FAQs
Does the Friends of Carleton Island support restoring the Villa?
Yes—but only if the restoration is done in a way that honors the island’s zoning, conservation rules, and historical importance.
What is the issue with the campground?
The developer is proposing a commercial campground near the Villa—clearing trees and vegetation in the process. This violates the island’s residential zoning and brings unwanted noise, traffic, and environmental harm to an otherwise peaceful and private community.
What is the potential safety risk posed by the campground?
A major concern is the plan for over a dozen campfires in approximately 3 wooded acres. The Thousand Islands region has a tragic history of fires destroying prominent buildings, including the Columbian Hotel, Thousand Island Park Hotel, Frontenac Hotel, Boldt Castle Powerhouse, and most recently the 1880 Grindstone Island House in 2018. For more context, see the TI Live article “Gone-in-5-Minutes.” Carleton Island also has a history of burned cottages buildings and fast-spreading grass fires. There are no fire or emergency services dedicated or immediately available to the island. Even the Villa, the jewel of this plan, is at risk of destruction if inexperienced campers with limited local knowledge of high winds allow sparks to get out of control.
An additional safety risk is currently being addressed by Jefferson County, which has issued a “notice of violation of and order to remedy” with respect to the risk of falling ruins. The County Building and Safety Department is requiring further fencing to contain debris from the failing structure.
Didn’t the developer promise a high-end hotel?
Yes. The original plan involved investing tens of millions into restoring the Villa. Replacing that with a campground funded by campers is a bait-and-switch that raises serious concerns about credibility and intent.
What kind of development would be acceptable?
A small-scale, historically sensitive bed-and-breakfast might fit the island’s legacy and zoning. But not large-scale or transient-use commercial operations.
Is it true that opposition to the development is driven by wealthy property owners who don’t want change in their backyard?
Absolutely not. This characterization is both misleading and unfair. The community of Carleton Island property owners reflects a diverse cross-section of working families, retirees, and long-time seasonal residents—not an enclave of the wealthy.
The majority of property owners have modest seasonal cottages, some of which have been passed down through generations. Some families have ties to the island since the late 1800s, preserving not just homes, but a way of life that values open space, quiet recreation, and environmental stewardship.
What unites these residents is a shared respect for the island’s natural beauty, historical significance, and the conservation easements that were put in place to protect both. The strong opposition to commercial development—such as the proposed campground—is rooted in a desire to uphold those protections, not a resistance to restoration.
In fact, most islanders have supported restoring the Carleton Villa when done responsibly and in a way that aligns with the island’s character and zoning. The real issue is not “NIMBYism,” but a commitment to preserving what makes Carleton Island so unique and special — for current and future generations
How can I help?
- Visit FriendsofCarletonIsland.org
- Sign up for alerts and updates
- Contact the Cape Vincent Town Board and share your concerns
- Spread the word to fellow residents and friends