Cobleskill Celebrates Ramada Opening

Owner Harry Sandhu speaks during the event Friday.

COBLESKILL — Cobleskill celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Ramada Inn, marking a major milestone alongside a number of dignitaries. Those present praised the efforts of owner Harry Sandhu for the former Best Western’s revitalization.

The opening of the hotel saw the reopening of one of Cobleskill’s longest-standing lodging establishments and required a significant period of construction and investment. It formally opened for business last month.

Mayor R.J. Freitag said that the opening showed that the “foundation of our community is economic growth.”

The effort “brings tax revenue, things to do, and job growth,” the mayor said.

Freitag gave special credit to Cobleskill Town Supervisor Werner Hampel for his tireless effort to bring the project to fruition.

Cobleskill Partnership Inc. (CPI) President Bruce Tryon said that he had confidence in the leadership of Sandhu and General Manager Zachary Coonradt.

Assemblyman Chris Tague said he was thrilled to be at this “very heartwarming event,” adding that he “grew up here.” He said that during his 25 years at Cobleskill Stone, its proprietors also owned the hotel. This allowed him “many days here eating lunch” and making “many friends.”

“Look at this place,” Tague said about the refurbished building.

The Assemblyman said that it was a “great day for Cobleskill and all of Schoharie County.” The transformation took a dormant building and allowed it to bring back a “quality, first-service hotel.’

“The top of the town is back!” he added.

Tague also thanked Mayor Freitag and Supervisor Hampel, alongside Code Officer Mike Piccolo and “so many others.” He also cited the hotel’s effects to aid the “best fairgrounds in New York State.”

“Welcome back to Cobleskill,” he said. “We’re ready for you.”

Former Congressman Marc Molinaro said that such progress is “why I ran for office” and that each dollar spent on tourism led to seven dollars in local economic activity.

Owner Harry Sandhu said that “from the first day, we felt welcomed.” He also credited SUNY Cobleskill for their efforts to work together saying that the community was “so lucky” to have the college.

Sandhu thanked the County Board of Supervisors, Piccolo, Hampel, Freitag, Tague, Molinaro, SUNY Cobleskill, and CPI. He highlighted the excellent work of Coonradt as the hotel’s incoming general manager. The Cobleskill Police Department was diligent and at the location “nearly every day,” he said. This allowed the hotel and its staff to become friends with the officers.

He said that the effort of all “truly makes a difference.”

Sandhu thanked his wife and family alongside "anyone else who supported us.”

The owner added how much “I’ve come to love Cobleskill” and how “warm and supportive” the community has been.

In coming months, the hotel hopes to expand its selection of rooms and is working on re-opening its restaurant, banquet hall, and bowling alley.

Assembylman Chris Tague said that the top of the town is back.

Mayor R.J. Freitag welcomed the hotel during the opening.

Town Supervisor Werner Hampel cuts the ceremonial ribbon Friday.