Schoharie property owners are being recognized for the time and effort they've put in to revitalizing the village. As YNN's Maria Valvanis explains, because of their efforts, two local businesses have been able to re-open after the devastation left behind from Tropical Storm Irene.

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SCHOHARIE, N.Y. -- Julie Langan said, "I didn't want to bulldoze the building and take it off the tax roll, that's not what the community needs."

On Wednesday, National Grid applauded Julie Langan and her husband Mike's decision to rebuild their damaged Main Street properties. The pair has owned Langan Funeral home since the 80s, and had just bought the building next door, when Tropical Storm Irene tore through the village.

"We give out maximum of $25,000 grants for property owners and building owners that are willing to invest in flood damaged properties," said Joseph Russo, National Grid.

Langan said, "It was a step in the right direction, it sounded like a lot of money."

Due to the severity of damages, the couple initially planned to knock down their newly purchased building, to make a larger parking lot. But, with the monetary incentive from National Grid, they decided to put in the work, which in turn allowed the You're Worth It hair salon a new place to call home.

"Love it, this is our home, we wouldn't want our business any place else," said salon owner, Tammy Ohtaling.

Having the salon move in made perfect sense, it's right across the street from the flood damaged building that the business had been in for the past eleven years.

Ohtaling said, "Thanks to Mike and Julie we're able to continue it, and hopefully make it another 11 years."

Though there is still work to be done on the outside of the buildings, but both properties are now back open for business. Giving the community, something to be proud of.

"Good things come from bad, and were much stronger now, I hope more businesses come back," said Langan.