"Cottage in Woods" Decision Tonight

Tonight, it's for all the marbles.

The fate of the controversial "Cottage in the Woods" on Zucksville Road is expected to be decided by the Forks Township Board of Supervisors at its meeting Thursday night.

After months of debate and discussion, the bottom line comes down to whether township officials want to spend possibly up to $70,000 to refurbish the 700 Zucksville Road township-owned property.

Or is it best to spend maybe a seventh of that and tear down the building, which has been invaded by mold.

Spend $10,000 to demolish it or between $50,000 and $70,000 to spare it?

It's a difficult decision for any supervisor.

For one thing, about six months or so ago, the cottage wasn't even on anyone's radar.

"I'm surprised at the response," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said. "For years, it just sat there and no one said a word about it. Now, people say that we can't tear that down."

The township has dealt with some tough financial issues over the past year, including an amphitheater and a public works building that went over budget.

So is saving the cottage worth taxpayer dollars?

Ellie Reismeier, who launched a Save the Cottage Committee a few months back, believes she can raise some funds to save it.

She plans on bringing a financial proposal to supervisors Thursday night, outlining contributions that might ease the taxpayer burden.

But will she have enough to cover costs to eliminate the mold, fix the roof and make other needed repairs to the 1,100-square-foot home?

While the cottage dates to the 1940s, this still isn't a place where George Washington slept in terms of historic significance.

The supervisors have a difficult decision, one that they have put off for months as public opinion built and momentum built up to keep the cottage.

"There is a demand," Chuss said. "If this is what people want, then we should try to find a way to provide it."