Judge Dismisses Oneonta Dietz St. Lofts Lawsuit

The Dietz St. Lofts project in downtown Oneonta can now proceed after Otsego County Supreme Court Judge Michael Coccoma dismissed a lawsuit brought against the city to halt the construction of artists’ lofts and middle-income housing as part of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. According to a press release from the city, the lawsuit was filed by Town of Oneonta resident and Oneonta business owner Johna Peachin and others claiming that the project would impact their quality of life and negatively impact their business. Peachin and the others that filed the lawsuit claimed that the project would obstruct their views, lengthen their walk to exercise at the YMCA, and to cause their customers to walk further to access their offices.

Judge Coccoma commented, “the conclusion is inescapable that the Planning Commission identified the relative areas of concern (including parking); it took a hard look at them; and it provided a reasonable elaboration of the basis for its determination”.

Coccoma's ruling upholds the site plan approval to the Lofts on Dietz Street project and waives any additional parking requirements.

For more information on the Lofts on Dietz Street project visit www.oneonta.ny.us/lofts-dietz-project.