Building a Destination
Waterways Resort Sparks Renaissance
02/20/2009 By Jim Gill

The Town of Belfast, New York with a population of 1,800 residents is on the verge of becoming a major destination for recreation and cultural activities. An estimated 80 million dollars will be invested by the Sawyer Group in developing a true 5 star resort center in Belfast with amenities catering to most types of lifestyles. Belfast is located off Interstate 86 on Rt. 19 in the center of Allegany County; the name is derived from the large amount of settlers of Irish descent whom started arriving in 1804. Once a thriving mill town with water power from the Genesee River, today the local economy is mainly driven by small business owners. The picturesque Genesee River flows northward through the northeast corner of the town eventually emptying into Lake Ontario near Rochester.

For the past 30 years the Sawyer Group have been developing properties in Ireland, Spain, and most recently the luxurious Lighthouse Golf Resort in one of Europe’s best destinations the Black Sea area in Bulgaria. In addition to property development, the group owns a TV station in Sofia, Bulgaria covering all of Eastern Europe and Sawyers Winery marketed under the “Just Wine” label.
In 2008 CEO Roy Sawyer and COO Richard Patton from the Sawyer Group felt the time had arrived to develop properties in the United States. With a goal of locating in a 4-season area offering activities 12 months of the year and within driving distance from highly populated areas they focused on the Western New York area. In Allegany County nestled in the foothills of the Allegany Mountains, the rural countryside interspersed with unique villages, numerous streams connecting to the Genesee River, the Town of Belfast with a 36 hole championship golf course available for purchase proved to be their ideal location.

Other key factors involved in their decision were easy accessibility by vehicle from Buffalo, Rochester, Binghamton, Corning, Hamilton, Toronto, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Sawyer and Patton estimate 70% of the home buyers will come from these areas and the other 30% are expected to come from Europe.

The West Course built in 1964 and the adjacent East Course built in 2001 provides a challenge for all levels of golfers and will be the centerpiece of the development. Memberships for homeowners will be based on the square footage of the home they purchase, memberships and green fees will also be available to the general public.

Additional spring, summer and autumn activities will include Horseback riding trails and riding lessons, tennis courts, fishing on the lakes, ponds and Genesee River.

During the winter months home owners and renters have access to Cross Country skiing on site, free shuttle service and lift passes for nearby Swain and Ellicottville, luxury spa center with indoor heated pool, steam rooms, saunas, nighttime entertainment, and shuttle service to the casino. Free shuttle service to and from the Buffalo and Rochester airports will be available on a year round basis. Owners, renters and guests at Waterways will find numerous additional 4 season activities throughout the area. (visit Discover Allegany County.com).

A new clubhouse and 18,000 square foot convention center will be constructed to hold up to 250 people for weddings, banquets, conventions and meetings, new gardens with water fountains will provide the optimum exterior setting for memorable photos. Plans include three new restaurants and bars on site. Construction will also take place on the East and West golf courses focusing on bunkers and fairways.

200 resort style homes will be built alongside the fairways and lakes, the single and multi level homes will range from $215,000 upwards to $750,000, some town homes are expected to be included. General Manager of New England Cedar Homes Simon Holliday mentioned within several weeks of breaking ground (March or April) 4-5 model homes will be in place, all of the high performance homes will be constructed off site so construction will not interfere with the resort. The uniquely styled timber built homes carry a 10 year warranty with energy costs 38.6% less than a standard benchmark home.

Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Director Sherri Grugel mentioned the project is expected to add 60-70 jobs, and the influx of additional tourists and homeowners will help existing businesses as well as creating numerous opportunities for new business ventures in Allegany County. Grugel feels with all the area has to offer including Letchworth State Park, Allegany State Park, river walks along the Genesee River, Finger Lakes wineries, art communities and the eco-lodge resort “Pollywog Holler, numerous hiking and biking trails, that “their time has come.” In 2008 Allegany County generated $25 million in tourism money.

For more information on Waterways visit their website www.waterwaygolfresort.com.