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An investigation is underway following two fires at the former Nevele resort property in Wawarsing. The first fire occurred on Wednesday (November 12) at a vacant house on Arrowhead Road, while the second blaze erupted on Thursday (November 13), destroying what remained of the structure. According to Ellenville Fire Chief Jody Krom, the Ulster County Arson Task Force is investigating both incidents. The fires were not related, and there were no injuries reported in either case.
The property, which lacks electrical service, has been the site of multiple fires in recent years. Earlier this year, a fire caused extensive damage to the main building of the resort, as reported by Daily Freeman. In March 2024, another blaze destroyed the century-old Winter Lodge, leaving only a stone fireplace standing.
The Nevele resort, once a prominent destination, was sold in September 2023 to 1100 Arrow LLC for $5 million. Plans by New York City-based developer Somerset Partners include demolishing the remnants of the former Borscht Belt hotel and constructing new lodging and a 126-unit housing development. Despite these plans, the site has remained largely unused since its last operation as the Nevele Grande in 2009.
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office has indicated that there will be increased patrols in the area to prevent further incidents. The cause of the fires remains undetermined, but possibilities include arson or squatters, according to Chief Krom.