Empty Oneonta Hotel

Thursday, Judge Rules

City Hall Plans To Work With OFO, DSS

To Ensure Tenants Will Have Place to Stay

By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

COOPERSTOWN – County Judge John Lambert, presiding in state Supreme Court here, a few minutes ago ruled the former Oneonta Hotel must be vacated by Thursday.

Sheriff’s deputies will deliver eviction notices Friday to any tenants remaining in the five-story 195 Main St., which was declared unsafe by the city’s Board of Public Service in January 2017.

“Ultimately, the judge recognized the imminent danger and took action,” said Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig, who attended the session.

He said the city will be working with the county Department of Social Services, Opportunities for Otsego and other agencies to ensure tenants have places to live.

Co-owner Melania Pervu conferred with her lawyer during the session, but did not testify.

Another hearing is planned for 9 a.m. March 20 on contempt of court allegations and other issues in the city’s order to show cause.    “The case will wrap up then,” said the judge.