Judge rejects tax exemption for Buddhist-owned golf course

WSTM.com, June 11, 2006

WALKER VALLEY, N.Y. -- A state judge has rejected a Buddhist sect's bid for a property tax exemption on the 42-acre golf course it bought in the Ulster County town of Shawankgunk.

Judge Michael Lynch ruled the World Buddhist Ch'an Jing Center failed to make the claim that the former Walker Valley Golf Course was being used for a religious purpose.

At stake are more than 30-thousand dollars in property taxes.

Shawangunk Assessor Curt Schoeberl, who first rejected the religious exemption request, says the organization bought more land than it uses for religious purposes.

Attorney Kevin Preston says an appeal is possible.
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