Gaines approves variance for Preston’s Country Market on Ridge Road
Photo by Tom Rivers: The former Rocking R Ranch on Ridge Road is pictured last month.
GAINES – The Gaines Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance and permit for Preston’s Country Market to open a seasonal business on Ridge Road at the former Rocking R Ranch, 14877 Ridge Rd.
The Gaines board met last week and approved the project after the Orleans County Planning Board had recommended it be denied last month. Gaines needed a super-majority vote for the project to move forward.
The County Planning Board recommended denial of the project because the residential-agricultural zoning doesn’t allow a “seasonal tourist business.”
The Gaines board approved a variance and permit, as well as the site plan and subdivision of the property.
Marie Preston intends to sell nursery stock, garden stock, flowers and locally grown fruit and vegetables from the family-owned orchard and farm. Preston also said she would have gift shop items that were nature related, such as birdhouses. She would like to have a U-pick pumpkin patch and sell baked goods, soups, sandwiches and hamburgers.
Her sons, Jim and Aaron Preston, run Preston’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, which is based on Zig Zag Road.
Preston’s Country Market expects to open in mid-April, depending on the weather, with a grand opening the first weekend in May.
