Land donation to benefit Brookwood Point
A recent land donation to the Otsego Land Trust will be used to benefit the preservation of Brookwood point, the former 22-acre Cook Estate located on Otsego Lake. Jim and Eileen Dean of Cooperstown donated the land, a lot located on upper Main Street, to help fund the long-term preservation of Brookwood. Known as a “tradeland” gift, the real estate donation is not intended for long-term ownership by the land trust. The land will be sold with the proceeds going to support land trust operations, in this case Brookwood.
Several years ago, Jim Dean became aware that a portion of Brookwood might be sold. He then became more interested in the issue, spoke out publicly through local newspapers, and soon became part of a small group of people who were already working to save Brookwood. “The idea of the land donation came to me during one of our Brookwood meetings,” said Dean. I felt that we needed to make a meaningful gesture to show that we were serious in our efforts to save Brookwood. We were big on the meaningful part, but short on the gesture side. As we pondered our situation, I suggested that I would be willing to donate a small parcel of land that I owned, in the Village of Cooperstown, as our contribution to show good faith and to bring something to the table.”
“Jim’s generous offer took everyone by surprise. At first I thought he was kidding, but he was serious,” said Frey. “I think everyone was rather stunned,” said Ron Bishop, “but in the end, we were very excited that the land donation would get a serious fundraising effort to a terrific start.”
And Jim followed through on his good intentions. “My wife Eileen, co-owner of the property, generously agreed to support my offer to the Land Trust in support of Brookwood,” said Dean, and the parcel of land owned by the Deans was transferred to the Otsego Land Trust at the end of 2010. Otsego Land Trust has not yet determined when it will be for sale.
“The directors and staff of Otsego Land Trust are very excited to receive this generous donation from Jim and Eileen Dean,” said Harry Levine, Chairman. “With this tradeland donation—the first of its kind, the Dean’s action on behalf of Brookwood Point is exemplary. Jim and Eileen are demonstrating the kind of innovation and substantial support necessary for Otsego Land Trust to fulfill community aspirations for this remarkable site.”
Eileen said that she hopes that this gift will encourage others to come forward to provide financial support for the Brookwood property. “Unless such support is forthcoming, the Land Trust will have to make some difficult choices.” Peter Hujik, executive director confirmed that the long term ownership of Brookwood must not place a financial burden on Otsego Land Trust that would have a negative impact on its conservation mission for the entire Otsego region.
Over the past six months, a Brookwood Citizens’ Committee was formed by the Otsego Land Trust. The Committee has been gathering information about Brookwood and is hosting a series of community meetings that will explore the future of property. The second of three community meetings will be held later this spring. For more information about the planning process for Brookwood Point, please contact Peter Hujik, Otsego Land Trust executive director, at (607) 547-2211.
