Wake Robin developers return with modified plan

SALISBURY — At its April 28 meeting, the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved a modification to a permit it issued last year for an application to redevelop the Wake Robin Inn.

It was the first public presentation of applicant ARADEV LLC’s amended proposal since withdrawing its initial application to the Planning and Zoning Commission in December 2024.

“Generally, it’s a pullback in the intensity of development,” said Mark Arigoni, a Landscape Architect with SLR Consulting who has represented the applicant, ARADEV LLC, since its first submission. Arigoni said the new plans were meant to respond to calls from the public and P&Z to scale down and lighten the impacts of the project after an extended public hearing late last year.

The major changes include reducing the number of newly-built cottages from twelve to four. The event barn, which was a highly contentious aspect of the initial proposal, moved from its previous position as a standalone structure to instead being a part of the expansion of the existing Inn building. The spa building was adjusted so it sits closer to the main structure and further from the wetland.

After presenting the updated plan, the Commission levied several questions towards the applicant regarding the new project. Commissioner John Landon noted that the new cottages look larger than those initially proposed. Stephen Cohen, of ARADEV, confirmed that they are approximately 2,000 square feet, compared to the previous buildings which topped out at around 1,100 square feet.

After several other questions regarding storm water management, a state-listed species relocation, and alterations to the cottage parking and access schemas, the IWWC concluded its examination. Chair Vivian Garfein clarified that the IWWC was reviewing an alteration, not a new application.

“We are not reissuing a permit,” she said, “We are asked to approve a minor modification that we have already approved.”

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the modification. ARADEV was to reappear in the town Zoom room on Monday, May 5 to present its modified application to P&Z.