Further work is being done at the former Ames plaza in Oneonta, but Town Supervisor Duncan Davie said the construction isn’t to serve any particular retailer or tenant.

"They’re getting it ready to shop to tenants," Davie said Monday.

Developer Andres Fernandez Jr., who owns the property, did not return phone messages left at his office Monday. Fernandez bought the property last year; he has since demolished the former Burger King and is working on other changes to the lot.

Davie said Fernandez plans to turn the center into a series of small shops. Information hasn’t been available as to what stores may be going into the center.

NBT hires executive

NBT Bancorp has hired a vice president and controller, according to a news release from the corporation.

Donna Pimentel will be working out of the corporation’s office in Norwich, the release said. She was most recently employed at Ernst & Young in Boston, where she had worked since 2000.

"We are happy to have Donna join NBT Bancorp," Chief Financial Officer Michael Chewens said. "Her background includes working with many leading financial institutions. Her international business experience will bring a unique perspective to our company."

Pimentel has a degree from Boston College and is a certified public accountant.

NBT Bancorp has its headquarters in Norwich and is the parent company of NBT Bank.

Otsego IDA to meet

Otsego County’s Industrial Development Agency is having a meeting this week.

According to a news release, the meeting is at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the economic development office at 242 Main St. in Oneonta.

It is an open meeting.

Home sales rise locally

Single-family home sales dropped about 6 percent across the state in March compared to last March, according to the New York State Association of Realtors.

Sales in Chenango, Otsego and Schoharie counties increased, according to the survey. Delaware County saw a 41.7 percent decrease in sales. The March survey was released late last week.

The survey said home sales in Chenango County increased 35.5 percent _ from 31 homes to 42 homes. Otsego County sales increased 13.6 percent from 22 homes to 25 homes.

It was reported last month that sales decreased more than 8 percent nationwide between February and March. Sales rose 25.3 percent in New York during the same time period.

"The New York housing market data show an exceptional March, especially when compared to the sluggish national housing market," Charles M. Staro, chief executive officer of the association, said in a prepared statement. "We anticipate a strong spring and summer sales season driven by favorable mortgage rates and elevated inventory levels."

Median home prices rose throughout the area in March compared to last year, the survey said.

The largest increase was in Schoharie County, with homes going from $154,900 to $230,000. Otsego County had the smallest regional increase at 11.4 percent. Prices jumped from $103,250 in 2006 to $115,000 this year.

Chenango County had a 16 percent increase, and Delaware County had a 12.1 percent increase.

The surveys only report homes that were sold through multiple-listing services. Many homes in this area are not sold through such services.

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To suggest a business story, announce a new business or changes to an existing one, e-mail aashbridge@thedailystar.com or call Amy L. Ashbridge at 432-1000, ext. 213 or (800) 721-1000, ext. 213.