Coldwell Banker Realtor handling the property, said the key location has garnered it attention with at least six possible investors.
Even residents are expressing interest. Bixenstein, 60, said there is discussion among tenets of forming a co-op and buying shares. Most residents pay $335 a month for a slot and consider these homes their summer getaway. Bixenstein pays an additional $20 monthly for his lake view. “I would be on the train if they decide to [buy] it,” he said, “but I don’t think everyone would do it or could afford that much.”
Half the park has already left. Retired Air Force Col. Skip Wilcox, 71, is one of the people who moved in anticipation of September’s eviction. “I’m not happy because I had to sign a lease on a new house and it would be difficult to get out of a lease here,” he said.
But he’s not sold on going back, even if he could.
“We don’t know what the new owner will do or who it will be,” Wilcox said. “We just hope Holland sells it to someone not in his hip-pocket.”
Jessica Meyers
Staff writer
June 7, 2007
Frank Bixenstein just found out he might be able to keep his view of Lake Pend Oreille and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains – the scene that gives Bayview its name.
A developer has scrapped his plans to replace the 32-slot View of the Bay Mobile Home and RV Park with condominiums. Instead, Hayden developer Bob Holland has put the Bayview property up for sale for $1.6 million.
Last fall, park residents like Bixenstein were handed eviction notices and told they’d have to move by the end of this September.
Now, that may not be necessary, although no one can say what a new owner might choose to do, given the ever-increasing value of lake-view property.
“The sale was not expected,” said Bixenstein who spends almost every weekend in Bayview and feared losing the $14,500 he spent on an early 1970s trailer that is now too old to move to another park. “I feel better if it did sell and somebody was to buy it and leave the trailers there,” he said, already planning to remodel the deck and cover it with a roof.
Holland, who owns Waterford Park Homes LLC, has invested in numerous developments in Bayview and remains a controversial figure in the town located off the southwestern tip of Lake Pend Oreille.
As The Spokesman-Review has previously reported his plan to build a new marina at Bayview was stymied, and Holland was fined, when the Idaho Department of Lands halted the project due to damage caused to a kokanee salmon spawning bed.
Holland declined to be interviewed.
Waterford Marinas manager Tina Arendt, who coordinates Holland’s Bayview properties, denied widespread speculation in the town that the sale of the trailer park has anything to do with financial difficulties.
“We have a lot of projects going on that are higher priority” than redeveloping the trailer park land, she said.
Holland has previously talked of developing the Harborview Marina, formerly the Bayview Marina, with high-rise, multi-unit condominiums. Waterford Park Homes paid just over a million dollars for the Bayview trailer park two years ago, the newspaper previously reported.
Arendt said Holland plans to continue that project when his permit is renewed. He also plans to redevelop the nearby Vista Bay Marina, Arendt said.
And although Holland considered selling the company’s Scenic Motel property in Bayview, it is not on the market.
Hobart Jenkins, chairman of Bayview Chamber of Commerce’s Development Analysis Committee, is among Holland’s critics and among those wondering what the developer plans next.
“I think he is in some degree of financial pressure,” Jenkins said.
He cited 22 violations by Holland’s company in a year and a half including evading zoning rules and failing to report sewage leaks.
“He doesn’t think he can get approval for the grand plans that he had for Bayview within the line of credit that he has,” Jenkins speculated.
It is unclear what will come of the sale of the trailer park. Paul Scott, the Coldwell Banker Realtor handling the property, said the key location has garnered it attention with at least six possible investors.
Even residents are expressing interest. Bixenstein, 60, said there is discussion among tenets of forming a co-op and buying shares. Most residents pay $335 a month for a slot and consider these homes their summer getaway. Bixenstein pays an additional $20 monthly for his lake view. “I would be on the train if they decide to [buy] it,” he said, “but I don’t think everyone would do it or could afford that much.”
Half the park has already left. Retired Air Force Col. Skip Wilcox, 71, is one of the people who moved in anticipation of September’s eviction. “I’m not happy because I had to sign a lease on a new house and it would be difficult to get out of a lease here,” he said.
But he’s not sold on going back, even if he could.
“We don’t know what the new owner will do or who it will be,” Wilcox said. “We just hope Holland sells it to someone not in his hip-pocket.”
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
RV Campgrounds Full Despite High Gas Prices
RV Campgrounds Full Despite High Gas Prices
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter
Watch Video
LINN COUNTY - The nation is still guzzling gas, despite it’s high price. The national average per gallon is $3.20. Iowa's average is even higher at $3.29.
Instead of going the distance this summer and continuously filling up, many travelers are saying goodbye to their cars and hello to an RV.
Joe and Pearl Coder say they found the right spot to vacation, only a few miles from their home. Squaw Creek Campground is just outside Cedar Rapids, and it kept them from spending their savings on gas.
County campgrounds are full and we found many of the RVers, like the coders, are also not far from home for the same reason.
It hasn't slowed everyone. Gary Ketelsen owns Ketelsen RV and sales have hit a record high, 10 percent higher than last year when gas was much cheaper. Even RV rentals are up.
"We're finding that two families are going in together to cut expenses in half," said Ketelsen.
Piloting one of these portables can be expensive. Some only get 8 miles per gallon of gas. And the rentals can run you $2,000 for a week. But, if you are going the distance, it will save on hotel costs.
While the Coders are enjoying their vacation very close to home, they say the price at the pump won't prevent them from visiting their son in New Orleans nearly a thousand miles away at the end up the summer.
They do hope the price at the pump goes down by then. But, travel agents we spoke with in the area Tuesday say the Coders are not alone.
Despite the high gas costs, most people aren't canceling their trips, especially if it's something they've had planned for a while.
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/7734472.html
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter
Watch Video
LINN COUNTY - The nation is still guzzling gas, despite it’s high price. The national average per gallon is $3.20. Iowa's average is even higher at $3.29.
Instead of going the distance this summer and continuously filling up, many travelers are saying goodbye to their cars and hello to an RV.
Joe and Pearl Coder say they found the right spot to vacation, only a few miles from their home. Squaw Creek Campground is just outside Cedar Rapids, and it kept them from spending their savings on gas.
County campgrounds are full and we found many of the RVers, like the coders, are also not far from home for the same reason.
It hasn't slowed everyone. Gary Ketelsen owns Ketelsen RV and sales have hit a record high, 10 percent higher than last year when gas was much cheaper. Even RV rentals are up.
"We're finding that two families are going in together to cut expenses in half," said Ketelsen.
Piloting one of these portables can be expensive. Some only get 8 miles per gallon of gas. And the rentals can run you $2,000 for a week. But, if you are going the distance, it will save on hotel costs.
While the Coders are enjoying their vacation very close to home, they say the price at the pump won't prevent them from visiting their son in New Orleans nearly a thousand miles away at the end up the summer.
They do hope the price at the pump goes down by then. But, travel agents we spoke with in the area Tuesday say the Coders are not alone.
Despite the high gas costs, most people aren't canceling their trips, especially if it's something they've had planned for a while.
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/7734472.html
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Walker citizens to decide on new RV park
Walker citizens to decide on new RV park
by Dean Morrill, Editor
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 04:20:46 PM
Walker citizens will have a chance to make their opinions known on whether an RV park at the corner of Highway 371 and 34 is good for the community.
But before a public hearing can be held, the council passed a motion requesting the planning and zoning board change the ordinance and allow for a public hearing.
The date for the public hearing was discussed, with the June 4 council meeting the likely date it would be held.
Gary Wilkening, who was sworn in at the beginning of the council meeting, said this is something the city needs and agreed with Jeff Kellogg, who made the proposal, that it is an ideal site.
"Let's put it out there for the people to have a comment on," Wilkening said of beginning a process to amend the ordinance to allow the RV park.
John Fjelstul agreed, seconding the motion while also adding it would be good for the community.
Kellogg brought plans for a self-contained RV park, which would be operated through AmericInn to the May 7 council meeting, a proposal that was also made last year but voted down under a different council. The 13, 10-by-30 foot landscaped sites would only include electricity and be for only short-term stops.
"We feel there is a need and it is a great location," said Kellogg, who added this park would be a way RV owners could stop, stay a few days and help the economy.
