“Preserve New York” Grants $12,500 to City of Oneonta

Every year the group "Preserve New York" awards preservation grants to a project in many of New York State's 62 counties.  While the monetary awards are not relatively large amounts, it does signify that the group has deemed a county's nomination project worthy of historical preservation.  The grant is usually for studies which will lead to long term investments down the road.

This year the Otsego County "Preserve New York" grant goes to the City of Oneonta.

In its announcement the organization recognized Oneonta for its long railroad history which spurred neighborhood growth in the early 20th century.  It notes that the city grew from a population of about 900 to 9,000 at the turn of the century.  It also highlighted the fact that our neighborhoods include Greek Revival, Neo-Colonial, Queen Anne Victorian, Arts & Crafts, Dutch Colonial, and Mid- Century Modern homes and outbuildings. The award is specifically designated as for "a cultural resource survey."

With the Preserve New York grant of $12,500, Otsego 2000 will engage Jessie Ravage, who also completed the Oneonta Downtown Historic District nomination, to perform a reconnaissance level survey of the City of Oneonta. The resulting expansion of National Register designations will enable more home and commercial owners to take advantage of the Historic Tax Credits to rehabilitate and maintain their historic buildings.

Our beloved "City of the Hills" has such a rich history to it that any effort to preserve our cultural DNA is welcome news.  Congratulations to Oneonta for being chosen as the Otsego County choice to receive this grant for 2021.