BY MATT SCHOOLEY

As the fate of a proposed 42-room retreat on Lake JoSilvia remains before Merrimack County Superior Court, questions on who should be able to use the retreat concern residents. Also in question is whether Hopkinton Selectman Tom Congoran should be able to vote on issue, after writing an editorial in The Villager, a paper he owns.

A group of residents are now concerned, after Mike Sintros, director of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, told board members about his group’s plans to house Peruvian exchange students who will work at Pat’s Peak during their time in New Hampshire.

This development appeared to go against the original proposal for the retreat, which was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment on the grounds grounds that it was more residential than commercial because it was a nonprofit organization, owned by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston.

When the Zoning Board approved a 42-room structure on the site, residents worried it would disturb the tranquility of the area, going from a once seasonal camp to a year-round organization.

A group of residents unhappy with the decision then filed an appeal with Merrimack County Superior Court, where a ruling has not yet been made.

“I am troubled by the fact that they said they would not rent out the retreat for labor, and flat out went against that,” said Selectman Scott Flood during a Monday, Aug. 13 meeting. “This completely contradicts what the group said during (their meeting) with the Zoning Board of Adjustment.”

When Sintros came in front of the board members two weeks ago they suggested Sintros bring each proposal individually so a vote would not negate every item, simply because one was not agreeable.

Chairman George Langwasser told selectmen not to be troubled over the possibility of the Peruvian exchange students quite yet.

Controversy also arose when  Langwasser took out a copy of an unsigned editorial printed in The Villager’s “Publisher’s Corner.”

“I assume it was not you who wrote this?” Langwasser asked Congoran, who replied quickly, “Yes, it was.”

The editorial, titled “Do we want this in our small town?” makes Congoran’s opinion clear against the retreat, according to Langwasser.

Whether Congoran could vote on issues regarding the retreat after already voicing his opinion in a public forum was questioned.

“Do you think you can make a just and fair decision when a vote comes on this issue after already sharing your opinion?” Langwasser asked Congoran.

“We are all entitled to and allowed our own personal opinions,” said Congoran.

One resident, who is also a member of the ZBA, noted she, along with several other board members, was removed from voting on Bio Energy after they voiced their opinion during a discussion.

The decision on the building of the church retreat is now out of the selectmen’s hands, as it is in front of the State Supreme Court.

Langwasser said he hoped a decision would help calm the situation.

“This is an issue that keeps rearing its ugly head, and I have a feeling it will not be going away until the court decision has been offered.”