In other city business, the council
Decided to extend the sanitary sewer from the Nelson property south to the Walker Area Community Center. The cost of the project was estimated at about $16,000.
The council also approved a change order in the amount of $355,370.45 to revise the Tower Avenue and Second Street project bid to reflect the changes to end Tower Avenue at Division Street.
Another aspect of the project included a partial payment of $29,388.60 to Aspen Construction for the Tower Avenue remobilization fees. The council agreed this was the best course after the project was stopped because of the artifact dig site.
Approved payment of $10,100 to Landecker & Associates for the Tower Avenue street project.
Passed a motion to send an estimated $1.1 million Walker Airport project out to bid. The start date is expected to be around Aug. 20, which would close the airport for a few weeks in September and October.
The Airport Fund has about $380,000, with the remaining amount expected to come from a federal grant the city has to apply for.
Approved a conditional use permit for the construction of a 11,240 square foot Memory Care Facility at May Creek Lodge. The city said owners Ann Noland and John Rogen would need to meet the conditions set forth for additional parking and a water retention pond to allow for stormwater retention.
Approved a request from Brad Spry of State Farm Insurance to hold an open house celebration at its office and parking lot June 1.
The tent will be put up the morning of the open house in the parking lot in front of the insurance building and behind Orton's BP, and taken down the same day.
Heard from Orv Rosenberry who thanked the council for allowing the volunteer tax committee to use the Fire Hall to prepare and file more than 359 electronic tax forms.
Approved Olson Electric to install new bulbs on the City Park pole lights and repair lens at a cost of $660.
Approved Landecker & Associates, the city's business firm, to prepare the SWPPP for the Walker Industrial Park, meet with Minnesota Pollution Control and meet the proper National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirement at a cost of $7,920.
Purchased a 16-foot boot and 15 horsepower motor for $800 so city employees can put in and take out the city's docks instead of hiring someone. The city still needs to purchase a trailer for the boat and motor.
Approved the Walker Cemetery Board's recommendation to amend the cemetery rates.
Shortly before 9 p.m. and after business was discussed, the council closed the meeting so they could discuss a pending lawsuit and strategy with a lawyer from Minnesota's Cities.
by Dean Morrill, Editor
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 04:20:46 PM
Walker citizens will have a chance to make their opinions known on whether an RV park at the corner of Highway 371 and 34 is good for the community.
But before a public hearing can be held, the council passed a motion requesting the planning and zoning board change the ordinance and allow for a public hearing.
The date for the public hearing was discussed, with the June 4 council meeting the likely date it would be held.
Gary Wilkening, who was sworn in at the beginning of the council meeting, said this is something the city needs and agreed with Jeff Kellogg, who made the proposal, that it is an ideal site.
"Let's put it out there for the people to have a comment on," Wilkening said of beginning a process to amend the ordinance to allow the RV park.
John Fjelstul agreed, seconding the motion while also adding it would be good for the community.
Kellogg brought plans for a self-contained RV park, which would be operated through AmericInn to the May 7 council meeting, a proposal that was also made last year but voted down under a different council. The 13, 10-by-30 foot landscaped sites would only include electricity and be for only short-term stops.
"We feel there is a need and it is a great location," said Kellogg, who added this park would be a way RV owners could stop, stay a few days and help the economy.
In other city business, the council
Decided to extend the sanitary sewer from the Nelson property south to the Walker Area Community Center. The cost of the project was estimated at about $16,000.
The council also approved a change order in the amount of $355,370.45 to revise the Tower Avenue and Second Street project bid to reflect the changes to end Tower Avenue at Division Street.
Another aspect of the project included a partial payment of $29,388.60 to Aspen Construction for the Tower Avenue remobilization fees. The council agreed this was the best course after the project was stopped because of the artifact dig site.
Approved payment of $10,100 to Landecker & Associates for the Tower Avenue street project.
Passed a motion to send an estimated $1.1 million Walker Airport project out to bid. The start date is expected to be around Aug. 20, which would close the airport for a few weeks in September and October.
The Airport Fund has about $380,000, with the remaining amount expected to come from a federal grant the city has to apply for.
Approved a conditional use permit for the construction of a 11,240 square foot Memory Care Facility at May Creek Lodge. The city said owners Ann Noland and John Rogen would need to meet the conditions set forth for additional parking and a water retention pond to allow for stormwater retention.
Approved a request from Brad Spry of State Farm Insurance to hold an open house celebration at its office and parking lot June 1.
The tent will be put up the morning of the open house in the parking lot in front of the insurance building and behind Orton's BP, and taken down the same day.
Heard from Orv Rosenberry who thanked the council for allowing the volunteer tax committee to use the Fire Hall to prepare and file more than 359 electronic tax forms.
Approved Olson Electric to install new bulbs on the City Park pole lights and repair lens at a cost of $660.
Approved Landecker & Associates, the city's business firm, to prepare the SWPPP for the Walker Industrial Park, meet with Minnesota Pollution Control and meet the proper National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirement at a cost of $7,920.
Purchased a 16-foot boot and 15 horsepower motor for $800 so city employees can put in and take out the city's docks instead of hiring someone. The city still needs to purchase a trailer for the boat and motor.
Approved the Walker Cemetery Board's recommendation to amend the cemetery rates.
Shortly before 9 p.m. and after business was discussed, the council closed the meeting so they could discuss a pending lawsuit and strategy with a lawyer from Minnesota's Cities.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
RV Park Hoping for the Best
RV Park Hoping for the Best
By Steven Cote
Wednesday, May 09, 2007 03:54 AM
Water is creeping into the RV Park at Highway 97 and Salmon Valley Road ( photo opinion250 staff)
Rockin's River Resort, an RV park and campsite located on Salmon Valley road, is experiencing moderate flooding from the rising Salmon River.
Water levels have already risen above most of the facilities, including the rental sites, and little can be done by the park's owner to stop it.
"Business has definitely been hurt," says Robin, owner of Rockin's River Resort, adding that sites were already being rented by this time last year.
Robin, who purchased the RV park late last spring, fears she may have to start canceling reservations if the situation does not improve soon. "I'm hoping for the best," she says," but what can you do with mother nature?".
By Steven Cote
Wednesday, May 09, 2007 03:54 AM
Water is creeping into the RV Park at Highway 97 and Salmon Valley Road ( photo opinion250 staff)
Rockin's River Resort, an RV park and campsite located on Salmon Valley road, is experiencing moderate flooding from the rising Salmon River.
Water levels have already risen above most of the facilities, including the rental sites, and little can be done by the park's owner to stop it.
"Business has definitely been hurt," says Robin, owner of Rockin's River Resort, adding that sites were already being rented by this time last year.
Robin, who purchased the RV park late last spring, fears she may have to start canceling reservations if the situation does not improve soon. "I'm hoping for the best," she says," but what can you do with mother nature?".
Thursday, April 26, 2007
RV park planned
RV park planned
By Daniel Witter/Appeal-Democrat
April 25, 2007 - 12:55PM
Recreational vehicle enthusiasts looking for a camping spot along the Yuba River may soon have a new place to stay.
Developers have plans to convert a 113-acre site along Simpson Lane into a 200-space RV park with an existing 30-acre lake and a 7-acre lake. The Lake Marysville RV Resort, as it would be called, sits west of Marysville Raceway Park.
The State Reclamation Board gave its approval Friday for a special permit for builder Milton Miner to develop the site since it is in a flood project zone.
The project now needs Yuba County Planning Commission approval. The commission will consider issuing a conditional permit on May 16. That meeting will take place in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the Yuba County Government Center, 915 Eighth St. in Marysville.
“The initial study is out for review,” said Yuba County planner Dan Cucchi.
The project will occur in two phases: The first phase will include 100 recreational vehicle sites, 100 camping sites, lavatory units, laundry facilities, a recreational vehicle dump station, fixed-barbecue units and picnic tables, swimming beach, recreation room, manager’s office and a kiosk for guest check-in.
The second phase will include 100 additional recreational vehicle sites, a second lavatory unit and marine facilities including docks for fishing access.
The developers plan to pave a road and install stone planters at the entry and center aisle with landscaping improvements.
The project was initially approved in August 2002, but Miner didn’t start any work on the property, so the permit expired, Cucchi said.
