Schoharie Holds Firm on Permit Renewal

SCHOHARIE - Last Tuesday, the Schoharie Village Board convened during their regular monthly meeting to discuss potentially waiving their building permit renewal fee for the Old Stone Fort.

The historical society that runs the museum had previously gotten in contact with the Board last month regarding their annex that is currently under construction. They cited that the fee, which rolls in at around $5,500 or half of their original permit, was too much to keep up with on top of other rising costs.

The Board had deliberated shortly during their last meeting, but due to some members being excused, Mayor Colleen Henry had tabled the matter in order to discuss it with every member, and they resumed the conversation on Tuesday.

While Mayor Henry and Jeff Palmer were both in favor of helping the Old Stone Fort, Deputy Mayor Peter Johnson floated the idea of a compromise in which the fee would be only a quarter instead of half of the original permit, and even then he had some reservations.

“If we make a policy, we’re kind of stuck with it,” he said, noting that they couldn’t show preferential treatment toward the Old Stone Fort.

Member Sal Medak agreed, although he wanted to see the project’s dollar amount. When the Board thought it was about a two million dollar project, he was staunchly against waiving anything.

“Our fee is miniscule compared to their other costs,” Mr. Medak said. “Our taxpayers take the hit with these discounts, and I don’t think that’s right. If someone can’t afford to finish construction, they shouldn’t have started.”

When discussions concluded, Mr. Medak started an affirmative resolution to say that they will not lower the fee for any building permit renewal. And in a roll call vote, the motion passed 3-2 with Deputy Mayor Johnson and Mr. Palmer voting against it.

As such, the Old Stone Fort will be obligated to pay the $5,500 fee if they want to see the annex finished, or otherwise risk the project coming to an early close.