Bellayre Resort backer vows to build project

Dean Gitter refuses to walk away from his $400 million Bellayre golf and condo project even after 11 years of battling bureaucrats and regional opponents.

"I don't intend to (die) until I've seen the completion of Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park," Gitter said Thursday, speaking at the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.

His plans call for two hotels, 55 separate lodging and 84 timeshare town houses. It will feature ski trails and an organic golf course.

The plan could provide the region the lift it needs, Gitter said. Construction will provide 4,000 construction jobs and 700 full-time positions, he said.

As for building during a period of economic slowdown, Gitter said, "I'm comforted by the fact that Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building were all begun and completed in the depths of the Depression."

Also, he wants the project to be environmentally friendly. Designers will blend the project with the texture of the hillside to limit development on step slopes, and lessen stormwater runoffs.

Still, environmentalists and local businesses continue to oppose the project.

"What he is proposing is big and will take away business and resources from the hamlets," said Kathleen Nolan of Catskill Heritage Alliance.

Those challenging the $400 million plan were concerned that local businesses and the environment will suffer. Lack of specifics for the time frame was another point made at the end of the meeting.

"It's all fluff," said Nolan after Gitter finished his talk. "The plan is not realistic."