The project only needs approval from the Planning Commission unless the item is appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appealdemocrat.com.
By Daniel Witter/Appeal-Democrat
April 25, 2007 - 12:55PM
Recreational vehicle enthusiasts looking for a camping spot along the Yuba River may soon have a new place to stay.
Developers have plans to convert a 113-acre site along Simpson Lane into a 200-space RV park with an existing 30-acre lake and a 7-acre lake. The Lake Marysville RV Resort, as it would be called, sits west of Marysville Raceway Park.
The State Reclamation Board gave its approval Friday for a special permit for builder Milton Miner to develop the site since it is in a flood project zone.
The project now needs Yuba County Planning Commission approval. The commission will consider issuing a conditional permit on May 16. That meeting will take place in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the Yuba County Government Center, 915 Eighth St. in Marysville.
“The initial study is out for review,” said Yuba County planner Dan Cucchi.
The project will occur in two phases: The first phase will include 100 recreational vehicle sites, 100 camping sites, lavatory units, laundry facilities, a recreational vehicle dump station, fixed-barbecue units and picnic tables, swimming beach, recreation room, manager’s office and a kiosk for guest check-in.
The second phase will include 100 additional recreational vehicle sites, a second lavatory unit and marine facilities including docks for fishing access.
The developers plan to pave a road and install stone planters at the entry and center aisle with landscaping improvements.
The project was initially approved in August 2002, but Miner didn’t start any work on the property, so the permit expired, Cucchi said.
The project only needs approval from the Planning Commission unless the item is appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appealdemocrat.com.
RV park will put campers at ease
RV park will put campers at ease
Horn Lake site to be like a multiuse home away from home
By William C. Bayne
Contact
April 25, 2007
The Audubon Point RV Park and Mini Storage isn't scheduled to open until Tuesday, but RV campers have already begun making inquiries.
"I'm excited to get it going, but I'm scared too," said Keith Russell of Jackson.
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"We've been in the mini storage business for 15 years, but this is the first time out in the RV park business. I believe we're going to be a big success.
"It's a tremendous location and the city has been fantastic to work with," he said.
Audubon Point is on 29.64 acres on the east side of U.S. 51, just south of Nail Road.
Russell, 59, a native of Brookhaven, said he chose Horn Lake for his first RV park "because it's one of the hottest real estate areas in the country."
He expects the RV park will cater to construction crews and to youth baseball teams competing at Snowden Grove Park in Southaven or Latimer Lakes Park in Horn Lake.
"We're limited to a maximum 45-day stay at one time, but we'll also have pads available for the overnight transient RV campers," he said.
"No one is going to be able to make this home, but it's going to be very nice for those who stay with us periodically."
Altogether, there are 114 concrete pads available for RV's, all with 50-amp electrical service.
The park has a large swimming pool, a bathhouse, a commercial laundry and a dog walk.
Russell said his business plan projects 80 percent occupancy at the RV park within three years.
"Our prime seasons will be summer and fall, but we expect that we will have construction workers throughout the year because of all the construction taking place in the county."
The park will be fully covered by security cameras, he said.
The mini storage facility will have both regular bins and climate-controlled storage.
"We have 980 containers ranging from 5 feet by 5 feet up to 20 by 20," Russell said.
The projected opening day for the mini storage is May 15.
The RV park "should generate a lot of cash business for stores in Horn Lake and Southaven," he said.
Russell's planned unit development for the RV park and mini storage also includes 5.69 acres of commercial space.
"All of the commercial space will have C-4 usage," Horn Lake planning director Anita Rainey said.
"That allows for such businesses as restaurants, ice cream stores, gift shops, bakeries, sporting goods stores, indoor recreation or convenience stores.
"What we're hoping for in that area are businesses that are walkable from the RV park. In addition to the other businesses, any kind of personal service business could also go there -- like a beauty salon or barber shop."
Altogether, Rainey said the commercial space would create about 60,000 square feet of retail business.
"My plan is to get both the RV park and the mini storage up and running before we get involved with the commercial space," Russell said.
Lee Smith, a retired Marine master sergeant, will manage the RV park, and Judy Clark, a veteran in the mini storage business, will manage the mini storage facility, Russell said.
-- William C. Bayne: (662) 996-1408
Horn Lake site to be like a multiuse home away from home
By William C. Bayne
Contact
April 25, 2007
The Audubon Point RV Park and Mini Storage isn't scheduled to open until Tuesday, but RV campers have already begun making inquiries.
"I'm excited to get it going, but I'm scared too," said Keith Russell of Jackson.
Advertisement
"We've been in the mini storage business for 15 years, but this is the first time out in the RV park business. I believe we're going to be a big success.
"It's a tremendous location and the city has been fantastic to work with," he said.
Audubon Point is on 29.64 acres on the east side of U.S. 51, just south of Nail Road.
Russell, 59, a native of Brookhaven, said he chose Horn Lake for his first RV park "because it's one of the hottest real estate areas in the country."
He expects the RV park will cater to construction crews and to youth baseball teams competing at Snowden Grove Park in Southaven or Latimer Lakes Park in Horn Lake.
"We're limited to a maximum 45-day stay at one time, but we'll also have pads available for the overnight transient RV campers," he said.
"No one is going to be able to make this home, but it's going to be very nice for those who stay with us periodically."
Altogether, there are 114 concrete pads available for RV's, all with 50-amp electrical service.
The park has a large swimming pool, a bathhouse, a commercial laundry and a dog walk.
Russell said his business plan projects 80 percent occupancy at the RV park within three years.
"Our prime seasons will be summer and fall, but we expect that we will have construction workers throughout the year because of all the construction taking place in the county."
The park will be fully covered by security cameras, he said.
The mini storage facility will have both regular bins and climate-controlled storage.
"We have 980 containers ranging from 5 feet by 5 feet up to 20 by 20," Russell said.
The projected opening day for the mini storage is May 15.
The RV park "should generate a lot of cash business for stores in Horn Lake and Southaven," he said.
Russell's planned unit development for the RV park and mini storage also includes 5.69 acres of commercial space.
"All of the commercial space will have C-4 usage," Horn Lake planning director Anita Rainey said.
"That allows for such businesses as restaurants, ice cream stores, gift shops, bakeries, sporting goods stores, indoor recreation or convenience stores.
"What we're hoping for in that area are businesses that are walkable from the RV park. In addition to the other businesses, any kind of personal service business could also go there -- like a beauty salon or barber shop."
Altogether, Rainey said the commercial space would create about 60,000 square feet of retail business.
"My plan is to get both the RV park and the mini storage up and running before we get involved with the commercial space," Russell said.
Lee Smith, a retired Marine master sergeant, will manage the RV park, and Judy Clark, a veteran in the mini storage business, will manage the mini storage facility, Russell said.
-- William C. Bayne: (662) 996-1408
Monday, April 23, 2007
RV Park Reopening on Planned Tower Site
RV Park Reopening on Planned Tower Site
By Mark Mueller - 4/23/2007
Orange County Business Journal Staff
The last thing developer Urban West expected when it bought Anaheim’s Travelers World RV Park last July was to be opening a revamped RV park on the site.
That’s exactly what the developer will be doing in a few weeks.
A more glamorous project was envisioned for the 12-acre, West Ball Road location: Parc Anaheim, a 449-home project close to Disneyland Resort. The homes were to be centered around two 10-story towers.
But as part of the fallout from Walt Disney Co.’s battle with the city of Anaheim and other developers over proposed housing projects in the Anaheim Resort District, Urban West now is going with a “defensive strategy” for the time being, President David DiRienzo said.
That means reopening the RV site, which was shuttered late last year, while entitlement and legal issues are sorted out. The RV park will reopen in May under a new name: Anaheim RV Village. Urban West also put in about $1 million in improvements to the site.
“We never bought it as an RV park,” DiRienzo said. “But the partnership made the decision that as we go through the entitlement process it makes sense (to bring in some funds).”
Housing still is the goal, he said.
Even without opposition, Urban West expected it to take a few years to get permits for its plan. Now, with Disney actively opposing housing near the resort area, a timeframe is harder to figure out, according to DiRienzo.
