Jim and Robin Baker, owners of the Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins in Old Forge, have asked the Town of Webb Board to consider modifying the contract between the Paddlefest event organizers and the town, which owns the lakefront property where the annual event is held.
Specifically, the Bakers say that the closure of the road along the lakefront, to the extent that it is currently done, creates a hardship for their business.
The Bakers say some of their customers are inconvenienced or discouraged from staying at their motel, due to inconvenient access during Paddlefest.
The Pine Knoll is located at the south-east shore of Old Forge Pond, near the start of the South Shore Road.
Paddlefest is a major canoe and kayak event in the northeastern United States, according to John Nemjo, whose Moun-tainman Outdoor Supply Company, an Old Forge business, hosts the event each spring during the month of May.
Town of Webb Supervisor Robert Moore said the town board would take the Bakers concern under advisement.
“[This] needs to be considered for future Paddlefest events,” he said.
