Cooperstown public hearing

The Cooperstown Village Board held a public hearing regarding a new law requiring the use of a face mask on certain village sidewalks.

Evening with the village board unanimously approving a local law that would require the use of masks outside in certain portions of the village.

Under the new law people would be required to wear a mask or face covering while using the sidewalks on main street between fair street and pine boulevard, and on pioneer street from lake to church streets.

Cooperstown mayor ellen tillapaugh said the reason for law was that with outdoor dining and other barriers ...such as trees and park benches...there just wasn't enough space to maintain proper social distancing.

Prior to the vote, a public hearing was held allowing residents to voice their concerns about the new law.

Due to social distancing guidelines there were a limited number of seats available, but they were all filled to capacity.

Here's what some residents had to say about the village's mask mandate.

"as i understand it, new york state already passed a law requiring almost everyone to wear a mask in public.

So this proposed law to me is redundant, over-reaching, and an over reaction by the village board of trustees."

"we still have an influx of tourists coming in, and i believe if we don't do this, we're gong to see a big uptick in cases."

Other residents voiced concerns about the enforcement of the new law and the amount of the fine that would be levied against violators.

Coming up later more from cooperstown following a