New Castle Schedules Lead Agency Vote for Legionaries Property
A surprise appearance last week by the attorney for the developer of a proposed 54-unit residential plan and spa prompted the New Castle Town Board to schedule a vote to declare itself lead agency for the project.
After listening to pleas from attorney David Steinmetz at its June 25 meeting, the board is now planning to vote on lead agency status for The Spa at New Castle, the proposed development for the Legionaries of Christ property at 773 Armonk Rd.
Steinmetz told the board during public comments that his client, Soder Real Estate of Montclair, N.J., asked him to appear on the company’s behalf to ask for the town to take the next step in the process.
Following an executive session midway through the meeting that also included other matters, the board returned to announce that it planned to have Town Attorney Clinton Smith draw up a resolution in time for its next regular meeting.
Steinmetz said he wasn’t sure if his prodding helped the board make a decision but was happy with the outcome.
“I can’t think that it hurt in any way and I’m pleased the board made the decision to move forward,” he said.
Soder Real Estate first appeared before the town last September to pitch the first of three iterations of the plan. The original conceptual design called for 66 units of duplexes and penthouses built in four new structures along with a spa, hotel and restaurant. A month later, the developer eliminated the hotel and spa and unveiled a plan with 80 residences.
The latest plan was made public in January. In addition to the 54 condominium units and spa that will utilize the existing structure, the proposal once again calls for a 30-unit hotel and spa on the 97-acre site. About six months ago, the town board appeared receptive toward exploring the plan further.
Soder Real Estate has been in discussion with the Legionaries of Christ to buy the property pending a site plan approval.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/