OSSINING, NY – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today announced $150,000 in federal funds for historic preservation of the Ossining Savings Bank Building and downtown revitalization efforts.

“Since I first came to Congress 16 years ago, I have worked diligently with local officials to secure federal funds to improve our communities,” said Lowey.  “An important part of strengthening our neighborhoods is protecting the historic sites that enrich our culture, increase our understanding of our heritage, and contribute to our local economy by drawing tourists. Unless we preserve these local treasures now, they run the risk of being lost forever.  That’s why I am proud to have brought home critical funds to restore historic downtown Ossining.”

Lowey secured the funding through the FY05 Omnibus Appropriations bill.  It will be used for a comprehensive façade revitalization plan for historic downtown Ossining. The Village of Ossining will work with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to survey and inventory its authentic architecture, and provide support for property owners to maintain their historic buildings.  Improvements will include repairing the roof of the culturally-significant Ossining Savings Bank Building (OSB), which is located at the entrance to the downtown area and serves as the symbolic gateway for shoppers and others who visit the Village.

“This building has been a historic part of Ossining downtown and a majestic gateway to the Village.  It’s been empty for many years and we have been looking for an opportunity to revitalize it,” said Village of Ossining Mayor Eugene T. Napolitano.  “With the help of Congresswoman Lowey and others, we’ll be able to restore this building to what it was and preserve it for public use.”

Ossining's Deputy Mayor, Miguel Hernandez said, “The Village of Ossining is gratified to have Congresswoman Nita Lowey as its Representative in the Congress.  Without her seminars on federal funding we would not have known how to go about getting this grant to restore the crumbling facade of the historic Ossining Savings Bank Building.  The OBS opened in 1854 and was a mainstay of the Ossining community in providing funding for many home purchases and business ventures that allowed Ossining to prosper and grow.”

“Downtown Ossining is already a nationally recognized historic site, and I am confident this project will help maintain the construction and character of the buildings that have made it a local landmark,” said Lowey.