NEWS IN BRIEF

4-16-10

Planned Since ’03, Bassett Begins Work To Add 118 Parking Spaces
COOPERSTOWN – Construction is expected to start by month’s end on 118 new parking spaces around Bassett Hospital’s Bassett Hall (64 spaces) and Harrison House (54).  Completion is expected by August.
Under consideration since 2003, the project includes Bassett upgrading village storm drains and water lines in the vicinity.
The tennis courts located behind Bassett Hall will be removed, and a retaining wall built at the Susquehanna Avenue end to mitigate noise and headlight intrusion on neighboring houses.  At Harrison House, the spaces will be on either side of the building, and the landscaping out front will be renewed.

Pickwick’s Shuts As Owner Faces Charges
MILFORD – Pickwick’s Motorsports has closed while owner Scott D. Pickwick deals with several felony counts, including one where he sold a customer’s boat for $3,600 and provided an inaccurate bill of sale, according to the county Sheriff’s Department.
He faces 11 charges, ranging from third-degree grand larceny to altering odometers, a misdemeanor, according to the press release.
Police said he diverted $13,000 in document fees from 300 customers, and overcharged 40 customers $2,300 in DMV registration fees.
He was arraigned in Milford Town Court and was released on $3,000 bail.  He faces up to 26 years in prison, according to police.

County Hosts Land-Use Training Classes
The county County Planning Department is hosting three land-use training workshops at The Meadows.  To register, call Joy Garner at 547-4225.  The sessions are 7-9 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 21, Addressing Housing Concerns Through Land Use Regulations.
• Wednesday, April 28, Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and  The Effects of FEMA Flood Map Changes on Your Community.
• Wednesday, May 5, The Status of GIS Services in Otsego County, and Transportation Topics Related to Heavy Industry.

USDA Grants Support ‘Buy Local’ Efforts
Two USDA grant programs to promote “buy local” efforts are available again this year, according to the state Department of Agriculture & Markets:
• 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (application due May 17), to enhance the long-term viability of specialty-crop businesses.  Minimum $30,000 for selected projects.
For more details, call (518) 457-7076, or check www.agmkt.state.ny.us/RFPS.html or by contacting the Department at 518-457-7076.
• Regional “Buy Local” Campaign Development Program (applications due June 3), to help promote local farm products.  $13,400 available per region.

Master Gardeners Offer pH Soil Testing
Gardeners may drop off soil samples at local libraries for a week, beginning Earth Day (Thursday, April 22) to be tested by the county Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners.
Libraries are participating in Cherry Valley, Cooperstown, Edmeston, Gilbertsville, Hartwick, Milford, Morris, Oneonta, Otego, Richfield Springs, Springfield, Unadilla and Worcester. 
For a $3 charge, soil will be tested for pH level, with results returned by early May.

News In Brief is being revived, replacing Area Briefs, for news and items that are too detailed for a calendar item but require less than a full story.  Please send submissions to  info@thefreemansjournal.com