Mediation Resolves Issues - Construction of an Inn at the Old Lantern May Move Forward
by Nancy Wood,
January 27, 2011, page 1.....

A 10-hour mediation session on January 21 has led to agreement among the parties to a list of conditions that may allow the construction of the Inn at the Old Lantern to move forward. Participants in the mediation were Lisa and Roland Gaujac, owners of the Old Lantern, represented by attorney Liam Murphy; appellants Michael and Karen Frost, who had appealed the Planning Commission’s June 7 approval of the Inn, represented by attorney Vince Paradis; the Town of Charlotte represented by attorney David Rugh; interested parties Robin Reid, Maura O’Dea and Justin Wygmans, neighbors of the Old Lantern.

Pleased to have the issues settled, Lisa Gaujac commented, “There are lots of conditions, but it’s finally going to happen.” She added, “Can you believe Jenny Cole, Charles Russell, Robin Reid stayed at least 8 hours? We are so grateful to the town!”

In a letter to The Charlotte News (see page 3), the Frosts said, “We are happy to have settled the differences with our neighbors, the Gaujac’s, in their effort to design and build a 10-bedroom inn and residence on The Old Lantern property. We are appreciative that through appeal, we were able to continue the process until the concerns of all parties were accommodated.”

Some of the conditions will affect lighting and landscaping. All exterior lighting at the Inn will have to meet dark sky standards, and be shielded so levels are not uncharacteristic of the neighborhood.

The Frosts, at their expense, will have a landscaping plan drafted within two weeks for screening of their property from the Inn. The Gaujacs will be responsible for professional installation with a two-year guarantee of no more than $20,000, and for maintaining the plantings. The mediation agreement will be effective when the Frosts and Gaujacs finalize and agree to the landscaping plan.

Other conditions include reducing the height of the building and lowering the level of the parking area. The Inn will also have to observe a “quiet time” between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m., use of the pool house will not be allowed for patrons of the Inn or the Old Lantern and dumpsters at the Old Lantern will have to be enclosed.

An additional condition to limit noise impacts on the neighborhood will require the Old Lantern to close its doors and windows by 11 p.m., and “stop any music or entertainment by 11:30 p.m. on nights when it holds functions.”

After review in executive session, the Selectboard signed off on the agreement at it’s January 24 meeting contingent on consultation with the town’s attorney about a provision requiring consulting with the Planning Commission and Zoning Board.