LACKAWAXEN, PA — Attorneys Doug and Mitchell Jacobs, along with Woodloch Pines Resort owner John Kiesndahl, presented a plan to replace existing guest cabins in Woodloch Pines Resort with an upgraded set of four townhouses. It is part of a larger plan to improve the family-owned resort in Hawley with more luxurious accommodations. The plans were explained and reviewed at the Lackawaxen Township meeting on June 20.

Kiesendahl said that while Woodloch has an excellent reputation as a destination resort, the existing cabins were originally built in the late 1950s and ‘60s and are outdated by today’s standards, according to which families expect multiple bedrooms and bathrooms when booking a resort of Woodloch’s caliber. Kiesendahl also touched upon the fact that several other well-funded resorts are bringing competition to the area. The townhouses themselves, along with their 10 parking spots and driveway, would utilize approximately three acres of land, while the plans allow for 25 acres of open space—far more than legally required.

The units would be sold to individual buyers who would then lease the units back to Woodloch. In return, the owners would have 12 weeks a year for personal use. A path through the open land would allow those in the units access to Woodloch amenities. There would be lighting for the parking areas and walkways. The driveway has already been altered according to PennDot regulations to allow for emergency vehicles. Aqua PA would handle the water and sewer systems.

Kiesendahl also addressed new regulations about use of the lake on the property, which it shares with other private homes and communities. Water quality is tested routinely, and the plan would not increase the number of boats that use the lake. Regulations regarding water-skiing have changed recently, with the age at which children are allowed to water ski being raised from five to 13.

Woodloch has also instituted the use of patrol boats to ensure that their guests do not infringe on the waterfront property not controlled by Woodloch. Indoor and outdoor pools along with a children’s wading pool and indoor waterslide assist in offsetting the use of the lake by Woodloch guests.

Woodloch, which employs 1,200 people, has plans to upgrade more guest housing, and also to improve and enlarge the lobby and gift shop, and to add an outdoor patio space and bar.

Sprint seeks temporary cell tower

Frances McKee, a representative of the communications company Sprint, presented a plan to install a temporary cell tower on one of the highest points of Masthope Mountain Community in order to allow residents to dial for emergency services. The tower would be on a truck and placed behind the pool but not within view of it. McKee said that the unit only makes as much noise as a regular household AC unit, which is needed to cool the system. This type of unit is permitted to be in place for no more than six months with a possible six-month renewal. McKee was unsure of any current plans to permanently fix the ongoing issue of spotty cell reception in the area.

Supervisor Tom Cardinale noted that at his house, on Lackawaxen Road, he does not receive service without special equipment, and the Route 97 river corridor in New York receives spotty reception, if any. McKee said she would look into this matter. While the location and other details of the temporary tower will be left up to Masthope Community, Sprint still needs to apply the Lackawaxen Planning Board and follow usual procedure, which has yet to be done. McKee stated Sprint plans on having the tower in use by July.