The grant allowed funding for a portion of the costs of interior and exterior renovations for twelve properties within the downtown business district. Streetscape Enhancements including new streetlights and Village Clock on Lake Street plus new planters, trash receptacles and a Wayfaring/Directional Sign Program were also added to the downtown.

The established National, State and Local designation of the historic central business district of the Village of Owego, along with the partnership and support of the Tioga County Economic Development Office as Administrator of this grant, Village of Owego Code Enforcement Office, Historic Owego Marketplace merchants group, Tioga Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, Tioga Opportunities, Inc. Weatherization Program, Owego Historic Preservation Commission and the exceptional support from the NYS Community Renewal Office helped make this NYMS Program successful. This program allowed the Village of Owego to expand affordable housing, and contribute to the revitalization of their downtown.

Requests for OHDP grant funding were made and awarded to complete eligible interior and exterior renovations of up to $20,000 for each residential unit and $40,000 for commercial unit with a maximum of $100,000 per property. Program funding did not exceed 75% of the approved project cost. Funds were only disbursed once projects were completed.

Owego Historic Preservation Commission (OHPC) approval was required for all exterior renovation work upon application.

New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approval was required for interior and exterior renovations prior to work commencing.

The property owner agreed to a 5 year monitoring Regulatory Period (from date of disbursement of OHDP funds) for building renovation projects to maintain the structures and facades in good condition.

The property owner agreed if residential units assisted by NYMS funds become vacant they will be marketed and made affordable to persons of low income defined as persons and families whose incomes do not exceed ninety percent of the median income for the Broome/Tioga MSA.

The property owner agreed to permit the NYS Housing Trust Fund, Corp. to publish photographs of assisted property for promotional or public relation purposes.

The goal of this funding source was to be an incentive for communities to rehab downtown mixed-use building stock, stimulate reinvestment, encourage reuse and increase housing, create and retain businesses and revitalize historic business districts while addressing code enforcement, ADA and energy efficiency issues.

All projects complied with the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and land use regulations, as applicable. Residential projects that involved the disturbance of lead based paint surfaces that exceed "de minimis: levels had contractors conduct work in accordance with "HUD Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing. In addition, any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) that was disturbed as part of program activities were handled and disposed of according to NYS Department of Labor requirements at 12 NYCRR part 56 and local regulations. The Village of Owego Code Enforcement officer, Jim Mead worked with each property owner to develop the required scope of work and cost estimates. He issued building permits, completed all building inspections, issued CO’s once completed and will do the required annual inspections for asset maintenance.

The Owego Historic Downtown Program has been a huge success and a valuable factor in the continued revitalization and preservation of the unique and wonderful Owego Historic Downtown area.