The village planning board paved the way for a streamlined approval of a proposal to recreate the ice skating rink at the Cooper Inn, off Lake Street.

The Leatherstocking Corporation brought the proposal to the village board during a special meeting earlier, but was told it needed a special use permit from the trustees and site plan approval from the planning board.

During Tuesday's planning board meeting, the board decided that because of the temporary nature of the project and the fact there would be no structures, it did not need to go through site plan approval.

It appeared originally the planning board would have to go through the environmental assessment process and hold a public hearing on the proposal - a process that would have eaten into the winter window of opportunity for ice skating.

Instead, the board decided it would pass on recommendations to the trustees for their review of the special use permit application, which also includes a required public hearing.

There were concerns expressed about traffic, parking, noise and lighting associated with the rink plan.

John Irvin, general manager of the Otesaga Hotel and the Cooper Inn, said the rink would have only four lights and all of them would be downcast lighting fixtures.

He also suggested the village establish a drop-off and pick-up area on Lake Street.

After discussions with the board, Irvin said parking requirements could be met by using the lots at both the Cooper Inn and the Otesaga.

Board member Charles Hill said he believed that would be a good solution for what he saw as one of the main issues with the plan.

Both Hill and board member Bill Rigby expressed concerns about the potential impact on neighbors.

"I think we can all be comfortable with giving it a try, but I would be more comfortable if we address the neighbors,"

"I'm of the opinion it doesn't need site development review," said board chairman Teresa Drerup.

Board member Joe Siracusa agreed, "I don't think it needs site development review. What's the purpose of two public hearings? There's no construction."

Siracusa introduced a motion to forego the site plan review and it was approved by a vote of three-to-one with Hill voting against it.

The special use permit application will go before the trustees during the board's meeting Monday night. They are expected to set a public hearing at that time.