S
yracuse, N.Y. – A California developer plans to turn a former golf course on LaFayette Road into a 263‑home “lifestyle” community, but the project now needs a new partner after the landowner, B3R Investments, pulled out and is selling the 168‑acre site for $11 million.
Kassie Smith, founder and CEO of KS Global Development, had her master plan approved by the Syracuse Planning Commission this summer. The proposal includes a nine‑hole golf course, a lake, trails, a clubhouse, and a mix of single‑family homes and four‑plex townhomes. The development is aimed at workers drawn to the area by Micron Technology’s new semiconductor plant in Clay, which is expected to create thousands of jobs.
B3R Investments, an investment group based in Frisco, Texas, bought the property for $3.2 million three years ago. After withdrawing from a development agreement with Smith, the group is now looking to sell. Smith says B3R remains supportive of the project and Micron but follows a buy‑and‑sell land model. She is actively seeking a new investor who can purchase the land and replace B3R as her partner.
The change in partnership could delay construction, which Smith hopes to begin in spring 2026. The first homes would be ready for occupancy in late 2026, using modular construction to speed delivery. Model homes will be shown before the summer’s end for prospective buyers.
The project is the second large Onondaga County development facing a partner issue. Just last month, plans to redevelop the vacant ShoppingTown Mall in DeWitt stalled when a Syracuse group withdrew from a county agreement. County Executive Ryan McMahon said a new developer would be sought for ShoppingTown.
Micron’s promise of new jobs comes at a time when housing supply is tight and construction has slowed. County records show fewer new homes and apartments were built last year than in any of the previous 25 years, except for 2021. 2025 building‑permit data suggest the trend may continue.
LaFayette Hills Estates will be built on the former LaFayette Hills Golf & Country Club, which opened in 1923 and closed in 2013. The club was sold to Estates at New York LLC, a B3R entity, in 2022. The subdivision will be divided into three phases: the first two on the city side (103 and 160 homes, respectively) and a third on the town side featuring a nine‑hole golf course, clubhouse, fitness and event centers, and estate homes starting at $1 million. The town side will require additional approvals and has already had initial planning meetings with the town.
The master plan received a 4‑0 vote from the Planning Commission in August. Two residents raised concerns about traffic and water pressure during the public hearing, but the commission concluded the development would not have a significant adverse environmental impact. Additional site‑plan approvals are still pending for each phase.
In May, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $3 million state grant to extend city sewers to the site, supporting the project’s infrastructure needs. The planned homes will range from 1,600‑square‑foot four‑plex townhomes priced at $350,000–$400,000 to 2,100‑square‑foot single‑family homes priced at $425,000–$475,000. Buyers will have multiple floor‑plan and finish options.
Amenities include a lake with a beach and picnic areas, a clubhouse overlooking the lake, an outdoor event space, bike and walking trails, and play and dog parks. Major trees from the original golf course will be preserved to maintain the area’s historic character.
Smith also plans a rent‑to‑own program for Micron employees moving to the region. Under this option, buyers can rent the homes for two years, with part of the rent applied toward a down payment.
The project’s success hinges on securing a new development partner quickly to keep the 2026 construction timeline on track.
