Usdan revises 'glamping' plan after community opposition

Responding to community concerns, Usdan Summer Art Camp officials said Wednesday they are scaling back the number of temporary tents they are seeking to build for a new overnight camping program.

Camp officials said they will amend their application to the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals to approve 25 temporary tents for "glamping" on the grounds of its Wheatley Heights facility instead of the 70 requested previously.   

Officials said they will also now restrict overnight accommodations to those affiliated with the facility or those who are part of a newly created members category. Both revised measures will be in place for a one-year test period, camp executive director Lauren Brandt Schloss told Newsday.

The camping program is part of a new scholarship fundraising effort that will allow guests to spend the day immersed in arts and nature programs and then sleep overnight on the grounds in glamping tents. Brandt Schloss said net proceeds from the program will go toward the scholarships.

Usdan revised its proposal after hearing concerns from area residents, Brandt Schloss said.

“We’ve been part of the community and neighborhood for almost 55 years,” Brandt Schloss said. “We’ve been able to couple the neighbors’ feedback with the vision for the program.”

Glamping is a style of camping that includes amenities like a fixed structure and other accommodations and comforts.

The attorney representing the camp will make the request at a hearing before the town zoning board Thursday at 6 p.m.

Brandt Schloss said people unaffiliated with Usdan who are interested in the glamping experience will have to apply — and be approved — for membership to the camp. Those accepted will have to abide by set rules and a code of conduct. She said it was too early to say how much a membership would cost. 

After the town mailed letters about the upcoming hearing, area residents expressed concerns about potential fire hazards, noise, the burden on the water system and fears that "transients" would stray into neighboring yards and streets.

Michael Rosedale, whose property abuts the camp and whose tennis court is partially on the Usdan property, said while he supports the overall mission of the day camp he opposes overnight camping plans. 

“They are not listening to the community,” Rosedale said Wednesday of the revised proposal. “One glamping lodge is one too many. We don’t want it.” 

He said when he purchased his home in 1970 the tennis court was already installed, with the court encroaching, about 5 feet, on Usdan property. Other private properties also encroach on Usdan, according to a property survey.

The temporary tents will be constructed of canvas on 20-by-12-foot wooden platforms and will feature a twin- or queen-size bed with linens. There will be no water or electricity at the tent sites, camp officials said.