The county Planning Board voted down a request last week by the Inn at Peralynna Manor to change its zoning in order to host special events on the property.

On Nov. 13, the board unanimously recommended rejecting a proposal that would allow the property, located near Columbia on Route 108, to become a "country inn," a classification that would have allowed for special events such as weddings. Its members also rejected a possible alternative that would have classified the inn as a "boutique hotel" instead.

County planning staff also recommended turning down the proposal, citing concerns that allowing non-historic properties to become country inns would open the special category to too many homes. A date has not been set for the matter to go before the County Council, which has the final say on the requested zoning change.

The inn's owners, David and Cynthia Lynn, said they believed their previous zoning allowed them to host special events. They expressed concerns about the viability of the inn without the classification.

Supporters, including several in the local business community, said the inn was a convenient meeting place and a good local alternative for out-of-town guests.

Some neighbors complained about noise, outdoor lighting and traffic in the area during special events and asked the Planning Board to vote against the change.

Cynthia Lynn said she wants to resolve her neighbors' concerns and find a "win-win" that will allow the inn to continue to operate as a business.

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user comments (1)

user exinsider says...

"Win-win"....how about IF you get zoning approval, you win; if you don't, you lose. The Inn at Peralynna Manor was constructed then began operations without the proper zoning. If the county gives in on this, already-crowded Route 108 will become a commercial strip.

Posted 12:49 AM, 11.23.08

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