A Year in Review

A Year in ReviewPictured, is the front parlor at the Belva Lockwood Inn, located at 249 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. (File Photo / JoAnn R. Walter)

When we reflect back on 2018, many of us see the turmoil that is growing, nationally, and the divide-taking place politically among friends, neighbors, and sometimes even family. Politics has taken center stage for many, while others have gone about the business of working to grow in an often-tumultuous economy.

Some focused on the growth of their 401K, while others feared the looming cuts to Medicare and Social Security that were rumored during 2018.

But in Owego, N.Y., and Tioga County, business is growing, along with the government. Most recently, and at the end of 2018, Tioga County advanced several of their workers to compensate for a workforce that is projected to retire.

A Year in Review
The Gateway Building is pictured upon its opening in November of 2018. (File Photo / Wendy Post)

On Front Street in Owego, N.Y., the product of government-type grants can be seen with the completion of the Gateway Building, located where the vacant deck revealed a space that was once occupied by the Cracker Barrel antique store – a business that burned down in 2000. 

On the other side of the Court Street Bridge, and on Front Street, work continues on hotel renovations at Owego’s Historic Parkview Hotel and Pub.

Down the road, and back towards the east side of Front Street a beautifully restored historic home, now operating as The Belva Lockwood Inn, is accepting guests in the New Year. The owners of the historic home, Julie and Ike Loveless, worked tirelessly to preserve the home and have been featured on HGTV’s House Hunters.  

A Year in Review
Pictured, is the front parlor at the Belva Lockwood Inn, located at 249 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. (File Photo / JoAnn R. Walter)

You can learn more at www.belvalockwoodinn.com/.

As for the new Gateway Building and apartments, developer Bruce Nelson worked through the local government to fill a gap on Riverow that has existed since a fire burned the former property to the ground.

Now, the upscale building houses small storefronts with several retail shops, and Tioga County Tourism has offices in the back of the first floor, and overlooking the Susquehanna River. Upstairs, there are eight affordable housing units. 

Nelson felt that the additional shops help keep the commercial district vibrant, and the addition of tenants brings residents downtown. Nelson also stated, during an earlier interview, that the project is necessary in order to provide structural support to the neighboring historic buildings.

The construction of the building was completed in November 2018.

The Village of Owego was also granted $10 million in revitalization funds. With over 40 project proposals received to date that are looking for funding, the local committee assigned are seeking projects that have leverage associated with them, and projects that fall into the established goals for revitalization. 

A Year in Review
In August, Owego was selected as a winner in the Southern Tier for a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). (File Photo / JoAnn R. Walter)

You can follow the DRI effort, read about the proposed projects, and view minutes from the monthly meetings online at www.villageofowego.com/downtown-revitalization-initiative. The next public meeting of the DRI will take place on Jan. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Tioga Opportunities’ Countryside Community Center in Owego. 

Also, during 2018, an affordable housing development proposed by Two Plus Four Construction, the same developers that proposed usage in Turtletown in 2017, was brought to the Village Board for a zoning change approval, which was ultimately denied. The developers did not pursue this project, which would have been located near the Halstead Development in Owego. 

If we rewind back to the rainy summer months, many will recall the constant flooding. The rain event that occurred during the month of August was deemed severe enough to warrant approval of Federal funding in Tioga and surrounding counties.

The Disaster Declaration is issued based on what it describes as “…severe storms and flash flooding.” Each time a heavy rain passed, the flooding would affect a different area; or so it seems.

A Year in Review
This photo of Owego Free Academy on Sept. 18 is a reflection of the flooding problems experienced in both August and September. Photo credit: Josh Westbrook.

During our coverage of the flash flooding, we were focusing on areas from Nichols, N.Y. to Newark Valley and beyond. In Troy, Pa., where our sister paper is located, the fairgrounds at Alparon Park were slowly flooding, prompting the uphill movement of the amusement rides; although the rides were cancelled soon after, along with many of the shows.

The Tioga County Fair was met with some rain, but escaped any flooding. The crowd didn’t stay away either, as the fair offered one low price for this year’s fair – increasing attendance as well as participation. You can visit www.tiogacofair.com to stay posted on the fair board’s planning activity for 2019.

Rewinding a bit further, last year’s Strawberry Festival was over the top, with thousands traveling to Owego to enjoy live entertainment, dinosaurs, vendors, and Strawberries! This year’s planning has begun, and you can visit www.owego.org to stay updated, and to find vendor applications.

A Year in Review
Last year’s Strawberry Festival featured Stone Senate, from Nashville, a couple of dinosaurs, and a few thousand people for its two day festival, planned for June 14 and 15 this year in Owego, N.Y. Photo Credit: Brett Daniels Photography.

Looking ahead, we will be watching the Downtown Revitalization Initiative unfold, and soon learn what projects have been accepted for consideration of funding.

Also, on Friday evening, Tioga Downs announced the recipients of the first $250,000 in funding through the Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation, a non-profit organization that reviews and selects applications for grant funding. You can visit us online or pick up next week’s edition to learn more about the foundation recipients.

And as always, The Owego Pennysaver welcomes opinions, story ideas, photos, and even stories! You can send your information to wpost@owegopennysaver.com.

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