Forks Township to Decide Fate of 'Cottage in the Woods'

Save it or demolish it?

When the gets together for its next meeting on June 21, it will choose one of those options for the house called the

For the past three years, this cottage at 700 Zucksville Road has sat vacant, awaiting its future after serving as the home of an Easton machine shop owner in the 1940s.

Recently, the Forks Area Arts Society has sought to use it for functions. The Forks Township Historical Society also made a pitch to supervisors to use it as the organization's home base.

At last week's supervisors meeting, Ellie Reismieyer, president of the Arts Society, asked for a status report about the building.

"Two months ago, I asked if we could use the cottage," Reismieyer said. "I want to know if anything has come of that."

Reismieyer even stated that she had a proposal to alleviate rehabilitation costs -- that she would contact contractors who might volunteer to do the work.

Public Works Director Mark Roberts said that he has "worked out some numbers" about maintenance and repair costs to compare with costs to demolish the building, which contains lead paint and mold in the basement.

Roberts agreed to walk through the property with Reismieyer.

Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss was hopeful that the building would be spared.

"Everyone really likes the cottage," Chuss said. "We may not have a choice. But if they're [arts society] willing to pay for it, then we'll throw everything on the table."