LIBERTY – Interest in reverting the Grossinger properties from residential zoning to commercial was generated following discussion from the Town Board, with an eye on reviving the golfing and hospitality scene.

The Supervisor asked the board to consider rezoning both Grossinger properties and what used to be known as the Sullivan County Golf Club to help facilitate development. DeMayo referred back to the town’s Comprehensive Plan, which highlights the benefits and interest in generating hospitality-based business.

The Grossinger’s properties once belonged to the RH Zone, a commercial zone, but have since been rezoned into R1, a residential zone. According to the Supervisor, the only property currently in the RH Zone is the camp property on Swan Lake.

“I look at these two properties, these two areas, and the common denominator is the golf course,” DeMayo said. “Over the years, the county lost Kutchers, Bethel and Liberty lost Swan Lake Golf Course, the Vista is no longer in existence,” DeMayo said. “This is open for discussion, but to me, a golf course could be a valuable asset for someone to develop.”

“We would want to do our best to try to attract that kind of business into this area,” DeMayo said. “This area, known as the Borscht Belt, was loaded with bungalow colonies and hotels. I feel like Sullivan County put all its eggs into that one basket – Liberty doesn’t want to make that mistake but right now we don’t have an entity like this.”

Board members John Lennon Jr., Dean Farrand and Vincent McPhillips voiced their agreement.

Additionally, President and CEO of the Sullivan County Partnership, Marc Baez, promoted the idea of rezoning as a way to increase hospitality based-business in the town.

Kevin McManus of McManus and Associates Land Development Services, owners of the Grossinger property, noted that they have presented ill-fated plans in the past, but interest in development remains.

“We would certainly support and prefer to have the RH Zone cover the Grossinger property,” McManus said. “There’s nothing firm, but it certainly would be better for us to be able to start thinking about planning something in the appropriate zone than trying to have to do a rezoning on top of that.”

McManus also acknowledged the difficulties of connecting water and sewer and sewer to the property, as well as coordinating with both the Town and Village of Liberty regarding that issue. 

“We’ve had numerous discussions over the years,” McManus said, “but we’re ready to take that on.”