Rick Karlin in Capitol Confidential reports that the Maetreum of Cybele group in Palenville can keep their tax exemption from Catskill property taxes, the state Court of Appeals ruled on Tue., Nov. 18. The pagan group’s home, a converted vacation/boarding house, and surrounding property is used primarily for religious and charitable purposes, the court said. "Petitioner adequately established its entitlement to the RPTL 420-a exemption, as the proof at the trial established that petitioner "exclusively" utilized the property in furtherance of its religious and charitable purposes," the ruling said, agreeing with the Internal Revenue Service, and a previous court ruling. Five women live on the property, which used to be known as The Central House. Last winter the Federal Communications Commission granted a construction permit to the Maetreum of Cybele, Magna Mater, Inc., who hope to put WLPP-LP on 102.9-FM in Palenville. The group has until Jan. 27, 2017 to get on the air. The group claims their new signal will cover Catskill, Saugerties, and parts of Columbia County. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential. See the court's decision below.

Maetreum