Rome Zoning Board Considers Controversial Campground Proposal

The City of Rome Zoning Board of Appeals convened on September 4, 2024, to discuss a special use permit application from Gage Banker, owner of a property at 6706 Scribe Road. Banker is seeking permission to establish a campground and install permanent electrical service to accommodate recreational vehicles, including campers.

During the meeting, Banker explained that he purchased the property three years ago with the intention of farming it, as it had previously been a farm. However, the land has since become overgrown. He has been using generators to power his camper, which he described as noisy and cumbersome, especially since he lives two hours away. The proposed project aims to allow him and one other camper to stay on the property longer and connect to existing electrical service, which is already permitted for agricultural use.

The board reviewed several criteria for granting the special use permit, including the project's compatibility with the surrounding area, potential impacts on traffic and noise, and adherence to the city's comprehensive plan. No public comments were made during the meeting, and the Oneida County planning department provided no recommendations against the application.

The board members did not raise any objections to the proposal, indicating a favorable reception to Banker's request. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing agricultural use with recreational needs in the community, as the board considers the implications of the campground on local zoning regulations and neighborhood character.