Proposals Under Consideration for Possible Letchworth Housing Deals

M.C. Millman

Since acquiring Letchworth over two decades ago, the Towns of Stony Point and Haverstraw have watched the property buildings crumble and decay in search of the perfect tax-generating development.

There have been a series of proposals for the former Letchworth Village which was once a center for the developmentally disabled. Proposals included a Legoland theme park, multiple offers for high-density housing, a stadium with a hotel, conference center, and shopping mall, and one for an indoor water park.

After years of back and forth, Haverstraw and Stony Point have progressed toward potential housing developments on their portions of the massive property. The Towns have proposed building around 750-800 units comprising apartments, senior living, and other spaces. 

Haverstraw's draft proposal and contract are for 250-300 apartment units on their nearly 23-acre parcel with prospective builder BNE Real Estate Group. The proposal also includes pools, a community center, walking trails, a playground, dog parks, a gym, and tennis courts. 

According to Supervisor Howard Phillips, the development could add $12-$14 million to the town treasury. Phillips also said the Town is optimistic about BNE development, but he kept his enthusiasm in check, noting previous proposals failed to reach fruition. 

"We've been marketing this property for some time," Phillips said. "We've had all different proposals. We don't get too excited until we have an agreement in our hands."

The board still needs to set up a public vote for the sale and proposal. 

Stony Point voters rejected a previous development plan to sell land and a golf course. Now, the public will decide if they will sell 23 acres for $3.1 million for developer Glen Vetromile, founder and managing principal of Hudson Park Group, to build 500 mixed housing units. The plan is to build 150 apartments and townhouses for seniors, 170 rooms in an assisted living facility, and 180 other units, including rentals.

The Town Board has scheduled a public vote on November 8 for the $3.1 million land sale to Vetromile.