No Work On The Dougherty Corner Until Spring

by Bea Peterson
Rumors have been rampant that nothing will ever happen at the former Dougherty’s, the empty hole at the corner of Main and John Streets. “I’ve been waiting four years for something to happen,” said property owner Alex Koks. There was talk that since the weather had remained so mild, construction could begin any day. According to Koks a decision was made just a couple of days ago that the project won’t begin until April or May 2012. “I’m not disappointed,” said Koks. “It makes more sense to do it all at once than in two parts.” If work started now, it could only be partially completed before cold weather. The partially completed project would have to be covered and work resumed in the spring. “I think this is for the better,” said Koks. All the financing is in place for a spring start, he added.
Hoosick Falls Mayor Matt Monahan said he remains optimistic about the project. “I’m looking forward to having something on that corner,” he said.
On March 19, 2006, Dougherty’s Restaurant was destroyed by fire. What remained of the brick structure had to be torn down. It left a gaping hole in the center of the Village. The hole remained until March 2009 when property owner Bryan Pello had the hole filled in with soil and grass seed planted.
On April 21 of that year Alex Koks bought the property, and the cellar hole was emptied of fill and grass. It has been that way ever since. This past January a deer fell into the hole and was finally able to escape under its own power.
The latest plan for the building includes a small restaurant, a handicapped accessible guest room and a manager’s apartment on the first floor. The second and third floor will have guest rooms.