Firm looking into Slawson Mt. land

By Manor Ink Staff

Willowemoc, NY – Rumors have been circulating recently about plans to develop a large parcel of property on Slawson Mountain.

Purchased some 30-plus years ago by foreign investors, the land has remained undeveloped since the owners’ original plans to construct a ski resort were shelved. Because the Town of Neversink where the property is located was at the time a “dry” municipality, meaning that the sale of alcohol was prohibited, the developers decided that a resort would not be feasible.

Nevertheless, some area residents have heard that a possible large-scale development could be in the offing, a complex that would include luxury homes and a resort, perhaps in partnership with Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, a hospitality company based in Thailand which operates 11 resorts and 29 spas in 20 countries. There are, however, many requirements a development of any size would have to meet before construction could begin. Local and environmental approvals would likely be needed, especially as the lands border New York City’s protected watershed area.

As of this writing, no plans have been filed with the Town of Neversink Planning Board. However, both the developer and the town are retaining engineering firms in anticipation of future work.

Since that time, however, the town has rescinded the prohibition. The sale of alcoholic beverages is now legal in Neversink.

Keriland, Inc., the holding company that owns the nearly 3,000-acre parcel of land, is currently assessing the property for possible development. “We’re updating its surveys and undertaking some water and exploratory well drilling in preparation for determining what might be feasible to do with the property,” said Steve Hettleland, a Keriland representative.

High-end Destinations

Offering its guests the opportunity to “reconnect with six senses,” Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas caters to those who desire luxurious getaways in exotic locales. Working with host resorts in Bhutan, Fiji, Oman, Portugal, Vietnam, Israel, the Maldives and other locations, including Kaplankaya, Turkey, above, the company’s objective is rejuvenation. “We hope that our unique collection of rituals, reconnection experiences and wellness days reignites your curiosity and passion for travel,” their website at sixthsenses.com states. “From breakfast with the monks to fire circles and dancing like no one’s watching (save a few Fijian warriors), come on a vacation that promotes relaxation, pushes the reset button and opens up some new possibilities.”