Rockland Post Desk
NEW CITY, NY — The future of the Paramount Country Club may soon look very different, as developers have revised their long-discussed housing proposal, scaling back the plan in an effort to win approval from Clarkstown officials.
Originally envisioned as a 247-unit development, the project has been reduced to 230 units. The mix now includes 128 townhomes, 70 condominiums, 30 “golf villas,” and just two single-family homes. The developers, Dells Inc., representing the Mandelbaum family, are seeking a zoning change from R‑160, which allows for very low-density construction, to R‑22 to permit the denser residential layout. The Town Board has referred the request to its Planning Board, where it will face careful review.
Developers have emphasized community benefits in hopes of easing concerns. While the plan does not include a formal affordable housing program, some units are expected to be reserved for first responders such as firefighters and EMS personnel. The proposal also includes limited public access to the golf course, along with amenities such as pools, tennis and pickleball courts, dining, and a gym. A portion of the project funds is earmarked for improvements at nearby Zukor Park, and the developers have committed to deed-restricting roughly two-thirds of the property to remain as open space.
According to Steven Lapper, president of Paramount, the adjustments reflect both community feedback and market realities. “There’s a significant demand for aging-in-place residential development,” Lapper said. “Residents who want to sell larger single-family homes and stay in the community are limited. The county is at or near peak.” He also stressed that the reduction in residential count is meant to make the proposal more acceptable to town officials, though the final unit count and other details remain under discussion.
Town officials have been measured in their response. Supervisor George Hoehmann noted that “there is no formal proposal before the town to evaluate,” while also recognizing the property’s historical significance. “It’s historic in nature. We absolutely would want to ensure that the golf course is forever protected as the jewel that it is,” he said. Earlier this year, the Town Board approved easing certain wetland buffer restrictions, signaling some openness to carefully managed development, though concerns remain about setting a precedent for future projects on conservation-zoned land.
Community reaction has been mixed. Local residents seeking smaller, modern homes expressed cautious optimism. “I’d love to stay in this neighborhood but downsize from my big house,” said one long-time New City resident. “This could be a good fit for families like mine, and the amenities are nice for older adults.” Others, however, worry that the density and traffic could change the character of the area. “I support preserving open space,” said a nearby homeowner. “Even with fewer units, it still feels like too much development for this historic site.”
If approved, the development could generate more than $3 million in annual tax revenue for Clarkstown and its schools, a key point in the developers’ pitch. Yet the project still faces multiple hurdles, including the necessary zoning change, environmental review under SEQRA, and scrutiny over traffic, water, and other community impacts. Details such as access to the golf course and the number of units for first responders remain to be finalized.
As Paramount and Clarkstown officials continue discussions, the project reflects the ongoing tension in Rockland County between preserving open space and accommodating housing demand, particularly for residents looking to downsize without leaving their community. With revisions aimed at balancing development and preservation, the next several months will be crucial in determining whether the iconic country club can evolve while maintaining its historic character.