Disney’s Case
Disney, backed by other Anaheim tourism businesses, has sued the city, opposing plans to build houses and condos near its theme parks. Homes don’t fit well with the area’s hotels, shops and other tourist venues, and could impact the tax base for the area, opposers say.
Housing development also could impact Disney’s plan for a third theme park.
Most of the opposition has been toward Irvine-based SunCal Cos.’ proposal to build 1,500 homes near the resort. A February City Council vote on the SunCal plan ended up in a disputed deadlock, leading to the lawsuit.
Other developers eyeing the resort area also are feeling the heat from the dispute.
Newport Beach-based Renaissance Pacific Properties LLC has plans for a 20-story tower on South Harbor Boulevard that would include 250 condos along with a 375-room hotel.
So far, the plan is still a go. The company is in the early process of applying for permits and entitlements, according to Michael Capaldi, a principal with Renaissance Pacific.
With Disney’s opposition to homes near its resort, “where it all comes out, who knows,” Capaldi said.
O’Donnell/Atkins, which helped put together SunCal’s Anaheim land buy last year, thinks an agreement that benefits all parties can be worked out.
“There was not nearly the interest or momentum in effectuating truly mixed-use development when the resort area plan was drafted as exists now,” said Tom Reimers, O’Donnell/Atkins senior vice president.
“There is a great opportunity here—crafting a site plan that will complement and support existing resort area development while providing for a more well-rounded, long-term land use pattern in the area,” Reimers said.
Capaldi said his big hope is that a compromise, brokered by Mayor Curt Pringle, will put an end to the litigation, and allow his project’s combination of luxury hotel rooms and condos to be built at the site of a former Toys “R” Us store.
“The bottom line is unless you have a residential component, it’s hard to justify building a hotel in the area,” Capaldi said.
Urban West’s DiRienzo thinks the location of his company’s Parc Anaheim project—one of the first big Anaheim residential projects recently proposed outside the city’s Platinum Triangle area—should help its eventual approval.
The site is technically part of the Anaheim Resort District, even though it falls on the opposite side of the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway, from where Disneyland is.
“The north side of the 5 doesn’t support tourism—we don’t see ourselves as part of the resort,” DiRienzo said.
“We’re completely perplexed” by Disney’s challenge of Parc Anaheim, he said.
By Mark Mueller - 4/23/2007
Orange County Business Journal Staff
The last thing developer Urban West expected when it bought Anaheim’s Travelers World RV Park last July was to be opening a revamped RV park on the site.
That’s exactly what the developer will be doing in a few weeks.
A more glamorous project was envisioned for the 12-acre, West Ball Road location: Parc Anaheim, a 449-home project close to Disneyland Resort. The homes were to be centered around two 10-story towers.
But as part of the fallout from Walt Disney Co.’s battle with the city of Anaheim and other developers over proposed housing projects in the Anaheim Resort District, Urban West now is going with a “defensive strategy” for the time being, President David DiRienzo said.
That means reopening the RV site, which was shuttered late last year, while entitlement and legal issues are sorted out. The RV park will reopen in May under a new name: Anaheim RV Village. Urban West also put in about $1 million in improvements to the site.
“We never bought it as an RV park,” DiRienzo said. “But the partnership made the decision that as we go through the entitlement process it makes sense (to bring in some funds).”
Housing still is the goal, he said.
Even without opposition, Urban West expected it to take a few years to get permits for its plan. Now, with Disney actively opposing housing near the resort area, a timeframe is harder to figure out, according to DiRienzo.
Disney’s Case
Disney, backed by other Anaheim tourism businesses, has sued the city, opposing plans to build houses and condos near its theme parks. Homes don’t fit well with the area’s hotels, shops and other tourist venues, and could impact the tax base for the area, opposers say.
Housing development also could impact Disney’s plan for a third theme park.
Most of the opposition has been toward Irvine-based SunCal Cos.’ proposal to build 1,500 homes near the resort. A February City Council vote on the SunCal plan ended up in a disputed deadlock, leading to the lawsuit.
Other developers eyeing the resort area also are feeling the heat from the dispute.
Newport Beach-based Renaissance Pacific Properties LLC has plans for a 20-story tower on South Harbor Boulevard that would include 250 condos along with a 375-room hotel.
So far, the plan is still a go. The company is in the early process of applying for permits and entitlements, according to Michael Capaldi, a principal with Renaissance Pacific.
With Disney’s opposition to homes near its resort, “where it all comes out, who knows,” Capaldi said.
O’Donnell/Atkins, which helped put together SunCal’s Anaheim land buy last year, thinks an agreement that benefits all parties can be worked out.
“There was not nearly the interest or momentum in effectuating truly mixed-use development when the resort area plan was drafted as exists now,” said Tom Reimers, O’Donnell/Atkins senior vice president.
“There is a great opportunity here—crafting a site plan that will complement and support existing resort area development while providing for a more well-rounded, long-term land use pattern in the area,” Reimers said.
Capaldi said his big hope is that a compromise, brokered by Mayor Curt Pringle, will put an end to the litigation, and allow his project’s combination of luxury hotel rooms and condos to be built at the site of a former Toys “R” Us store.
“The bottom line is unless you have a residential component, it’s hard to justify building a hotel in the area,” Capaldi said.
Urban West’s DiRienzo thinks the location of his company’s Parc Anaheim project—one of the first big Anaheim residential projects recently proposed outside the city’s Platinum Triangle area—should help its eventual approval.
The site is technically part of the Anaheim Resort District, even though it falls on the opposite side of the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway, from where Disneyland is.
“The north side of the 5 doesn’t support tourism—we don’t see ourselves as part of the resort,” DiRienzo said.
“We’re completely perplexed” by Disney’s challenge of Parc Anaheim, he said.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Anaheim RV park to reopen
Orange County Register - ANAHEIM ?Motor homes soon will roll back into a Disneyland-area RV park closed months ago to make way for a new development.
The landowner is expecting long delays in approval of the project because of a Disney-led, anti-housing campaign in the Anaheim Resort. So, he plans to reopen the former Travelers World RV Park by May to make money in the meantime.
"Operating as an RV park, we can fund our defensive strategy if we need to take one," said David DiRienzo, Urban West president.
Disney and resort business officials launched a ballot initiative that would require voter approval of new homes in the 2.2-square-mile resort district. The initiative, which would be retroactive to March 19, could interfere with Urban West's plans to build 449 homes and shops.
Disney officials are against any residences in the 13-year-old resort, which now forbids new housing.
The landowner is expecting long delays in approval of the project because of a Disney-led, anti-housing campaign in the Anaheim Resort. So, he plans to reopen the former Travelers World RV Park by May to make money in the meantime.
"Operating as an RV park, we can fund our defensive strategy if we need to take one," said David DiRienzo, Urban West president.
Disney and resort business officials launched a ballot initiative that would require voter approval of new homes in the 2.2-square-mile resort district. The initiative, which would be retroactive to March 19, could interfere with Urban West's plans to build 449 homes and shops.
Disney officials are against any residences in the 13-year-old resort, which now forbids new housing.
Friday, March 30, 2007
County Board approves permit for RV park
County Board approves permit for RV park
By Harold Campbell/Daily Sun staff writer
Friday, March 30, 2007 9:41 AM CDT
A recreational vehicle park will be established near Homestead National Monument of America following action on Wednesday by the Gage County Board of Supervisors.
The County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for Troy Stevens, 23436 SW 75th Road, to place an RV park about one-half mile north of Homestead National Monument.
“We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy rural America,” Stevens said. “This will help promote agribusiness and provide a safe, secure environment for those using the site.”
Earlier this month, the Gage County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of a special use permit for Stevens' planned RV park with stipulations limiting the number of RV pads to 14 and requiring Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality approval of a septic system.
On Wednesday, however, the County Board amended the DEQ stipulation to require DEQ approval only if Stevens actually installs a septic system.
Supervisor Gary Barnard led the effort to take away the DEQ stipulation, saying most state-run campgrounds and RV parks do not require a dump site.
“Why are we asking a private individual to have more stipulations than the state?” Barnard asked.
