There was a special meeting of the Mamakating Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) this past Thursday. The reason for the meeting was to hear an application by the current owners of the former Homowack Lodge.

Problems have arisen, however, as the group continues its renovation of the property. Apparently, there has been quite a bit of vandalism, thus the owners want to place a caretaker trailer on the property. This trailer would house an individual who would live on the site seven days per week in the hope of cutting down on this vandalism.

The trailer would be hooked up to existing electrical and water service, but its sanitation system would be self-contained and would not have to be hooked up to the property's sewage system. The group is also in the process of installing motion-sensitive lights, as well as "web-cams" that can broadcast over the Internet real-time images of trespassers. The owners said that they intend to be vigilant with regard to potential future vandalism.

After last summer's fiasco regarding the operation of an illegal girls' camp on the site, the owners have been working closely with town officials to ensure that the group complies with the letter of the law. Some residents, however, remain skeptical that the group will fulfill its promises to town and state officials.

The applicant will next come before the ZBA on March 11 for a public hearing, at which time members of the public will be able to ask questions regarding the placement of the trailer.