I am part of a tremendous group that worked tremendous hours to sell the Nevele Grande. In a period of time when so many hotels are experiencing tremendous losses in revenue, why blame the seller? What are you gaining by blaming anyone? Who in Ellenville has the funds needed to revive the Catskill region? Who in the region has the money and is spending it to re-create what you had years ago?

I am so disappointed in reading what I read. I get anti-Semitic comments because I am Jewish, which say that the hotel 'will be a dump.' I hear and see comments that the current owner is filing for permits — whose business is this? Why are these busy-bodies not looking for ways to welcome investors? What about gentrification? Cities are bouncing back, money is pouring into areas, to assist redevelopment. If I was buying this hotel, and I saw the serious tone of some of these people against what I was willing to invest in, I would re-think my purchase. I think all should fear that.

The Friar Tuck Inn is now for sale. It is not in the same part of the region. It, too, has issues with the recession. If we are to attract decent business and rebuild, why not be optimistic? I am — and I worked hard to try to help Ellenville. The knocking down of the Nevele will not be the answer. If the buyer wants to do that, it's their business. If they want to paint the buildings pink with green polka dots, it's their money and their business. If you, the decent citizen, the kind, hardworking citizen in Ellenville, who wants to see the return of people, the return of life, the return of fine stores and restaurants to the area exist, show the world and the buyers in the world that you care enough to put your best foot forward and extend a hand of help to these investors of time and money.

Joel Hoffman invested time and money. His hotel is still three stars in its ratings. He is guilty of being in the middle of a serious economic crisis. He spent a lot of money and he is not necessarily getting his money back. He is being stabbed in the back for trying to run a business. I read the press on the sale when he bought the hotel. He wanted to make it a special place. I see that he had hopes and dreams for the hotel. He should not be personally marred by this, in my opinion. He should not be bashed for not having the money to do more.

I have never known him in the past. It has been only a few weeks since we met. We have spoken and I have never heard him be anything but sad for the hotel he wanted to run and create. Whatever he did, why not look for good and take the negatives and make a positive? Some in the media wrote that he and I were business partners. Nothing is a bigger lie.

So in the interest of a greater and more utilized Catskill region, let's unite and create a kind environment for the new owner, and not show this vengeful anger. Would anyone invest money in an area where this anger exists? I hope that none of you hurt the chance for a New Nevele, as I read all, and I am sure the buyer does as well. What will you have succeeded in doing if you chase these buyers away? Let's wait and see what your efforts do for Ellenville. I know what I am trying to do. I know what the new buyers' intents are. Don't ruin the future with vicious attacks on anybody.