The County Board last year approved Stevens' application to establish a bed and breakfast near the site of the RV park. At the same time, the board denied Stevens' application for an RV park because county zoning regulations then in effect did not allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned Agriculture 3, Agriculture Conservation District.
However, the County Board earlier this year amended the county's zoning regulations to allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned AG-3.
Stevens plans to incorporate the RV park with the nearby bed and breakfast in an area called “Oak Aven Acres.”
In other business:
Dirt scraper: Voted for Marlin Kliewer, county highway superintendent, to delay purchase of a motor scraper at this time. Supervisor Shirley Gronewold cast the lone dissenting vote, saying her constituents always want the best services for their taxes. Other supervisors, however, said they would like to see more budget and purchase prioritization from the highway department.
Sheriff's office overtime claims: Following an executive session for personnel matters, authorized payment of $21,238.64 in back overtime claims to the Gage County Sheriff's Office. County Board Chairman David Anderson said with an expected partial reimbursement of about $10,000 from the county's insurance carrier, the county will be out about $11,000.
Railroad crossing: Approved an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to relocate a railroad crossing on South 134th Road near the E Energy Adams ethanol plant under construction.
Road vacation public hearing: Scheduled a public hearing for the County Board's regular April 25 meeting to discuss vacating a public road in Section 14, Blakely Township, about two miles north of Homestead National Monument of America.
Juvenile diversion program update: Heard an update on the Gage County Diversion Program from Dianne Swanson, program coordinator. Swanson said between September 1993 and February 2007, more than 825 youths have successfully completed the program. This represents nearly $290,000 in savings to Gage County taxpayers, she said.
Under juvenile diversion, youths with certain misdemeanor offenses can enroll in the program, and upon successful completion, the offense is removed from the court record.
Road tour: Took a tour of county roads Wednesday afternoon and was scheduled to resume the tour Thursday morning.
By Harold Campbell/Daily Sun staff writer
Friday, March 30, 2007 9:41 AM CDT
A recreational vehicle park will be established near Homestead National Monument of America following action on Wednesday by the Gage County Board of Supervisors.
The County Board unanimously approved a special use permit for Troy Stevens, 23436 SW 75th Road, to place an RV park about one-half mile north of Homestead National Monument.
“We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy rural America,” Stevens said. “This will help promote agribusiness and provide a safe, secure environment for those using the site.”
Earlier this month, the Gage County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of a special use permit for Stevens' planned RV park with stipulations limiting the number of RV pads to 14 and requiring Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality approval of a septic system.
On Wednesday, however, the County Board amended the DEQ stipulation to require DEQ approval only if Stevens actually installs a septic system.
Supervisor Gary Barnard led the effort to take away the DEQ stipulation, saying most state-run campgrounds and RV parks do not require a dump site.
“Why are we asking a private individual to have more stipulations than the state?” Barnard asked.
The County Board last year approved Stevens' application to establish a bed and breakfast near the site of the RV park. At the same time, the board denied Stevens' application for an RV park because county zoning regulations then in effect did not allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned Agriculture 3, Agriculture Conservation District.
However, the County Board earlier this year amended the county's zoning regulations to allow campgrounds and RV parks in areas zoned AG-3.
Stevens plans to incorporate the RV park with the nearby bed and breakfast in an area called “Oak Aven Acres.”
In other business:
Dirt scraper: Voted for Marlin Kliewer, county highway superintendent, to delay purchase of a motor scraper at this time. Supervisor Shirley Gronewold cast the lone dissenting vote, saying her constituents always want the best services for their taxes. Other supervisors, however, said they would like to see more budget and purchase prioritization from the highway department.
Sheriff's office overtime claims: Following an executive session for personnel matters, authorized payment of $21,238.64 in back overtime claims to the Gage County Sheriff's Office. County Board Chairman David Anderson said with an expected partial reimbursement of about $10,000 from the county's insurance carrier, the county will be out about $11,000.
Railroad crossing: Approved an agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to relocate a railroad crossing on South 134th Road near the E Energy Adams ethanol plant under construction.
Road vacation public hearing: Scheduled a public hearing for the County Board's regular April 25 meeting to discuss vacating a public road in Section 14, Blakely Township, about two miles north of Homestead National Monument of America.
Juvenile diversion program update: Heard an update on the Gage County Diversion Program from Dianne Swanson, program coordinator. Swanson said between September 1993 and February 2007, more than 825 youths have successfully completed the program. This represents nearly $290,000 in savings to Gage County taxpayers, she said.
Under juvenile diversion, youths with certain misdemeanor offenses can enroll in the program, and upon successful completion, the offense is removed from the court record.
Road tour: Took a tour of county roads Wednesday afternoon and was scheduled to resume the tour Thursday morning.
Monday, March 26, 2007
RV park residents hitting the open road
RV park residents hitting the open road
Travis Whitehead
ROMA — The Roma Museum made Bob Clarke feel as though he had stepped back in time.
He and other residents of Fountain at Penitas RV Park were touring the museum, the Roma Bluffs World Birding Center, and the rest of the town as part of a growing interest in the location.
Clarke, originally of Ireland, now lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada during the summer months. He liked the museum’s authentic feel; it hadn’t been “cleaned up,” meaning it had a more natural feel, providing a more intimate connection between visitors and exhibits.
“That’s the way it should be in a museum,” Clarke said. “It isn’t changed one bit.”
The tour groups have been a win-win experience for everyone involved, said Smokey Cranfill, manager of the Roma Bluffs WBC.
Cranfill said visitors with the tour groups have responded with great exuberance to the sights and sounds of Roma, the exhibits at the birding center and the volunteers available to assist them.
“They all think it’s great,” he said. “They say things like, ‘Everybody’s friendly,’ ‘They give them the information they want’, ‘Cleanest restrooms they’ve ever had,’ and the historical aspects of the facilities, they love that. I haven’t had any complaints yet.”
Visitors also tell him they want to continue coming back with larger groups, so, “We gotta be prepared for that.”
The folks from Alamo Rose Mobile Home and RV Park had a pretty good time, too, when they visited on a previous day. Alamo Rose belongs to the Wilder Corporation that has purchased several big buses the size of Greyhounds. A park resident who used to drive Greyhounds has volunteered to drive the park’s tour buses on various excursions throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“We have what’s called the Explorers Club here,” said Pat Jeffries, who went on the trip. “The purpose of the Explorers Club is to go around and see all of the sites, wonderful sites in the Valley, such as going out to the air show, over to the Iwo Jima (Memorial), things like that.”
About 42 people took the trip to Starr County, stopping first at Falcon State Park, where they visited the bird blind, the butterfly garden and viewed a video and presentation by volunteer Steve Mondl. They had a brisket and mashed potato lunch, then returned to Roma.
“We stopped at the bluffs, the overlook there, and we got out and another representative from the World Birding Center told us about how they look at the birds there, and about the suspension bridge,” said Jeffries, 67. “I enjoyed the part at Roma, where we went out into the amphitheater where we learned not only about the birds but the history of Roma and stuff like that.”
Don and Connie Phillips, of Norwalk, Iowa, enjoyed the Roma tour. This is their first trip to South Texas.
“I feel it’s interesting to us,” said Don Phillips, 73. “We’re able to see some of their history.”
Many of those visiting the interpretive overlook liked the view.
Marie Burke, 64, said she has often driven right through Roma without stopping.
“We always just breezed through, because we didn’t know there was anything to see,” said Burke, a Winter Texan from Oklahoma who lives at the Bentsen Palm Park.
Cranfill said the tours make an important contribution to the Roma Bluff World Birding Center and to the city itself. Visitors come through, view the exhibits and then tell others about what they have seen.
The word seems to be getting out.
Jeffries said that within 10 minutes of putting out the sign-up sheet for the trip from Alamo Rose, the list was full and there was a waiting list of about 25 people.
“I compared the signing on the sign-up sheet to a shark feeding when you put chum in the water,” she said. “My goodness!”
———
Travis Whitehead covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4452. For this and other local stories, visit www.themonitor.com.
Travis Whitehead
ROMA — The Roma Museum made Bob Clarke feel as though he had stepped back in time.
He and other residents of Fountain at Penitas RV Park were touring the museum, the Roma Bluffs World Birding Center, and the rest of the town as part of a growing interest in the location.
