Raze Cottage in the Woods, Supervisor Says

The cost to refurbish the Cottage in the Woods could reach $50,000 as many predicted a while back when a decision was made to spare it from the wrecking ball.

And that cost is too much, Supervisor Bob Egolf says, for Forks Township to bear.

"I think it should be razed," Egolf said.

Public Works Director Mark Roberts gave supervisor a status update on the controversial building on Zucksville Road that residents came out to fight to save last fall.

He said that broken windows were replaced, gutters were installed, doors handles were fixed, the roof was repaired and painting has almost been completed.

But the costs for mold remediation linger.

And while the township had budgeted $15,000 for work on the cottage, the remediation may cost much more.

Roberts said the township has spent almost $4,000 and that remediation work could be in the $23,500 range.

He also said the kitchen needs to be completely gutted and that drains must be installed.

"Are we $40,000 away?" Supervisor Dan Martyak asked.

Egolf also wondered about getting the building in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, which would be costsly.

But Zoning Officer Tim Weis assured Egolf the building wouldn't need those code upgrades.

Supervisor John O'Neil said the township board might have to review its decision.

"Whether we save it or not, right now we have to raise taxes," he said.

Martyak, though, preached patience.

"We're not doing anything until we get costs," he said.