Additionally, the Skatium board is seeking a planned unit development
permit from the town's Development Review Board to create a
multi-phased project for the rink that includes creating a closed arena
to house the rink.
LAND DONATED
The DRB was reviewing the proposal as The Valley Reporter went to
press on November 23. Currently the Skatium exists on land that is
owned by the Mad River Green Partners. Mad River Green Partners and the
Skatium, represented by Don Swain of Landplan Inc., are proposing to
subdivide a 10.37-acre parcel with a 5.37-acre parcel to be donated to
the Skatium by the Mad River Green Partners.
The proposal the DRB is reviewing includes phasing the project, with the
first phase being the replacement of the existing ice surface with a
concrete slab with refrigeration piping, and relocating the adjacent
buildings (zamboni shed, storage shed, portolet enclosure and dressing
rooms).
ARENA STRUCTURE
The next phases involve constructing an arena structure, outdoor skating
surface and mixed use structures. The arena structure may be phased,
with the first phase being a roof enclosure to protect the ice surface,
without interior services. Those interior services such as locker rooms,
a concession stand, etc. require adequate water and septic capacity.
In addition to the conditional use review criteria, the project is
subject to wetlands regulation as the property is in a designated Class
II wetland.
The Skatium has approval from the Vermont State Wetlands office for the
current ice surface replacement plan as permitted by the town and the
state's Act 250 development review process.
WETLANDS
"The proposed phase one plan does not impact additional wetland. No
construction on the wetland is proposed in the phase two plan. However, a
conditional use determination is expected to be required by the state
due to the additional parking shown in the vicinity of the wetlands,"
Swain wrote in the proposal to the DRB.
Access to the parcel is proposed along the existing driveway to the
Skatium, which would be widened to meet the subdivision standards. No
through access to the former Mad River Canoe Road at the incubator
industrial site is proposed.
RECREATIONAL USE
"The applicant believes that a through connection would encourage truck
and additional auto traffic, which would be incompatible with
recreational use of this site, particularly by children," Swain noted.
The second phase of the project will allow for emergency vehicle access
over a sidewalk restricted by a moveable closure. Parking is envisioned
for 50 or more cars with overflow parking available along the entrance
drive.
{loadnavigation}
