Sarah Trafton is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Catskill Planning Board last week reviewed a proposal to transform Pollace’s Family Resort into an overnight camp for special needs children. The board reviewed an application for the new use of the property submitted by Jacob Bar-Horin. Ben-Horin submitted the application in the religious institution category of the town code because the facility would serve the Hasidic community and include daily prayers and workshop. The project provides accommodations for 60 children, 60 staff and 50 other people, such as family members, using the existing buildings. No new construction would be required at the resort, located at 71 Landon Avenue. Town Attorney Michael Smith and Code Enforcement Officer Elliot Fishman disagreed about the categorized use of the property. “It’s overseen by a religious institution but it’s actually a camp,” Smith said. “The true use of the land is as a camp.” The state has set special requirements for overnight camps for children, Smith said, as well as for special needs children. “I’m not suggesting the use is inappropriate,” Smith said. “But we have a responsibility to make sure this board really looks at this and assures the safety of the children.” Planning Board Chairman Joseph Izzo said, “The project is worthwhile. We just don’t want to get into a situation where we’re not following the proper procedures.” The planning board voted to refer the project to the Zoning Board of Appeals for an interpretation of the town code for direction on how to proceed. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.