http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140322/BIZ/403220306
Watchtower buys former motel
Group may also purchase site in Tuxedo
The former Hampton Inn on Route 300 will provide housing for volunteers working on the Watchtower’s new headquarters being built in Goshen. STEVE BORLAND/Times Herald-Record
By James Walsh
Times Herald-Record
Published: 2:00 AM - 03/22/14
TOWN OF NEWBURGH — The Watchtower Tract and Bible Society closed Friday on the purchase of the Hampton Inn on Route 300.
Watchtower spokesman Richard Devine said the building will be used to provide housing for short-term volunteers working on the organization's world headquarters, which is under construction in Warwick.
The sale price wasn't disclosed.
Another property, Sterling Forest Apartments in a rural area of the Town of Tuxedo, may also be purchased by Watchtower. That would provide housing for long-term volunteer construction workers at the headquarters.
"We talked to the owner there," Devine said of the apartments, "but we're still investigating that. It's not reality at this point."
The complex has about 20 units on nearly two acres. One tenant, Rachel Newman, said her lease is up in May, but she would like to stay at least until her daughter finishes the school year.
Devine said Watchtower, whose members are Jehovah's Witnesses, will honor all of the leases if it buys the apartments.
"And I'm sure we'd be willing to take into consideration extenuating circumstances," he said.
Construction began in 2013
The volunteers working on the headquarters are members of regional building committees. They're organized in all 50 states, convening when necessary to build local places of worship, Devine said.
Hundreds have been helping since the construction began in July 2013. Watchtower aims for completion in late 2016.
Watchtower officials have called their move from Brooklyn historic. The organization has been based there since 1909 after moving from Pittsburgh. The buildings, though, grew inefficient in recent years. The move will also put the headquarters closer to a Watchtower farm and printing plant in Shawangunk.
Apartments for 1,000 residents
At Warwick, a 240-car visitors' garage is nearly complete. There are eight major structures planned, and all are to be in the foundation stage or beyond by August.
Of the 253 acres at the site off Long Meadow Road, about 41 will be used for the project.
Plans filed with the town show a series of green-roofed buildings for worship and offices. Others will provide laundry services and space for cooking/dining, infirmary, storage, vehicle maintenance and recreational uses.
Several apartment-style buildings will accommodate about 1,000 residents. No children will live at the headquarters.