Clarke, originally of Ireland, now lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada during the summer months. He liked the museum’s authentic feel; it hadn’t been “cleaned up,” meaning it had a more natural feel, providing a more intimate connection between visitors and exhibits.
“That’s the way it should be in a museum,” Clarke said. “It isn’t changed one bit.”
The tour groups have been a win-win experience for everyone involved, said Smokey Cranfill, manager of the Roma Bluffs WBC.
Cranfill said visitors with the tour groups have responded with great exuberance to the sights and sounds of Roma, the exhibits at the birding center and the volunteers available to assist them.
“They all think it’s great,” he said. “They say things like, ‘Everybody’s friendly,’ ‘They give them the information they want’, ‘Cleanest restrooms they’ve ever had,’ and the historical aspects of the facilities, they love that. I haven’t had any complaints yet.”
Visitors also tell him they want to continue coming back with larger groups, so, “We gotta be prepared for that.”
The folks from Alamo Rose Mobile Home and RV Park had a pretty good time, too, when they visited on a previous day. Alamo Rose belongs to the Wilder Corporation that has purchased several big buses the size of Greyhounds. A park resident who used to drive Greyhounds has volunteered to drive the park’s tour buses on various excursions throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“We have what’s called the Explorers Club here,” said Pat Jeffries, who went on the trip. “The purpose of the Explorers Club is to go around and see all of the sites, wonderful sites in the Valley, such as going out to the air show, over to the Iwo Jima (Memorial), things like that.”
About 42 people took the trip to Starr County, stopping first at Falcon State Park, where they visited the bird blind, the butterfly garden and viewed a video and presentation by volunteer Steve Mondl. They had a brisket and mashed potato lunch, then returned to Roma.
“We stopped at the bluffs, the overlook there, and we got out and another representative from the World Birding Center told us about how they look at the birds there, and about the suspension bridge,” said Jeffries, 67. “I enjoyed the part at Roma, where we went out into the amphitheater where we learned not only about the birds but the history of Roma and stuff like that.”
Don and Connie Phillips, of Norwalk, Iowa, enjoyed the Roma tour. This is their first trip to South Texas.
“I feel it’s interesting to us,” said Don Phillips, 73. “We’re able to see some of their history.”
Many of those visiting the interpretive overlook liked the view.
Marie Burke, 64, said she has often driven right through Roma without stopping.
“We always just breezed through, because we didn’t know there was anything to see,” said Burke, a Winter Texan from Oklahoma who lives at the Bentsen Palm Park.
Cranfill said the tours make an important contribution to the Roma Bluff World Birding Center and to the city itself. Visitors come through, view the exhibits and then tell others about what they have seen.
The word seems to be getting out.
Jeffries said that within 10 minutes of putting out the sign-up sheet for the trip from Alamo Rose, the list was full and there was a waiting list of about 25 people.
“I compared the signing on the sign-up sheet to a shark feeding when you put chum in the water,” she said. “My goodness!”
———
Travis Whitehead covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4452. For this and other local stories, visit www.themonitor.com.
RV lovers say sad farewell to longtime hotspot
RV lovers say sad farewell to longtime hotspot
Development forcing five-star park out of business on April 1
The Desert Sun
March 25, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerald Desert RV Park and Golf Resort in Palm Desert closes its gates for good April 1, and for the close-knit community at the five-star motor home park, the loss is irreparable.
The 80-acre park was sold last year to Taylor Woodrow Homes, a San Diego-based builder, and is being developed as an upscale residential project called Spanish Walk.
"It's absolutely criminal that they're doing this," said Rick Weiss, 79, of Oceanside, a regular visitor for 18 years. "There's no place like this one. It's absolutely first class."
Weiss was one of more than a 100 park long-timers who gathered for a community dinner Thursday.
The mood was festive, but nostalgic.
"We love all the activities and the people," said Arlene Abbott, 72, of Carmichael, who's been coming to the park with her husband, Orville, and the couple's "fifth wheel" - RV lingo for trailer - for 14 years.
What made Emerald Desert unique was the high quality of the facility and the fact it was a rental-only park, said Marilyn Cavanaugh, the park's concierge.
The park's popularity may have been its downfall, said Palm Desert Mayor Richard S. Kelly.
"It makes the land too valuable to use for that purpose," said Kelly, who used to own an RV. "It's strictly an economic decision."
Construction on Spanish Walk had already closed down about two-thirds of the park this season, Cavanaugh said. Instead of 760, about 230 RV sites were available this year.
Gil Miltenberger, senior vice president for Taylor Woodrow, said he hopes some of the RVers will live at Spanish Walk.
"We've had great dialogue with many of these folks and encourage all of them to visit us and tour the new community," he said in a e-mail statement Friday.
Raymond Mosher, 69, who's been coming to the park for 8 years, said no way. He's going to try out Rancho Casa Blanca, an RV park in Indio, but he said, it won't be the same.
"We're all going to miss a lot of people," he said. "It's like losing someone you really care for."
Development forcing five-star park out of business on April 1
The Desert Sun
March 25, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerald Desert RV Park and Golf Resort in Palm Desert closes its gates for good April 1, and for the close-knit community at the five-star motor home park, the loss is irreparable.
The 80-acre park was sold last year to Taylor Woodrow Homes, a San Diego-based builder, and is being developed as an upscale residential project called Spanish Walk.
"It's absolutely criminal that they're doing this," said Rick Weiss, 79, of Oceanside, a regular visitor for 18 years. "There's no place like this one. It's absolutely first class."
Weiss was one of more than a 100 park long-timers who gathered for a community dinner Thursday.
The mood was festive, but nostalgic.
"We love all the activities and the people," said Arlene Abbott, 72, of Carmichael, who's been coming to the park with her husband, Orville, and the couple's "fifth wheel" - RV lingo for trailer - for 14 years.
What made Emerald Desert unique was the high quality of the facility and the fact it was a rental-only park, said Marilyn Cavanaugh, the park's concierge.
The park's popularity may have been its downfall, said Palm Desert Mayor Richard S. Kelly.
"It makes the land too valuable to use for that purpose," said Kelly, who used to own an RV. "It's strictly an economic decision."
Construction on Spanish Walk had already closed down about two-thirds of the park this season, Cavanaugh said. Instead of 760, about 230 RV sites were available this year.
Gil Miltenberger, senior vice president for Taylor Woodrow, said he hopes some of the RVers will live at Spanish Walk.
"We've had great dialogue with many of these folks and encourage all of them to visit us and tour the new community," he said in a e-mail statement Friday.
Raymond Mosher, 69, who's been coming to the park for 8 years, said no way. He's going to try out Rancho Casa Blanca, an RV park in Indio, but he said, it won't be the same.
"We're all going to miss a lot of people," he said. "It's like losing someone you really care for."
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunshine Travel RV park given top rating in directory for Vero Beach
Sunshine Travel RV park given top rating in directory for Vero Beach
By staff report
March 24, 2007
Sunshine Travel is among the 40 Florida RV parks and campgrounds given a top rating in the 2007 Woodall's Campground Directory.
Of the more than 8,000 private campgrounds across North America that are rated in the directory, 247 earned the top rating. Orlando/Kissimmee area campgrounds that received top billing are: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Lake Buena Vista; Fort Summit KOA, Lake Buena Vista; Outdoor Resorts at Orlando, Clermont; and Tropical Palms Fun Resort, Kissimmee.
By staff report
March 24, 2007
Sunshine Travel is among the 40 Florida RV parks and campgrounds given a top rating in the 2007 Woodall's Campground Directory.
Of the more than 8,000 private campgrounds across North America that are rated in the directory, 247 earned the top rating. Orlando/Kissimmee area campgrounds that received top billing are: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Lake Buena Vista; Fort Summit KOA, Lake Buena Vista; Outdoor Resorts at Orlando, Clermont; and Tropical Palms Fun Resort, Kissimmee.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
California Offers RV-Friendly Parks Near Top Attractions
California Offers RV-Friendly Parks Near Top Attractions
Mar 22, 07 | 11:15 am
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.)— According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, recreation vehicles (RVs) continue to increase in popularity with more than 8 million recreation vehicles on the road today. Many of those travelers are choosing to enjoy the conveniences of home while visiting California and its RV parks.
