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Council Debates Razing,

Restoring Oneonta Ford

Members Apply For Restore NY Grant

To Tear Down Hulk At Market, Chestnut

Sandy Mathes. CEO of Otsego Now, explains that the building at 27 Market St. should be demolished , but the new structure will incorporate the look of downtown Oneonta. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Sandy Mathes. CEO of Otsego Now, explains that the building at 27 Market Street must be demolished, but the new structure will incorporate the look of downtown Oneonta. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)

By LIBBY CUDMORE • for www.AllOTSEGO.com

Nancy Powell, City Clerk, reads a letter from Karyl Sage pleading with the city not to destroy 27 Market Street.
Nancy Powell, City Clerk, reads a letter from Karyl Sage pleading with the city not to destroy 27 Market Set.

ONEONTA – There is no saving the Oneonta Ford building.

"We've had people inspect it and structurally, it cannot support the additional two, three floors as part of the Market Street project," said Sandy Mathes, CEO of Otsego Now.

Mathes was responding in part to a letter sent by Karyl Sage and read by City Clerk Nancy Powell during the public hearing on Common Council's intent to submit an application for a Restore NY grant with the intent of using the grant to purchase and demolish the building at 27 Market St.

"Demolition is not always the best answer," Sage's letter read.  "Look at Bresee's and the Greater Oneonta Historical Society.  I ask that you consider rehab of the Oneonta Ford building.  It could very well become the center for the Food and Beverage hub."

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