The village’s attempt to capitalize on some of its unique
baseball heritage is a step in the right direction.
The plan to take advantage of the village’s iconic Doubleday
Field by licensing the commercial use of images of
the field and marketing a newly developed logo creates a
welcome new revenue stream.
In January, the board of trustees approved a $1,000
``location fee’’ to be paid by anyone using the field for a
location to produce movies, commercials, products or other
promotional items. And last week, a Japanese television
production company was in the village to do some filming
at Doubleday Field and happily paid the fee.
``They did not bat an eyelash when I told them how
much,’’ Village Clerk Teri Barown said.
How much revenue can be generated is difficult to tell
at this point, but the plan was put into place with minimal
cost and should require few ongoing expenses. And in
these tough economic times, any additional revenue is
welcome.
If the new Doubleday Field logo is well received by
merchandisers and consumers, the village could begin collecting
royalties for its use.
``It’s another one of these ideas that will increase revenues
and avoid tax increases,’’ Deputy Mayor Jeff Katz said.
We agree, and it’s the kind of idea the village needs. The
additional revenue, like that from paid parking, offsets
expenses to lessen the burden on taxpayers.
Thanks for
the weekend
Our hats are off to the Cooperstown Winter Carnival Committee
for another fun-filled weekend of events and activities
to break the monotony of a long, cold winter.
The celebration is now 44 years old and continues to be
the highlight of the winter season here in Cooperstown.
The committee and its many volunteers put in long hours
each year to ensure there’s plenty going on and that a good
time was had by all.
Thanks again for another great carnival.
