Oneonta Mayor: Bresee’s Renovations ‘Moving Rather Nicely’

The former Bresee's department store building has been under extensive renovations, and now the project moves inside for the winter.

"The project is moving along as it should be at this stage," Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller said. "Chip Klugo, who is the developer, has completed asbestos abatement for both the Dietz Street building and Bresee's. He has completely gutted the inside of the buildings to the extent they need to be. He's working roofs and windows are closed in as quickly as possible for this winter. Things are moving rather nicely."

While this project is a long-term benefit to downtown Oneonta, Judy Baker, co-owner of Teleky Jewelers, wants to let customers know, even though the scaffolding in front of their Dietz St. store is an inconvenience, it is business as usual.

Miller expects the scaffolding to come down within a few weeks.

"We do have customers calling wanting to know if we are open," Baker said. "We are open. Unfortunately the scaffolding for work on the building has to be part-way in front of our store. But we are open for business. You just have to walk through a small tunnel to get to our front door."