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Jan 30, 2024

Owego Business Buys Site from Adam Weitsman for New Location

The owners of a popular shop in Owego have purchased property for a planned expansion project in the village. Steve and Kim Cruty have operated Fuddy Duddy's confectionary and general store on Lake

The owners of a popular shop in Owego have purchased property for a planned expansion project in the village.

Steve and Kim Cruty have operated Fuddy Duddy's confectionary and general store on Lake Street for three years. They recently acquired four Front Street parcels which had been owned by Vestal businessman Adam Weitsman.

Steve Cruty said the property east of the Court Street bridge will become the new home to Fuddy Duddy's. Plans call for the business to relocate to the building which had been home to the Hand of Man store for decades.

Cruty told WNBF News some preliminary architectural drawings have been developed with an eye toward historic preservation of the existing structure. He said he's working with county and state officials on potential funding opportunities for the project.

Cruty said the property purchase includes the two row houses and two green spaces that includes all of the land adjacent to the bridge.

Plans call for developing the green space into a park for community use. Cruty also said the project also calls for the opening of a European-style Christmas market to serve as an attraction to bring people into downtown Owego.

Cruty said some enhancements to the existing river walk along the Susquehanna are being planned.

In 2018, Weitsman put forward a proposal to open a sushi restaurant on the property next to the bridge. He eventually purchased the buildings next door and discussed the possibility of opening the establishment in an existing structure. He ultimately scrapped plans to operate a restaurant at the site.

Weitsman could not be reached for comment on the sale of the Owego property.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: [email protected] or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.