The face of Main Street Middleburgh continues to change.
The former Good Earth building should soon have a new owner and there are big plans for the two buildings.
Eric Masterson told village board members Monday that he and his wife are in the process of working with attorneys to buy the buildings and with no issues, the sale should be finalized by the end of the week.
When the sale is complete, Masterson, who works in construction, said plans are to take down the old wooden building and rehabilitate an apartment.
There are no immediate plans to replace the wooden building, according to Mr. Masterson. He will leave a portion of the foundation to prevent it from becoming a parking lot. He hopes to have the building down and the apartment completed by the end of the year.
Board members were very pleased with the plans.
"Get it down before it falls down," commented Trustee Bob Tinker about the wooden building.
"We are very excited," added Mayor Matthew Avitabile. "If we can help, we will."
Eventually, possibly by next fall, Ms. Masterson plans to open a market on the first floor that will carry local Schoharie County goods including vegetables and frozen meats along with deli items.
The Mastersons, who live locally, have applied for grants and have been contacted by SALT about further aid. The buildings were heavily damaged in the August 2011 flood.
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In other action, board members:
• Agreed to hold a public hearing on July 24 at 10am on local laws on unmowed grass and loitering.
_ Heard that the county is putting a skim coat on Clauverwie Road and will follow with a complete rehab project on the road when the stream bank project is done.
• Heard that a large Welcome to Middleburgh sign will be put up when there is final approval from the state DOT.
• Made final plans to erect the Timothy Murphy Park sign. The park will also get a new parking lot.
• Heard codes officer Lloyd Stannard say he has gotten plans from an engineer about the work to be done on the building on Main Street that suffered a partial rear wall collapse last month.
_ Heard that progress has been made in the new pharmacy and the move of the Olde Corner Store to Main Street. Board members agreed to give a $5,000, zero-interest loan to the owner of the Corner Store.
• Heard that Railroad Avenue and Wells Avenue by the town hall, Chestnut Lane, and part of Middlefort Road will be paved this summer. New catch basins will also be installed. Posts will be installed to prevent parking on sections of Chestnut Lane.