Yeshiva buys Inn at Chester with plans for dorms, lecture hall

Chester — The Inn at Chester has new owners — a Yeshiva that plans to put dormitories and lecture halls on the hilltop property. Curt Dorfman of Dorfman Noble & Conway came before the Chester Planning Board Chester Planning Board to ask approval for a new building and eight temporary trailers on the site. The board had approved a site plan for an industrial warehouse proposed for the property before it was sold by the previous owners, Daniel and Colleen Moriarity. The new owners are required only to seek approval for a change of use. The Chester zoning code allows such changes if they will not increase water use and sewage. The only change planned is to convert the existing 400-seat catering hall to a Jewish religious seminary, Yeshiva Toras Chemed. The Inn had been a popular spot for overnight stays among business travelers and tourists because of its country setting, extensive views, and petting zoo. Repeated damage by some visitors made frequent repairs necessary. The owners grew discouraged and decided to sell. Joe Mlcoch, the town's building inspector, said he was concerned about the project's safety, parking, and appearance. The driveway, off Route 17M, is steep, and motorists have limited sight distance when merging onto the highway. He also said he is concerned about fire hazards, considering that many children will live there. A train of eight trailers on wheels, which the owner proposes for use as temporary office and lecture space, may be unsightly, Mlcoch said. The 16-room hotel was accommodated by 58 parking spaces. The owner plans eventually to build an additional 150 spaces. Mlcoch is also concerned that school activities will be largely beyond the jurisdiction of outside authorities because of their religious nature. Dorfman assured the board that the new 60-by-100 building will be finished in a year, and will replace the temporary trailers. He presented several letters from the supervisors of Mount Kisco, Bedford, and the Town of Newcastle, commending the proprietors as model citizens. Still unsettled, the board asked that the school's fundraising and lecture functions be deleted from the application, saying all the mixed uses will complicate the application of zoning fire and safety codes. The owners agreed. The board asked why the Yeshiva will need so many trailers if fundraising and outside lecture functions were not to be included. The town has never seen an application for a temporary structure this large, according to he board. The eight trailers, which are already on their way, will be bracketed together. The board spent much time searching the zoning code to determine whether public hearings would be required because of the change of use involved. The owners agreed that hearings are appropriate. The board set a public hearing on the project for Oct. 19. In the meantime, the town's engineer and building inspector will continue to review health and safety issues.