KENT—The Planning and Zoning Commission heard complaints about two businesses when it met last week. Land Use Administrator Tai Kern said she had received a letter from Ann Lozman, a longtime resident of North Spectacle Lake, objecting to activities at Camp Kenmont.
A second complaint concerned lights being left on all night at the 45 on Main chocolate and coffee shop.
“It was only a matter of time,” said PZC Chairman Wes Wyrick in reference to the letter. “The camp did change hands and people don’t like change.” He added that the camp was not in violation of its permit but that “it is our charge to hear these things.”
Kern agreed that the restrictions in the special permit were being met, but noted, “The camp regulations are very much based on getting along in the neighborhood, and making sure the neighbors are happy.”
Brad Lerman, one of the camp owners, attended the Zoom meeting and said that the camp works to foster positive relations with the Lake Association, but that, “This one resident has consistently complained since we took over. It has verged on harrassment.”
In her letter, Lozman said she has been a lake resident for 35 years. She complained that the camp has extended its season from seven weeks to three months with heavy use of the lake. “I feel as if I am living on a major highway and it is now intolerable due to one neighbor’s use of the lake with 15 or so other owners who should be able to have the safe and quiet use of it.”
“I feel as if I am living on a major highway and it is now intolerable due to one neighbor’s use of the lake … “
—Ann Lozman, North Spectacle Lake resident
She asserted that excessive use by motor boats from the camp made it impossible for her to enjoy her dock and that she is unable to kayak. She wondered if the camp’s use was conducive to the lake’s health.
She listed suggestions to improve the situation, including muffling the boats, limiting use to three boats, stopping motor boat use at 4 p.m. and having a camp calendar for “quiet times.”
Lerman said the camp has been there for 100 years and has always had motor boats.
He said, initially, he had not understood the regulations for Sunday use, but “stopped immediately” when asked not to by the Lake Association.
“I’ve seen an escalation,” he said. “We won’t cease as a business; I’m just afraid it will escalate more and we want to hear any advice you might have. We want to be in good standing with the community.”
Kern noted that the letter would be the first complaint in the file. “It’s not a zoning violation, just something in the file and an explanation as well,” she said.
PZC member Karen Casey said it would be best to “try for harmony” and asked if lake hours could be adjusted. Lerman said the last activity period ends at 5:40 p.m. “We might do a sunset sail, but we haven’t done that in two years.”
He said the camp has four boats, but tries to keep operation to three. “We’re in communication with the neighbors,” he said. “We know we’re dominating the lake, but we try to accommodate others.”
Wyrick said the matter would have more weight if it were from the Lake Association or if more neighbors had signed it. “I’m sure you will do everything to make peace,” he concluded.
Kern reported that she had received complaints about 45 on Main lights being left on all night. When she contacted the owners, they noted that other businesses have similar lights on at night and that there had been an incident of someone “casing” their property.
Member Chris Harrington conceded that the zoning regulations “don’t speak to this,” but added that security cameras do not need light.
“They are festive and charming,” said member Karen Casey, “but in other places, exterior lights have to be off at 10 p.m. We have to be careful [about these strings of little light bulbs]. We like our dark skies.”
