On Tuesday, the Chautauqua Town Zoning Board of Appeals continued its hearing from January regarding Sunset View – a Chautauqua Lake Community, on Route 430 in the hamlet of Dewittville, where Point Chautauqua Golf Course used to be in operation.

Ellicott Development has proposed a $70 million development project there of a resort-style living experience. There would be a variety of high quality residential living organized in district zones, with a mix of for sale and short/long-term rentals and a restaurant/taproom on site.

Two months ago, the board opened the public hearing and a number of comments and questions were made.

No decisions were made at that time, as the board decided to hold off the vote so members could review all the written comments. The delay was backed by the developers of the project.

Pictured are audience members who attended the Chautauqua Town Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing on Tuesday on the $70 million development at the former Point Chautauqua Golf Course.

On Tuesday, attorney Sean Hopkins said they have made some additional modifications to the project. None of the changes were substantial, but from a zoning board’s perspective, the board decided to delay voting on the project.

Some neighboring residents have expressed concerns about traffic on Leet Avenue. Because of this, Hopkins said Ellicott Development reduced the number of single family homes that would be constructed there.

He also said that Sunset View and the Villas at Chautauqua Point have discussed exchanging some property, to benefit both developments. A verbal agreement has been reached, but nothing has been formally recorded.

Along with a restaurant or taproom, there’s also been talk about having a small watercraft rental facility in the development. There have been questions whether the current zoning permits commercial uses. Because of that, Hopkins said Ellicott Development is preparing to apply for a use variance for any commercial businesses.

When the property was a golf course, there was a restaurant on site. This time, however, Ellicott Development’s project is classified as a Planned Unit Development, and the town’s zoning for PUDs doesn’t state permission for commercial businesses.

Before there was any talk of use variances, the development was originally looking at getting a special use permit, however the zoning board’s vote would only be a recommendation. The town board would have the final say.

If the zoning board votes in April, then in May the town board could schedule a public hearing for June, before any final decision is reached.

Developers said their preference is to start construction in 2025. Along with the town board’s approval, there are state regulations the project must get before any work can commence.