Dispute over downtown Cobleskill landmark to go to trial

The three large plate-glass windows on the Newberry Square building in downtown Cobleskill have been boarded up since they were mysteriously broken on the night of March 1.

A trial set Monday for May 28 is expected to determine whether boarded-up windows on the Newberry Square building at 584 Main St. violate state and village laws requiring that windows be kept in repair.

Village Judge Richard Hamm scheduled a nonjury trial for building owner Charalambos “Harry” Ioannou at the request of Ioannou’s attorney, Edward Wildove.

Village Codes Enforcement Officer Michael Piccolo cited Ioannou on March 3 because he replaced three approximately 6-foot by 8-foot plate-glass windows with wooden panels, instead of glass, after the windows were mysteriously broken the night of March 1.

Through his attorney, Ioannou, of Charlton, pleaded innocent to the misdemeanor charge Monday. A conviction could result in fines of up to $1,000 per day the violation continues, as well as jail time.

Hamm scheduled the trial after Wildove questioned the village’s interpretation of state fire prevention and building codes.

Ioannou, whose corporation, Newberry Square LLC, owns the landmark brick building in the downtown business and historic district, has said the corporation has no money to replace the windows on the mostly vacant building.