Watchtower buys former motel

Group may also purchase site in Tuxedo

Times Herald-Record, New York/March 22, 2014

By James Walsh

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.

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