“Whatever your method of recreation travel - a fifth-wheel trailer, conventional trailer, truck camper or motor home with all the bells and whistles - California offers a wide variety of RV Parks designed to fit your budget and locale preference,” Executive Director Caroline Beteta, of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), said. “California Tourism also provides extensive driving itineraries that take travelers through seaside playgrounds, arid deserts and snow-covered mountains.”
In the Los Angeles County Region, recreation vehicle enthusiasts enjoy sunshine, ocean breezes and a scenic panorama from Malibu to Catalina Island at Dockweiler RV Park in Playa del Rey.
This popular year-round beach campsite, Los Angeles County’s only RV Park on the beach, offers complete hook ups, pump-out station, hot showers and a laundromat. Each campsite has its own picnic table and barbecue. Visitors can play volleyball at nearby courts, take a walk on the sand and enjoy romantic fires on the beach. The 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail is only a few pedals away from the camp, connecting the RV Park with nearby popular locations, including Venice Beach. It’s also close to the freeway and Southern California’s many attractions, such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the Getty Museum and Villa.
Luxury camping is perfected 48 miles south of San Francisco at Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp in Pescadero, part of the San Francisco Bay Area Region. Recreation vehicle travelers have access to water, electrical and dump hook-ups, as well as use of the “comfort stations,” specially designed bathroom facilities that include a central courtyard with fireplace, sauna, heated concrete floors and private indoor and outdoor showers. Overnight accommodations include the main lodge, cabins, canvas bungalows erected on wooden platforms and traditional campsites. The resort’s on-site activities are extensive and include horseback riding, kids’ camp on weekends during the summer, guided naturalist hikes, surfing lessons, mountain biking and yoga classes.
Called the “Ritz of the RV Parks” by the Los Angeles Times, Newport Dunes Resort, in Newport Beach and part of the Orange County Region, offers a state-of-the-art 386-site RV park with amenities that include doublewide spaces for maximum privacy, outlets for cable television and 20, 30 and 50-amp electric services. The Dunes is also home to 24 mobile cottages that the public may rent. On-site conveniences include a waterfront restaurant, market/grocery store, pool and spa, game room, fitness center, 450-slip marina, six-lane boat ramp and dry boat storage, as well as kayak, windsurfer, bicycle, and pedal boat rentals in addition to an aquatic park (during the summer).
Located directly on the scenic shores of Lake Shasta, part of the Shasta Cascade Region, Antlers RV Park and Campground is open year round. The park’s RV sites include water and sewer hookups, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a number of outdoor activities, including fishing, water skiing, boating, swimming and wakeboarding. The site also offers basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade/game room, ping-pong table and jukebox.
Just minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay is a city-owned, 4,600-acre aquatic playground and the largest park of its kind in the world. Recreation vehicle enthusiasts have direct access to the area via Campland on the Bay, located on Mission Bay and part of the San Diego County Region, with its 750 tent and RV sites, most with full or partial hook ups along with its own beach, water sport rentals, pool and Jacuzzi area. The site also features picnic tables, fire grills, restrooms, playground, grocery, boat ramp and docks, bicycle rentals and laundry facilities. Children will enjoy the designated swimming area in the Bay and a large park for picnicking and flying kites.
In the North Coast Region, visitors don’t even have to bring their recreation vehicle with them. Redwood Coast Camping, headquartered in Fort Bragg, takes the travel trailer to their preferred destination, sets it up and picks it up when the vacation is over. Most of the company’s trailers are stocked with essentials, such as dishes and cooking utensils, as well as options for towels and bedding. Pets are welcome.
Nestled beneath the picturesque foothills of the Rainbow Gap delineating the Temecula Valley, located 20 miles from the ocean, is the new, year round Pechanga RV Resort in Temecula, part of the Inland Empire Region. Each of the resort’s 168 sites offers full electric (20, 30 and 50 amp), water, cable television and sewer services. The resort also provides three Internet access stations in the clubhouse, available to guests at no charge. Other amenities include a recreation room, pool and two spas.
Many RV travelers enjoy the Marble Quarry RV Park and the 49er RV Ranch in Columbia, located in the Gold Country Region, both walking distance to Columbia State Historic Park. In this restored 1849 town, there is an old-time candy store, working blacksmith shop, ice cream parlor, stores, saloons, restaurants and a museum with many interactive exhibits. This Old West town is also home to horses, stagecoaches and buggies. After a day of sightseeing travelers can take in live theatre at the Sierra Repertory’s Fallon House Theatre, where professionals perform plays and musicals. In Plymouth, the Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort offers guests well-equipped facilities, including two swimming pools, and billiards and horseshoe recreation areas. The resort is also in close proximity to historic gold rush towns and the Amador wine country.
Located just south of Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in the Central Coast Region is the only state park in California where cars and RVs are allowed to drive and camp on the beach. Oceano Dunes is located within the 15,000-acre Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex and recognized by many as one of the most extensive coastal dunes remaining in state. Popular activities include riding the dunes in an ATV, Hummer or other type of off-road vehicle. Rentals are available.
The Vineyard RV Park is located in Vacaville, part of the Central Valley Region, and is midway between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, and only minutes from the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, Jelly Belly Factory, Vacaville Outlet Mall, the new Nut Tree and many golf courses. The Park is a full-hookup park, and mature trees shade most sites. Amenities offered include laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and a 60-foot pool, open seasonally, as well as a large enclosed dog walk area. Discounts are available for AAA and Good Sam Club members.
RV Sky Valley Resorts is located on 250 acres, in the Deserts Region, just outside Palm Springs. Travelers come to enjoy the resorts' natural, sulfur-free hot springs that feed directly into organic hot tubs, pools and spas. Nearby activities include hiking in Joshua Tree, shopping downtown Palm Springs, golfing the resorts’ nine-hole course or hitting the driving range. The resorts offer full hookups, as well as room for oversized RVs. Additional amenities include free Internet access, free cable television, restaurant, deli, general store, exercise facilities, massage and hair salon.
In Lake Tahoe, part of the High Sierra Region, Donner Memorial State Park is a state-government operated park, open during the summer months, with 130 sites that accommodate trailers up to 24 feet and motor homes up to 28 feet. The park is just west of Truckee and offers showers, restrooms, and swimming, boating and fishing. Visitors are also welcome at the nearby Emigrant Trail Museum and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who immigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains, the Donner Party, forced by circumstances to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47. Historic Camp Richardson Resort located along a long stretch of sandy Lake Tahoe beach is a year-round resort featuring a full-service marina, Mountain Sports Center for recreation rentals, and Beacon Bar & Grill where travelers can rest after a long day on the water.
The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state's travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. California is currently the number one travel destination in the country. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $93.8 billion annually in California, support jobs for 929,000 Californians and generate $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, go to www.visitcalifornia.com
Mar 22, 07 | 11:15 am
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.)— According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, recreation vehicles (RVs) continue to increase in popularity with more than 8 million recreation vehicles on the road today. Many of those travelers are choosing to enjoy the conveniences of home while visiting California and its RV parks.
“Whatever your method of recreation travel - a fifth-wheel trailer, conventional trailer, truck camper or motor home with all the bells and whistles - California offers a wide variety of RV Parks designed to fit your budget and locale preference,” Executive Director Caroline Beteta, of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), said. “California Tourism also provides extensive driving itineraries that take travelers through seaside playgrounds, arid deserts and snow-covered mountains.”
In the Los Angeles County Region, recreation vehicle enthusiasts enjoy sunshine, ocean breezes and a scenic panorama from Malibu to Catalina Island at Dockweiler RV Park in Playa del Rey.
This popular year-round beach campsite, Los Angeles County’s only RV Park on the beach, offers complete hook ups, pump-out station, hot showers and a laundromat. Each campsite has its own picnic table and barbecue. Visitors can play volleyball at nearby courts, take a walk on the sand and enjoy romantic fires on the beach. The 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail is only a few pedals away from the camp, connecting the RV Park with nearby popular locations, including Venice Beach. It’s also close to the freeway and Southern California’s many attractions, such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the Getty Museum and Villa.
