Trustees On Brookwood:
Thanks, But No Thanks
COOPERSTOWN – Despite the urging of a majority of people who spoke during the public comment period, the Village Board this evening voted 4-2 not to submit a $1 bid to assume responsibility for 11 acres of Brookwood Gardens, the Otsego Land Trust property overlooking Glimmerglass two miles north of the village limits.
The trustees then voted, 5-1, to urge the Town of Otsego, where Brookwood is located, or the County of Otsego or some other non-profit entity to assume ownership of the property and develop it or preserve it for the public benefit.
The discussion culminated a debate set in motion when the Land Trust issued an RFP (request for proposals), returnable by Sept. 30, asking for prospective buyers for the 11 acres on the north end of the 22-acre property, with the idea that revenues could be used to support activities on the 11 south-end acres.
That prompted resident Chip Northrup, River Street, to propose that the village offer to assume ownership of the property and, through canoe and kayak rentals, boat slips and other commercial activities, support the public ownership of one of the last pieces of land that provides public access to Otsego Lake.
Northrup offered to pay for the expensive demolition of the former Cook mansion on the north end, which – it now seems to be generally agreed – has deteriorated beyond repair.
On the first motion, Trustees Cindy Falk and Jim Dean voted nay. On the second motion, Dean voted nay, apparently out of loyalty to the first notice. Since there was no tie, Mayor Jeff Katz did not cast a vote, but it became apparent during the discussion that he was with the ayes on both.
