Opinion: Owego’s uniqueness is only matched by its vulnerability

Dear Editor,

Twenty years ago, when the historic district was first designated, downtown was not nearly what it is now. It is not an accident that the village underwent renewal and improvement over the past twenty years under this historic designation, which enabled funding/grant programs as well as a heightened awareness and appreciation for the value of our architecture. We were distraught to learn about the newly drafted legislation that will eliminate the OHPC. These improvements in the village will now likely be slowly undone, and we may well go back to seeing the dark, empty storefronts that used to dot our marketplace. Such an action is shortsighted and one that does not consider the long-term impact on the economic viability and vibrancy of the Village of Owego. 

The lack of transparency of the village board and mayor in drafting this legislation without informing the public or consulting with organizations such as Historic Owego Marketplace or the OHPC is bad and unethical government practice. If they thought this action was in the best interest of the village, one could reasonably assume they would have eagerly sought out consultation from interested parties in the community to try to craft the best legislation possible. The fact that they didn’t smacks of their desire to act upon the interests of a disgruntled few, at the expense of the will of the majority of homeowners in the district who are keenly interested to protect the integrity and value of their property and the village. 

The OHPC is a volunteer board of dedicated people who give willingly of their time and energy to help people take care of their historic structures. They have a collective body of knowledge that is an asset to any homeowner. We worked extensively with the OHPC on plans for the elevation of our historic home.  We welcomed the committee’s insights, we were happy to learn from their experience, and we worked together to find the best solutions to issues as they arose. The quality of our elevation project was improved by our interaction with the OHPC!

We attended several OHPC meetings and found this commission to be informed, willing to help, open to discussion, and helpful to those earnestly trying to abide by policies that protect the best interest of the historical designation.  We have also been witness to the friction with the board induced by village residents that blatantly violated and subverted village laws meant to protect the integrity of the historic district and ignored the direction of the commission/code enforcement. We respect this commission of sworn volunteers for “taking-the-heat” and standing firm protect the long term interests of homeowners and the village’s economic potential. 

People come to Owego for its charm and uncommon architectural beauty. However, Owego’s uniqueness is only matched by its vulnerability. Our historic district is a treasure that lifts the entire community and it deserves to be protected. 

Sincerely,

Jim Overhiser and Julie Nucci

Owego, N.Y.

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