Luxury camping is perfected 48 miles south of San Francisco at Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp in Pescadero, part of the San Francisco Bay Area Region. Recreation vehicle travelers have access to water, electrical and dump hook-ups, as well as use of the “comfort stations,” specially designed bathroom facilities that include a central courtyard with fireplace, sauna, heated concrete floors and private indoor and outdoor showers. Overnight accommodations include the main lodge, cabins, canvas bungalows erected on wooden platforms and traditional campsites. The resort’s on-site activities are extensive and include horseback riding, kids’ camp on weekends during the summer, guided naturalist hikes, surfing lessons, mountain biking and yoga classes.
Called the “Ritz of the RV Parks” by the Los Angeles Times, Newport Dunes Resort, in Newport Beach and part of the Orange County Region, offers a state-of-the-art 386-site RV park with amenities that include doublewide spaces for maximum privacy, outlets for cable television and 20, 30 and 50-amp electric services. The Dunes is also home to 24 mobile cottages that the public may rent. On-site conveniences include a waterfront restaurant, market/grocery store, pool and spa, game room, fitness center, 450-slip marina, six-lane boat ramp and dry boat storage, as well as kayak, windsurfer, bicycle, and pedal boat rentals in addition to an aquatic park (during the summer).
Located directly on the scenic shores of Lake Shasta, part of the Shasta Cascade Region, Antlers RV Park and Campground is open year round. The park’s RV sites include water and sewer hookups, electricity, picnic tables and fire pits. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy a number of outdoor activities, including fishing, water skiing, boating, swimming and wakeboarding. The site also offers basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade/game room, ping-pong table and jukebox.
Just minutes from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay is a city-owned, 4,600-acre aquatic playground and the largest park of its kind in the world. Recreation vehicle enthusiasts have direct access to the area via Campland on the Bay, located on Mission Bay and part of the San Diego County Region, with its 750 tent and RV sites, most with full or partial hook ups along with its own beach, water sport rentals, pool and Jacuzzi area. The site also features picnic tables, fire grills, restrooms, playground, grocery, boat ramp and docks, bicycle rentals and laundry facilities. Children will enjoy the designated swimming area in the Bay and a large park for picnicking and flying kites.
In the North Coast Region, visitors don’t even have to bring their recreation vehicle with them. Redwood Coast Camping, headquartered in Fort Bragg, takes the travel trailer to their preferred destination, sets it up and picks it up when the vacation is over. Most of the company’s trailers are stocked with essentials, such as dishes and cooking utensils, as well as options for towels and bedding. Pets are welcome.
Nestled beneath the picturesque foothills of the Rainbow Gap delineating the Temecula Valley, located 20 miles from the ocean, is the new, year round Pechanga RV Resort in Temecula, part of the Inland Empire Region. Each of the resort’s 168 sites offers full electric (20, 30 and 50 amp), water, cable television and sewer services. The resort also provides three Internet access stations in the clubhouse, available to guests at no charge. Other amenities include a recreation room, pool and two spas.
Many RV travelers enjoy the Marble Quarry RV Park and the 49er RV Ranch in Columbia, located in the Gold Country Region, both walking distance to Columbia State Historic Park. In this restored 1849 town, there is an old-time candy store, working blacksmith shop, ice cream parlor, stores, saloons, restaurants and a museum with many interactive exhibits. This Old West town is also home to horses, stagecoaches and buggies. After a day of sightseeing travelers can take in live theatre at the Sierra Repertory’s Fallon House Theatre, where professionals perform plays and musicals. In Plymouth, the Far Horizons 49er Village RV Resort offers guests well-equipped facilities, including two swimming pools, and billiards and horseshoe recreation areas. The resort is also in close proximity to historic gold rush towns and the Amador wine country.
Located just south of Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in the Central Coast Region is the only state park in California where cars and RVs are allowed to drive and camp on the beach. Oceano Dunes is located within the 15,000-acre Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex and recognized by many as one of the most extensive coastal dunes remaining in state. Popular activities include riding the dunes in an ATV, Hummer or other type of off-road vehicle. Rentals are available.
The Vineyard RV Park is located in Vacaville, part of the Central Valley Region, and is midway between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento, and only minutes from the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, Jelly Belly Factory, Vacaville Outlet Mall, the new Nut Tree and many golf courses. The Park is a full-hookup park, and mature trees shade most sites. Amenities offered include laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and a 60-foot pool, open seasonally, as well as a large enclosed dog walk area. Discounts are available for AAA and Good Sam Club members.
RV Sky Valley Resorts is located on 250 acres, in the Deserts Region, just outside Palm Springs. Travelers come to enjoy the resorts' natural, sulfur-free hot springs that feed directly into organic hot tubs, pools and spas. Nearby activities include hiking in Joshua Tree, shopping downtown Palm Springs, golfing the resorts’ nine-hole course or hitting the driving range. The resorts offer full hookups, as well as room for oversized RVs. Additional amenities include free Internet access, free cable television, restaurant, deli, general store, exercise facilities, massage and hair salon.
In Lake Tahoe, part of the High Sierra Region, Donner Memorial State Park is a state-government operated park, open during the summer months, with 130 sites that accommodate trailers up to 24 feet and motor homes up to 28 feet. The park is just west of Truckee and offers showers, restrooms, and swimming, boating and fishing. Visitors are also welcome at the nearby Emigrant Trail Museum and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who immigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. Included in the museum are displays and information about one of the earliest pioneer wagon trains, the Donner Party, forced by circumstances to camp at the east end of Donner Lake in the winter of 1846-47. Historic Camp Richardson Resort located along a long stretch of sandy Lake Tahoe beach is a year-round resort featuring a full-service marina, Mountain Sports Center for recreation rentals, and Beacon Bar & Grill where travelers can rest after a long day on the water.
The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state's travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. California is currently the number one travel destination in the country. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $93.8 billion annually in California, support jobs for 929,000 Californians and generate $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, go to www.visitcalifornia.com
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Redevelopment of RV park denied
Redevelopment of RV park denied
Commissioners reject rezoning request for town homes
BY ANDREW MACKIE
RECORD STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
NEWTON - A recreational vehicle park won’t be turned into town homes.
Not in the near future, at least.
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously against a rezoning Monday night that would have allowed a 120-unit development on a 23-acre property now occupied by the Lake Hickory RV resort. Hurshel Teague owns the property, which he had planned to sell to Morganton-based 5-Star Land Development.
A group of about 80 people, many of them with leased spaces in the RV resort, opposed the rezoning.
About a dozen spoke against the rezoning.
Commissioners expressed concern about the private road, Monford Drive, leading to the property. They felt it could not handle what could be increased traffic with the town homes development.
The leasees celebrated the victory.
“Just because it’s an RV resort, we’re not bad people,” said Larry Deal, who began leasing a space about a year ago. “It’s a family-oriented place.”
John Ring drives from Winston-Salem with his wife to spend many weekends at the resort. He wants the leasees to have a chance to buy the property before it’s turned into something else.
“Every American has a right to sell his property,” he said. “We just want the opportunity to keep it an RV park. There is something about that community. We want to keep it that way.”
Commissioners reject rezoning request for town homes
BY ANDREW MACKIE
RECORD STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
NEWTON - A recreational vehicle park won’t be turned into town homes.
Not in the near future, at least.
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously against a rezoning Monday night that would have allowed a 120-unit development on a 23-acre property now occupied by the Lake Hickory RV resort. Hurshel Teague owns the property, which he had planned to sell to Morganton-based 5-Star Land Development.
A group of about 80 people, many of them with leased spaces in the RV resort, opposed the rezoning.
About a dozen spoke against the rezoning.
Commissioners expressed concern about the private road, Monford Drive, leading to the property. They felt it could not handle what could be increased traffic with the town homes development.
The leasees celebrated the victory.
“Just because it’s an RV resort, we’re not bad people,” said Larry Deal, who began leasing a space about a year ago. “It’s a family-oriented place.”
John Ring drives from Winston-Salem with his wife to spend many weekends at the resort. He wants the leasees to have a chance to buy the property before it’s turned into something else.
“Every American has a right to sell his property,” he said. “We just want the opportunity to keep it an RV park. There is something about that community. We want to keep it that way.”
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