Owego, NY – Tioga County announced Tuesday that it will be moving forward with the acquisition of property located at 135-147 Main St, 153 Main St, 55-65 Central Ave, and 67 Central Ave in Owego, New York, including the former Walgreens site, a converted residence, and two (2) parking lots, marking a major step forward in the county’s long-term plan to modernize and consolidategovernment services.
The Legislature authorized the execution of real property by Resolution No. 500-25, following a public statement from County Administrator Jackson D. Bailey II at the regular Legislative meeting on Tuesday,December 9th, 2025. The resolution followeda comprehensive due diligence review of the property’s condition, value, and suitability for county use.
“This acquisition is a strategic investment in Tioga County’s future,” said Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey. “By securing this property in the heart of downtown Owego, we are positioning county government to better serve residents, support our workforce, and strengthen our historic village center as a hub of activity and access.”
The County anticipates that the property will be used to build a new and modern consolidated administrative county office building. Consolidating some of theexisting services into a modern, accessible facility that is expected to improve efficiency, upgrade IT infrastructure and cybersecurity equipment, reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs, and create a more user-friendly and accessible experience for residents.
“Residents deserve a government that is both accessible and efficient,” said County Administrator Jackson D. Bailey II. “This property gives us the opportunity to bring more services under one roof, upgrade outdated facilities, and plan for the next several decades—not just the next few years. We are committed to doing this in a fiscally responsible way that respects both taxpayers and employees.”
The purchase will be funded by capital reserve funds that havebeen intended for the refurbishment or acquisition of a facility and is consistent with Tioga County’s long-range capital planning efforts. Once the closing is complete, the County will now move into the planning and design phase, which will include detailed space planning, architectural design, and continued coordination with the Village of Owego and other local partners.
The County also emphasized that community engagement will be an important part of the process moving forward.
“As we develop plans for this site, we will continue to communicate with residents, employees, and our partners at the village and local agencies,” added Bailey. “Our goal is a modern, welcoming facility that reflects the historic aesthetic of downtown Owego and supports the high-quality public service residents can expect from Tioga County for years to come.”
Additional information about the project timeline and planned use of the site will be shared as planning progresses.
For more information, please contact the Tioga County Administrator’s Office at 607-687-8268 or email [email protected].
