Tioga REAP - Owego

Owego

Revitalizing, Enhancing, and Preserving Owego
By Wendy Post

Thanks to several local committees, as well as the efforts of the Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP), the Town and Village of Owego are going through some remarkable changes. In 1975, local businessman Steve Mowry conducted a Riverow study that included the vision for a Riverwalk.

Owego

In 1998, this vision was reborn as the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program included the Riverwalk as a priority project. A New York State grant, awarded in 2001, allowed for a feasibility study performed in 2002. This study was utilized to search for funding and in 2004, Congressman Hinchey secured one million dollars for the project as part of the Federal Transportation Bill. The Community Advisory Committee, which REAP is a participant, is now in the process of selecting an Engineering Group to develop the design. Doyle Gibbs, who is a driving force behind the Riverwalk project, hopes to see construction begin in 2006. The Riverwalk will connect Draper and Ahwaga Parks by lining the back of the Riverow Buildings. Also in Owego, community members have formed to revitalize the downtown area. Thanks to an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant, the underpass on North Avenue was painted, a Village website was created, a survey of downtown business and buildings was conducted, and a Streetscape Design for North Avenue was developed. This design includes plans for a facade, trees, lighting, and other enhancements or improvements to the North Avenue entrance to Owego. According to Kaye Newberry,consultant for the Village of Owego, "the North Avenue entrance is so important for Owego." In conjunction with the ARC grant, a TEA-21 grant will be utilized to make enhancements to the Courthouse and Front Street areas with a portion of the funds planned for the North Avenue design implementation. Patty Porter, REAP Member and Downtown Revitalization Committee member, will be working with the committee, as well as the community, to implement the plans for enhancements and improvements.

These efforts would not be possible without the help of many volunteers. During the summer of 2004, Rotary members donated over 500 hours of their time to paint the underpass on North Avenue as well as the railings of surrounding properties. Laura Rodd, from Owego, also solicited volunteers from Binghamton University for the painting effort. Kaye Newberry hopes to have the entire painting project completed by the Spring of 2005.

In an effort to preserve one of Owego's registered landmarks, another group of volunteers have formed to develop a restoration plan for the Waits Community Church. With 14 people serving on the committee, plans are being developed to raise the church and repair the foundation. According to Ruth Klett, project coordinator, "the stones are caving and the sills need to be replaced." The entryway on the building is also in need of replacement or repair. With the assistance of REAP, a grant will be submitted to assist with funding the repairs and restoration.

The Waits Community Church, located on Valley Road in Owego, was built in 1853. The structure gained it's historic value as it is the only remaining structure from the Waits Settlement. "There used to be a school house, post office, creamery and store," said Klett. "The cemetery and church are all that remain," she added. Upon renovations, the committee hopes to place it on the historic tour or utilize it for educational purposes. "It is the last remaining Gothic structure," said Klett. Once restored, the church will be known as the Waits Community Center and will contain artifacts from the community. For more information you can contact Ruth Klett at 607-687-4319.