by Curtis Schmidt
Challenges loom; however, those supporting the development of Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park insist the obstacles will be overcome to pave the way for the facility planned on property across Route 9 from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
Tom Mulroy of T-Rex Capital and Joe Gaudio, partner in Bellefield Development, addressed members of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 23. They noted that the development will be designed to keep the many visitors to places such as Marist College, the CIA and the historic sites in the area for longer stays, so they will be inclined to spend more money in the local area.
Mulroy said the first phase of the project will include a 110-room boutique hotel with a spa and conference center and a 140-room extended stay hotel. Further plans include the construction of a residential development and retail shopping center to include a coffee shop, bakery and other boutique shops.
He said estimates include approximately 550 construction jobs and more than 350 full-time permanent jobs. The facilities are expected to generate approximately $4.25 million in outside spending.
“We have an amazing asset here with the CIA and all of its conferences; however, visitors come and go,” said Mulroy. “Our goal is to get those individuals to stay in the area for several days and invite them to come back with their friends and families.”
He noted that the developers have paid water taxes for the past four years and that the tax status of the property is being studied.
Sewer district development is a major challenge. Hyde Park Town Supervisor Aileen Rohr said one central sewer district from the Bellefield site up to Market Street is cost prohibitive. She said that alternatives, such as smaller sewer districts, are being studied and grants should be available for such systems.
“We have to start with an engineering study and work through the details,” she said. “We need an affordable plan and find the grant money to bring the cost down. We are open to creative solutions and we need to work together.”
Michael Dupree, Town of Hyde Park Planning Board chairman, said an amended concept plan must be approved by the Town Board and then a site plan must be approved.
“We are all in this together,” Dupree said. “We will work together to get it done.”
Gaudio said it will likely take nine months to a year before “we have a shovel in the ground.” He said the first phase construction would take approximately 18-24 months.