N.Y. town frowns on hotel for gays

HILLBURN, N.Y. (P) — The Motel-on-the-Mountain 'embarked on а new policy of catering to homosexuals yesterday and irate local residents said they feared it would change their community.

Some citizens threatened demonstrations outside the motel, which sits atop a large hill 30 miles northwest of New York City and advertised itself as the "ultimate resort for gays in the Northern States."

Local residents talked of enlisting the support of Anita Bryant, who led a successful campaign for repeal of a Miami-area ordinance prohibiting housing and job discrimination against homosexuals.

"I think they are over-reacting,"

said Thomas Esposito, 30, manager of the 100-unit motel. "I personally feel their fears are unwarranted."

The residents said they were concerned that the motel would lead to establishment of other homosexualoriented businesses and draw pornography dealers.

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Visible from several major highways on its site near the New YorkNew Jersey border, the motel was built nearly 22 years ago. Its attractive adaptation of Japanese architecture won praise for its beauty.

But the resort fell on financial hard times in recent years, and the current owner created consternation when he advertised the new policy

of serving as the complete all-private paradise for gays!"

Recent ads in New York City papers promise "gay life at its peak."

Brian Miele, Hillburn's part-time mayor, said my phone has been ringing for two weeks straight." He said there was little officials could do beyond seeing that zoning and building code requirements were 'met.