LIBERTY — The Town Board of Liberty met on Monday, June 16, to discuss the potential future of the long-abandoned Best Western Paramount hotel property that resides in the hamlet of Parksville. 

The discussion, led by Sam Mermelstein, Vice President of Enclave Equities, centered on a proposal to rezone the 220-acre site to permit high-density housing and potential recreational development — but without a clear plan, the board remains unconvinced.

Mermelstein, who has managed the property for nearly a decade, described the site as “challenging” and admitted to struggling with how best to utilize it. Purchased nearly 20 years ago by an 80-year-old Bronx resident for $3.7 million—with dreams of transforming it into “the next Disneyland”—the property has since been placed in a trust for the man’s 10 to 15 grandchildren, with Mermelstein serving as the asset manager.

The developer requested that the board consider RH zoning, which would permit high-density residential development. “What are you losing by giving us the zoning back?” Mermelstein asked, insisting the rezoning would help revitalize the area and address the safety hazard posed by the derelict buildings, which he says attract teenagers and trespassers.

Throughout his proposal, Mermelstein referenced his reputation and past real estate successes, urging the board to collaborate on a plan and citing comparable rezonings at sites like the former Stevensville and Grossinger’s resorts. However, board members remained hesitant, pointing to the lack of a concrete plan and a long history of inaction on the site.

Board member Vincent McPhillips pushed back, explaining that the board isn’t questioning the asset manager’s reputation but pointed out the importance of local input, especially from Parksville residents, who would be directly impacted by potential high-density development.

When the board suggested Mermelstein could begin by demolishing the existing structure, he responded that the estimated $2.5 million cost is prohibitive and said if he had the money to do it, he would.

The meeting concluded without a resolution. The board requested that Mermelstein submit a formal written proposal detailing exactly what is being requested, signaling that no decision would be made until more information is provided.

As of now, the future of the former Best Western Paramount remains uncertain, continuing a decades-long saga that has left one of Parksville’s most prominent properties empty and deteriorating.