LIBERTY – For decades before its 1986 closure, the Grossinger’s Resort Hotel became renowned as one of the Borscht Belt’s premier destinations, welcoming guests from far and wide with its vast range of amenities and activities. Following Tuesday night’s Town of Liberty Planning Board meeting, hospitality—and then some—appears poised to return to the grounds of the long-vacant site once more.

Now in the conceptual stage, the redevelopment proposal for the former resort site was presented by South Florida-based PPG Development during a sketch plan conference, showcasing a multi-phase project that would transform the long-empty, overgrown property into a more than 1,000-acre, four-season luxury destination. For now, the developers aim to get the wheels turning while the summer season is still underway to allow traffic, sewer, water and environmental studies to begin.

“We wanted to get before you as early as we could,” stated Attorney Steven Vegliante, explaining that the developers wanted to get a head start on the review process while engineering work continues.

According to developer Ari Pearl of PPG Development, the project has been three years in the making following the merging of both the former Grossinger’s Resort property and the nearby Muss property—which includes three cottages from a previous redevelopment proposal involving potential condominiums which went uninhabited—into a single entity spanning more than 1,100 acres.

“This is the historic site of the historic hotel that we all know and that we all love,” stated Pearl. “This is a dream project for us.”

Described as “an amenity package that [one] wouldn’t find anywhere else in the New York region,” the proposed five-star resort would feature approximately 100 hotel rooms, between 125 and 175 single-family residential lots, a 50-unit condo hotel component, an equestrian and polo center, indoor and outdoor pools, two 18-hole golf courses, a spa, tennis and racquet facilities, and a wide range of outdoor recreational amenities.

Nicole Emmons, land planner and architect with Hart Howerton, assured that the legacy of the Grossinger’s property was at the forefront of the planning process while creating a four-season destination. The team aims to preserve recognizable features such as Grossinger’s Lake and portions of the famous Big “G” Golf Course while incorporating hiking trails, outdoor programming and other experiences designed to encourage guests to explore the property’s natural landscape.

“Everyone seems to have a story,” Emmons said of the former Grossinger’s Resort Hotel. “Everyone seems to have a connection.”

Planning Board members responded just as warmly to the proposal, though they stressed that a thorough review process would be essential.

Planning Board member Judy Siegel commended the team for respecting the property’s history and utilizing local expertise.

“We, of course, would want this project to be successful,” Siegel assured. “I love that you have that history and that you appreciate it.”

The board also discussed beginning the public hearing process once additional project information becomes available. Members agreed residents should have an opportunity to weigh in while acknowledging that more detailed plans are still being developed.

According to the developers, the proposal will undergo environmental review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), with studies expected to examine traffic, utilities, wetlands and other potential impacts as the application moves through the approval process.

The discussion concluded with the Planning Board authorizing the establishment of an escrow account, with a motion by Siegel and a second by Planning Board member John Van Etten. The account will fund consultant reviews, allowing engineering, planning and other technical evaluations to begin as the project advances through the approval process.

Construction timelines remain dependent on environmental review and local approvals, though Vegliante, Pearl and Emmons assured the board that work would begin as soon as permits are secured.

Closing its doors in 1986, the famed Grossinger’s Resort Hotel was a nationally renowned Borscht Belt icon that welcomed guests including boxer Rocky Marciano and hosted the wedding of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds, bringing national attention to the resort. Most of the property was demolished in 2018, while one remaining building succumbed