Hunter Planning Board Hears Update to Dutcher Hollow Event Space

TANNERSVILLE – The Town of Hunter’s Planning Board convened a public hearing earlier this month to discuss the proposed Dutcher Hollow Event Space project spearheaded by Ryan Chadwick, the current owner of the Trolley service and Tanners Boathouse at Rip Van Winkle Lake in Tannersville. We last reported on this in December 2023. 

As the project unfolds, the Town of Hunter remains engaged in ensuring the development aligns with community interests and regulations.

Located on County Route 25, the proposed seasonal wedding venue spans two five-acre parcels and has garnered attention for its picturesque setting, featuring an existing apple orchard and pond. During the public hearing, Chadwick expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “It’s picturesque, and we’ve recently renovated the barn into a residential property. It’s a great space for weddings.”

Chadwick outlined critical features of the venue, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability by utilizing solar path lighting and providing Porta Johns for sanitation needs. Addressing concerns about parking, Chadwick assured the board that parking would be accommodated in a grass field, stating, “We’re keeping everything natural.”

However, Planning Board member Rose Santiago raised questions regarding parking on grass, to which Chadwick responded, “It’s not like a muddy field. It’s hardback.” The site plan includes provisions for 35 cars, and Chadwick expressed confidence in the plan, stating, “I’m not concerned about it at all.”

Additionally, Chadwick plans to utilize his trolleys to ferry guests, further reducing potential parking congestion.

During the hearing, nearby property owner Anthony Scano voiced concerns about parking, noise, and sanitation, describing the project as “vague” regarding its impact. In response, Chadwick presented an updated site plan, which includes a reduced maximum occupancy of 100 guests, down from the previous 150. He also committed to ending festivities by 10 pm, similar to nearby Deer Mountain Inn, “to make sure to keep the noise down for the neighbors.”

Following the public comments, Planning Board Chair Marc Czermerys announced that the following steps involve establishing specific conditions for Chadwick, who will then present an amended site plan at the next meeting scheduled for April 2.

Chadwick expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating, “If all goes well, we will try and get a few weddings on the books for this summer.”

For more information, interested parties can visit www.dutcherhollow.com.