Legionaries Redevelopment at a Glance

The developer seeking to overhaul the Legionaries of Christ property in eastern New Castle has revised his plan for the property with a series of significant changes.

As Patch reported, Stephen Oder of Soder Real Estate Equities has modified his plan so that it include 80 housing units. The mix, specifically means 37 villa townhouses and 43 condos. Oder is also seeking, according to the town board, rezoning on the site to allow for multifamily residences. Based on submitted materials provided by the applicant to the town, here is a roundup of the revised plan for the 97-acre site:

Gone are the Hotels, Spa and Restaurant

When Oder first presented his proposal on Sept. 4, it included 30 hotel rooms and a roughly 20,000-square-foot spa, in addition to 66 housing units. The new mix is solely residential, Soder attorney David Steinmetz wrote to the town in an Oct. 15 letter. 

Steinmetz wrote that the change is based on feedback from New Castle town officials, possible development partners - Oder plans on making the project into a joint venture - and possible financiers.

The elimination of the hotel, restaurant and spa also mean a decrease in the amount of parking for the site. 

New Use for Main Building

The main building, along reconstructed wings, will hold the condos and common space. Parts of the building, which Steinmetz describes as "less attractive and minimally functional aspects," of it will be taken down.

36,299 square feet of the existing building will remain, while 98,200 square feet will be added to it or near, including a pool area.

Eight Buildings for Villas

The 37 townhouses, which Steinmetz describes as 3-story villas, will be spread out among eight new buildings around the northeastern part of the property. The buildings are 148,000 square feet.

Several Amenities

A list of amenities, according to the submitted site plan, include: and indoor/outdoor pool, a juice bar, a gym in the existing chapel, a rock wall, a 75-seat theater, hiking and walking trails, and tennis and basketball courts.

Changes in Taxing Formula

In what would be a benefit for New Castle and the Bedford Central School District, the 37 townhouses would be fee simple, which means that they would be assessed in the same way as single-family homes, which means higher taxes per unit and more revenue. The 43 condos, by contrast, would be taxed in a way that is similar to commercial properties because potential rental income would be taken into consideration. This may lead to lower tax bills per unit and less revenue.

Copies of Steinmetz's letter and the new site plan are attached as PDF files.