HARTWICK, NY – A four-story Hampton Inn & Suites in Hartwick is one step closer to becoming a reality following a town Planning Board meeting on Tuesday.

The Board voted to approve the site plan submitted by the developers.

This despite previous objections from the Hartwick Fire Department.

They say they don’t have the proper equipment to fight a fire in a structure that size and would have to rely on the Cooperstown and Oneonta fire departments for a ladder truck to reach the upper floors.

“We’ve had a lot of research since then,” said Planning Board Co-Chair Gregory North.

“A lot of reports from engineers, and national fire code regulations. The requirements for the sprinkler system in the building are equal to a much higher building. It’s safer than your average four-story building.”

Along with the changes made to alleviate the fire department’s concerns, the developers will also donate $10,000 to the town for the purchase of firefighting equipment to properly ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.