Group wants to build resort for RVs

HURON TWP. — Executives proposing an RV campground project at the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range on Boos Road provided some additional details about this initiative before a critical zoning meeting set for Thursday.Matt Uselton, the vice president of real estate for RVC Outdoor Destinations, filled in some blanks:• "RVC Outdoor Destinations was founded in 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee, due to that lack of consistent quality and amenities in the camping industry."• "Known as the Hilton-Marriott of camping, (the company operates) nine resorts and one boat club in properties from California to Florida — and one not too far from this (Huron Township) proposed project in Pennsylvania, Lake Raystown Resort."• "We are an outdoor hotel and don't do mobile homes, manufactured housing condos, lot sales, etc. We have resort amenities with quality services, cleanliness and a place for families."A proposed project calls for turning the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range in Huron Township into an RV resort. "We are an outdoor hotel and don't do mobile homes, manufactured housing condos, lot sales, etc," said Matt Uselton, the vice president of real estate for RVC Outdoor Destinations. "We have resort amenities with quality services, cleanliness and a place for families."• "'Park' is a dirty word in our company. These are 'resorts,' and we build them and operate them that way."• "We strive for all our properties to have a local feel, and we employ locals and drive guests to the special and unique places that locals want to visit."• "RV sites are full hook-up — water, electric, sewer and concrete — and come with a patio, picnic table, fire pit and grills."• "Cottages include a porch, two flat-screen TVs, a full kitchen — stove, oven, washing machine and microwave — and full laundry. Most have lofts for the kids and a pullout couch. The unit can sleep a total of six. These are consistent with the tiny home movement and are only 400 square feet in size."A proposed project which would turn the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range in Huron Township into an RV resort calls for building cottages. Each cottage would include a porch, two flatscreen TVs, a full kitchen and full laundry. Most have lofts for the kids and a pullout couch. • "Kokomos (At The Keys bar and restaurant) is an amenity to our guests, and we plan to drive more business to them."• "The development will be thoughtful and take into consideration visual appeal, traffic concerns and safety for the neighbors and our guests and maintaining as much of the natural feel of the beautiful property."• "We built a great relationship with Hoty Builders, and they will be involved every step of the way."A proposed project which would turn the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range in Huron Township into an RV resort calls for building cottages. Each cottage would include a porch, two flatscreen TVs, a full kitchen and full laundry. Most have lofts for the kids and a pullout couch.Some unknowns about the project, however, do exist: For instance, it's not known how much this project could cost. Advertised as a space equipped to handle 210 RV sites, the exact number of spaces for RVs and cottages is also unclear at this time.A proposed project which would turn the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range in Huron Township into an RV resort calls for building a swimming pool. It's one of several amenities open to the resort's guests.Thursday's meetingHuron Township's zoning appeals board members scheduled a special session to learn about a RVC's proposed 210-space RV campsite project at the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range on Boos Road. Officials encourage community members to attend the meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at BGSU Firelands."If the board of zoning appeals feels the use is appropriate in the neighborhood, they will require that the applicant file a complete site plan showing the final plan of the utilities, lighting, buffering, etc., at their next hearing," township building official John Zimmerman said.Zimmerman then outlined three choices the board could take next week:• "Deny the application because they don't feel it is appropriate in the neighborhood and surrounding area and would adversely affect the same. This could be based on traffic, noise, etc."• "Approve the preliminary site plan and direct the applicant to return with a complete final plan showing the things I previously listed."• "Table the request for more information."If zoning members approve the preliminary site and complete final plans, then the project goes forward.In May 2017, Duke Thorson — who owns ThorWorks Industries and ThorSport Racing, a Sandusky-headquartered professional race organization participating in NASCAR events — purchased the golf course property for $2.4 million. Since then, nobody has publicly golfed from this land, totaling about 48 acres.ThorWorks Industries spokeswoman Debbie Petok Hufford provided a statement on the project."Keys golf course was part of a package real estate deal when the former Kroger property was acquired to expand ThorWorks' equipment production division. While it wasn't the company's intention to retain the golf course, its owners have been particular about its intended use by future owners.She continued: "ThorWorks' owners only support the sale of the property for first-rate development that will support Erie County's economic and residential well-being. RVC presents a resort option for RV owners and those who want to enjoy well-appointed cabins with beautiful vistas and hotel amenities."A proposed zoning change calls for turning the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range into a 210-space commercial RV resort. Want to go?What: A public meeting regarding a zoning proposal to turn the former Keys Golf Course & Driving Range into a commercial RV resort.Where: George Mylander Hall, BGSU Firelands, 1 University Drive, HuronWhen: 7:30 p.m. ThursdayWho: Anyone can attend and ask questions on this topic and others discussed by the zoning board.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.