Fraydun Manocherian, a Manhattan developer who owns 800 acres and wants to build 50 homes in the town, still objects to the plan, despite recent amendments, according to a letter from his lawyer.…
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short-term rentals
Town of Otsego residents who operate short-term rentals can now see the revised wording on that subject in a new land-use plan that could impact property owners.…
In “The Freeman’s Journal” dated August 20, 2026, I read that the Town of Otsego may allow grandfathering of existing businesses but only until the grandfathered property is sold. (“Town Softens Language on Subdivision Acreage, Short-term Rentals” by Debra Moffitt.)…
An attorney representing a Manhattan developer who wants to build 126 homes west of Otsego Lake says Otsego town officials attempted to change land-use rules without following procedures for public notice and open meetings.…
The Town of Otsego will hold a public hearing this Wednesday, June 10 on the 2026 Draft Comprehensive Plan, a document that will guide land use, housing and development decisions for years to come when adopted.…
...a bloated tourist community turns into something like a theme park. Cooperstown hasn’t reached that point, obviously, but it’s getting closer. Tourist overdevelopment of the type we sadly see elsewhere has been increasingly evident in our area for some years. The time to take action is now, before it gets too bad and we lose control.…
Edmond Rodriguez, my brother-in-law’s nephew, was in several Glimmerglass Festival performances this season. Like many young artists, he was housed 45 minutes away—at a college dorm in Herkimer. The lack of nearby housing has become chronic for artists and arts patrons alike, as chronicled in a recent “New York Times” article...…
Letter from Chip Northrup STR Loophole a Real Concern We greatly appreciate the Zoning Board’s unanimous rejection of the absentee owner’s attempt to turn 40 Lake Street into a transient rooming house. Transient housing would have ruined the neighbors’ quiet enjoyment of their homes. Susan Snell has proven to be an excellent chairman of the zoning board.…
Letter from Celia Oxley ZBA Correct in 40 Lake Decision There was much public opposition to the granting of a Special Use Permit for short-term rentals at 40 Lake Street. The Zoning Board of Appeals was correct to deny the permit at a hearing on March 7. From the board’s discussion after the hearing was closed to the public, it seemed that the issue of incidental use was paramount to their decision to deny. The village zoning laws require short-term…
The Partial Observer by William Waller Village Residents OpposeShort-term Rental Plans for40 Lake Street with Good Reason The Village of Cooperstown has changed and is still changing. Fifty years ago, there was one baseball souvenir store and house prices were reasonable. Houses were homes to families; kids walked to school and played in the parks. Things change and that change brought more and more visitors, capitalizing on the nearby baseball camps, the rise of tourism in the entire region, and…
