Hearing on town estate event venue delayed

A proposal by Bryan Gore to create an event space on his property near Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve will be considered by the Town of Grafton Plan Commission next month.

Gore is proposing the project for his nearly 13-acre residential property at 1776 Lake Shore Rd., known for its gated entrance, and his adjacent 15-acre agricultural property.

Gore’s property features a large home, small greenhouse, mowed walking paths, multiple gardens and several beehives.

The proposal was slated to be discussed during an April 6 Plan Commission meeting, but neighbors were not notified in time for a public hearing to be held.

The event space, proposed for Gore’s agricultural property, would include a tented area that could be rented for various events and mowed, grassy parking spaces to accommodate about 146 vehicles.

In his application, Gore said he expects the space could be rented for gatherings, weddings, fundraising events and other gatherings a few times a year during seasonal weather.

He said he would have control in regards to planned activities, duration and access for any agreement or contract to host an event in the space. Contracted tenting, flooring, waste receptacles, latrines or furniture would be planned before an event, would be removed quickly following the gathering and only be present on the property during the event.

Lighting would be within or near the tented area and temporary LED lanterns may be placed throughout the grounds in addition to existing garden lighting.

The space would be available for rent from early spring to late fall. Set up time the day before an event would be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and renters may use the space until 11 p.m. or midnight.

Events would range in size from 10 guests to 250 guests.

Gore said he has opened his property, called Two Oaks, to the public many times for garden tours, musical performances and other events, and that creating the event space would allow additional public use of the property.

Town staff members determined that the event space is consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan and recommended approval contingent on a number of conditions.

In addition to Gore submitting more information regarding parking, lighting and traffic, Gore would also have to limit event attendance to 300, ensure alcohol is sold by a licensed carrier, cease music by 11 p.m. and cease events by midnight.

Gore is also requesting conditional use permits to operate a bed and breakfast out of his existing guesthouse and to operate a hobby farm on his property complete with a garden and chicken coops.

He said that the guesthouse is currently used as a home office but was originally designed as a residential space. The house could accommodate two to four guests for overnight stays or serve as a preparation space for events.

Gore said he has no intention of advertising the space or posting signage relating to the accommodations.

The proposal received a recommendation from town staff members contingent on conditions that Gore be present on the property while the guesthouse is in use, that no meals other than breakfast are to be provided in the space and that no more than 10 people are permitted in the house at one time.

For his hobby farm, which would be located on property zoned for agriculture, Gore said he may raise a small flock of six to 10 doll sheep that would graze the property.

Gore said he does not currently have sheep but that he used to raise quails, chickens and sheep on the property.

A new garage would be constructed to house farm equipment, personal items and recreational vehicles.

The Plan Commission will consider the permits at its next meeting on May 4.