Dear Editor:
As many of you are aware, the Unit Management Plan for the expansion of Belleayre Mountain and the Belleayre Resort have been presented by the DEC for public review.
Belleayre Mountain – Capital improvements would include adding 16 trails, three lifts, three parking areas, a ski lodge and an information booth. Most of this work would occur at the former Highmount Ski Center. The plan also included upgrades to most of the existing lodges and ski lifts. Additionally, the build out will include the Performing Arts Center as part of the Overlook Lodge. More information can
be seen online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54704.html
Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park Fact Sheet
-The proposed project plans for a world-class resort, situated next to an expanded State-owned Belleayre Mountain Ski Center now operated by the NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority.
-The Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park, as currently proposed, will become the premier, four-season resort directly serving the New York metropolitan area. It will also be the most environmentally advanced and large-scale development project the region has ever seen.
-The Resort will consist of two hotels: the Highmount Spa will be a 5 star spa and wellness centered property; Wildacres will be a 4-star family and recreation oriented hotel located next to the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center.
-All the resort’s facilities will be open to the public increasing the number of recreational options available to local residents including a Wilderness Activities Center, Golf Course, indoor swimming, tennis facilities and more.
-Deed restrictions will prohibit the operation of any Casino-style (Class III) gaming.
-The project will utilize local providers, guides, instructors, outdoor outfitters, as well as work with not- for-profit entities.
-The project has established the Crossroads Foundation to distribute funds to local charities focused on the arts, youth education and sports programs, civic improvements and care for the elderly.
-The Belleayre Resort project’s accommodations will attract new visitors and seek to increase tourism to where it was decades ago.
-The project would create hundreds of construction jobs, and the finished resort will create over 500 permanent, full-time jobs and 200 part-time and seasonal jobs.
-The project will attract $400 million in development money for the local area.
-The buildings will be LEED certified, environmentally sensitive and will include an organic managed golf course.
TAXES and BENEFITS
-The Belleayre Resort will dramatically increase the tax base for local municipalities.
-The Resort will have a large positive economic impact which should result in stable or even lower taxes for town residents.
-Upon full build out the project will pay $3.7 million in annual property taxes to local municipalities and school districts.
-The project will create $24.85 million in annual on-site resort wages.
-There will be $10.6 million in annual off-site spending by resort patrons.
-The project will have a $168 million total annual economic effect on the regional economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have been promised this and have been fighting for this for about 13 years. The time is now to stand up and be counted. How can you help bring this about?
-There will be an information meeting regarding the above on Wednesday, May 22nd, at 7:00 P.M. in the Discovery Lodge.
-MOST IMPORTANTLY – THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING WHERE YOU CAN VOICE SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECTS ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 29TH, ONE AT 3:00 P.M. AND ONE AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE DISCOVERY LODGE. YOUR PRESENCE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT BUT if you cannot be there, you can send your written Comments of Support:
- via e-mail to: belleayre@gw.dec.state.ny.us ( please be sure to include your name and address or
- mail a letter to: Daniel T. Whitehead, Regional Permit Administrator NYDEC, 21 South Putt Corner Road, New Paltz, NY 12561-1620
Please network this email to all who are interested in helping to prevent the demise of our community!!
Tom White, Chair
Coalition to Save Belleayre
