To the editor:

The Indian Lake Zoning Board of Appeals is about to make a decision that could fundamentally alter the character of Blue Mountain Lake. At their July 28 meeting, the ZBA is scheduled to vote on a resolution approving a variance that would allow a landowner to replace a 960-square-foot cabin with a 6,260-square-foot house on just 0.66 acres of shoreline property. If approved, this structure would become the largest residence on Blue Mountain Lake — a nearly six-fold increase in size on an undersized lot.

As the fourth- and fifth-generation owners of Curry’s Cottages, a 125-year-old family-run business that welcomes nearly 600 visitors to our cabins each year, we are very concerned about this precedent-setting decision. The new mansion will be over 33 feet high and will tower over our small, single-story cabins and beach. Our property, which borders this tiny lot, includes the beach where paddlers complete the first day of the 90-Miler canoe race, making this area vital to both our business and the region’s recreational heritage.

We urge the ZBA to deny this variance for these four critical reasons: The variance exceeds what is minimally necessary. Zoning law requires that variances grant only the minimum relief needed. A nearly six-fold increase in building size clearly exceeds this standard and suggests the applicant could rebuild within more reasonable parameters.

Environmental risks threaten Blue Mountain Lake. Construction of this magnitude on such a small shoreline lot poses serious risks to water quality, including the town’s drinking water source and the lake’s fragile ecosystem. Our pristine waters deserve better protection.

This sets a dangerous precedent. Approving such an oversized structure signals that the ZBA will rubber-stamp similar requests, opening the door to unchecked development that could permanently damage the lake’s character and environmental integrity.

The review process was inadequate. The board did not have sufficient time to evaluate the materials, including critical engineering reports, submitted during the public comment period. As a result, errors and inconsistencies in the application were overlooked, such as septic system, stormwater control and flimsy building plans.

The ZBA has a responsibility to balance property rights with community interests and environmental protection. We call on board members to reject this excessive variance and send a clear message that responsible development — not unchecked growth — will guide Blue Mountain Lake’s future. The lake’s pristine character, our local businesses and future generations depend on their thoughtful stewardship.

The Curry Family: Robert, Carrie, Reed and Kyle

Blue Mountain Lake