In a recent letter to the board of trustees and zoning board of appeals, Karen Cadwalader stated she and her son Stephen, both of Cooperstown, have entered into a contractual agreement to purchase the property.

``We propose to reopen Woodside Hall as an adult home, which is how the property was used from 1965 to October 2006,’’ her letter states.

The letter also states the home will be operated as a for profit business and will be locally owned and managed.

Cadwalader is seeking any required approval from the village so they may proceed with the process and submit a certificate of need to the NYS Department of Health to begin the certification process for the facility.

``It is vital to the success of our venture that we have the approval and support of the village. We welcome community input to ensure that Woodside Hall meets the needs of the community as well as the legal requirements of the NYS Department of Health,’’ she states in her letter.

Woodside Hall operated in village with a special permit which was issued many years ago by the zoning board of appeals, according to Susan Snell, the current chairwoman of the ZBA.

Snell said she and zoning enforcement officer Al Keck are continuing to research the original permit, but believes her board will not play a role in the current permitting process. Woodside Hall is in the most restrictive R1-A zone, but an adult home is an allowable use with a special permit.

Snell said it is likely Cadwalader’s request will go directly to the board of trustees which would have the option to affirm a continuing special permit or go through the special permit process if the operation is substantially changed from the original permit.

One potential issue could be the size of the facility and number of residents it serves, she said, adding that more research is needed to try and determine what was originally proposed when the special permit was issued.

According to Cadwalader’s letter, Woodside Hall was certified for occupancy by the Department of Health for 55 residents in 2006 and was closed because of the change in ownership of the property, not because of any problem with the building or staff.

``We do not plan to alter the previous certification request and will apply for certification for a 55-bed facility, as was the previous adult home,’’ the letter stated.

They estimate they would eventually employ as many as 25 people.

Mayor Carol Waller said Wednesday that she had spoken with Karen Cadwalader about the plan and told her she was ``very happy.’’

``There is a need for it. I’m happy someone has the energy and the will to do it,’’ Waller said. ``I would have hated to see the building fall into disrepair.’’

Keck said the proposal will be on the agenda for the next board of trustees meetings scheduled for Tues., May 22.

``The residents will be senior adults that want to live in a home that provides meals, supports their access to medical care and is an environment that enhances their social and emotional well-being,’’ the letter concludes.

Neither of the Cadwaladers could be reached Wednesday morning for comment.