Seward Announces $100k Village Restoration

On the porch of the Cooperstown Village Hall-Library, State Senator James L. Seward announced a $100,000 capital grant for the village’s restoration of the village hall.

"This is about property tax relief," Seward said. "It’s about helping a local government maintain its offices for the vital services it provides to local taxpayers without hitting the village taxpayers’ wallets. In addition, we’re preserving a building that is significant to the village’s Main Street and which at one time housed the first Baseball Hall of Fame exhibits."

"Senator Seward comes through for taxpayers, and for local governments facing higher costs in these challenging times," said Mayor Carol Waller. "We appreciate Senator Seward’s attention to our need to maintain our village office as we seek to keep Main Street vibrant and give our departments and the library a safe, secure building."

The village office was constructed in 1899 and was designed by noted architect Ernest Flagg. It was donated to the village in the early 1900s by the Clark family. Originally a gymnasium, it housed exhibits that became the initial displays at the Baseball Hall of Fame. It currently houses village departments like police, treasurer, village justice, clerk, the public library and the Cooperstown Art Association.

Village officials said the building needs repairs to the roof, the porch, restoration of the exterior and interior and updates to electrical, plumbing and heating. Roof and skylight work alone will cost $700,000.

The funding is from the state’s capital program for economic assistance.