As guests and employees returned to Kutsher’s resort yesterday for the first time since January, speculation is running high about the future of one of the last of the Borscht Belt’s famed hotels.A big-time, Miami Beach, Fla., real-estate developer is in talks with the Kutshers to buy the resort and golf course, which has been in the family for 100 years. Kutsher’s and the Villa Roma are the only two family run hotels left from the Catskills’ golden era of tourism. The resort property, including the hotel, golf course and 310 acres, is on the market for $22 million. The entire property, including the Sports Academy and 1,438 acres, is for sale for $50 million.

On Monday, representatives of WSG Development Company and Kutsher’s owner Mark Kutsher held a private meeting with Thompson town officials. Company reps told town officials they want to buy the golf course and hotel, and lease other portions of the property. The preliminary plan would demolish a portion of the hotel and build “extended-stay” rooms – basically condos.

Broker Steve Perfit said the Kutsher’s property hasn’t been sold.

“It is still actively in play,” he said, noting that other developers have taken a look at the property and met with town officials.

Mark Kutsher also downplayed the meeting.

“I don’t deny the meeting,” Kutsher said on Wednesday, the eve of his reopening for the season. “I am opening up. I am trying to run a hotel.”

(Record On Line)