Diane Valden is reporting for The Columbia Paper the Copake Economic Development Advisory Committee has created a plan to find a qualified developer to buy and renovate the former Roeliff Jansen Central School turn it into a “destination or resort hotel property.” Committee Chair Thomas Goldsworthy addressed the Copake Town Board at its May 13 public meeting, unveiling the proposal as he sought the board’s okay to move forward. The committee was created by the town board last year. Its mission is to promote sustainable economic development in Copake by encouraging and supporting existing businesses and attracting new business opportunities to the town. The former Roe Jan school was built in 1932 and an addition was constructed in 1962. The structure has more than 97,000-square-feet of space and is situated on 39.3 acres. The parcel is currently owned by a Bronx real estate company that invests in commercial buildings, Goldsworthy said. The structure has significantly deteriorated since it was vacated in 1999. It was formerly listed for sale for $2.9 million, but the price was recently reduced to $2.5 million, he said. “The property could ideally be developed as a 105-room hotel, with banquet and event space, restaurant and meeting rooms and fitness spa.” It “may also further be developed for new residences with hotel services, additional guest rooms or other amenities,” according to the committee's 14-page memorandum. Goldsworthy said the current owner just last week confirmed the property is for sale and the company is interested in hearing ideas that would lead to its purchase. The town board voted unanimously to authorize the committee to promote the hotel development opportunity at the Roe Jan School. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.