I found an interesting story in my local online newspaper this morning: Rutger Park Ruling Requested.

UTICA —The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica Thursday called on a judge to make a decision in the case of historic mansions at 1 and 3 Rutger Park.

It's been two years since the city of Utica filed a suit against estate executor William Dowling to force him to comply with a 1994 court order that requires the properties to be maintained.

...The mansions at 1 and 3 Rutger Park near downtown Utica were once home to some of Utica's greatest political leaders, prominent attorneys and industrialists. During the 1870s, national political powerbroker U.S. Sen. Roscoe Conkling lived at 3 Rutger Park, which is now designated a national historic landmark.

Both buildings have been for sale for three years. The Landmarks Society apparently tried to purchase the buildings four times. Each bid was rejected and the last one on Feb. 22 for $300,000 was withdrawn. Hm.

The judge has given no comment. The question begs to be asked, Why were the offers refused? Is a better buyer waiting in the wings somewhere, and if so, where is he? Or is there pressure to raze this area for (another) business park in Utica that will never see the light of day?