A group of Neo-Pagans, known as the Maetreum of Cybele will keep their property tax exemption, with the state Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruling that it was properly granted and the group’s home, a converted vacation/boarding house and surrounding property is used primarily for religious and charitable purposes.

The town of Catskill had been in court seeking property taxes, alleging they shouldn’t have an exemption although they had been granted tax exempt status by the IRS.

About five women live on the property, which used to be known as The Central House. They say is akin to a convent and they have provided housing to homeless transexuals as well.

Here is the decision:

The COA also concluded that a set of apartments attached to the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse a non-profit theater group in Auburn can also keep its exemption: