CHENANGO COUNTY – Renovations to the old jail and Sheriff’s Office on the corner of West Park Place and Court Street in Norwich are scheduled to be completed by Jan. 11, 2008, according to the architectural firm handling the roughly $2 million project.
John Lorence, a representative of South New Berlin-based John Snyder Architects, presented the project’s tentative scope and timeline to the county’s Agriculture, Buildings and Grounds committee Tuesday, covering a 40-item plan that includes: demolishing the cell block area; replacing the existing roof, windows, and doors; upgrading the heating, electrical and plumbing systems; replacing and/or reinforcing the building’s foundation, support columns, masonry, and stonework; creating new walkways and handicapped accessible ramps; and putting in an elevator.
Upon completion, the currently connected office and jail buildings will be separated and turned into office space.
“There’s quite a bit of need for re-pointing and replacing,” said Lorence, referring to the foundation, stonework and masonry of the former Sheriff’s building. “There’s been a lot of water damage from off the sides of the buildings.”
In regards to the plans, the committee discussed:
• Salvaging the old metal cells.
• Setting guidelines for retaining the buildings’ historical integrity.
• Looking into alternative energy options for the building.
• Painting or not painting the brick exterior.
“It would be nice to have a ball-park idea,” said Supervisor Peter Flanagan (D-Preston), in regards to possible returns for the county from salvage receipts.
Lorence said if salvaging is deemed cost effective when contractor bidding starts, it would be made clear the county wants that money – whether it takes the metal on its own or is reimbursed, in some way, by the contractor.
Supervisor Linda Natoli (R- Norwich), with support from other members, suggested asking a member of the Chenango County Historical Society to walk through the two buildings to make sure plans are in compliance with state and local guidelines, so that historically significant items and structures are not destroyed or altered during the renovation.
“These are things we need to pay attention to,” Natoli said.
Throughout the meeting Flanagan and Supervisor Dennis Brown (D-Pharsalia) discussed different ways the county might look into utilizing alternative energy resources in the area. Flanagan said considering such options, like an on-site alternative heating and electrical source, should at least be examined for most county facilities, including for this project.
“Energy costs aren’t going down in our lifetime,” Flanagan said. “We could do it the quick and dirty way or look further ahead.”
The committee also re-examined whether to remove or continue painting the brick exterior of the Sheriff’s building.
“That (paint) is not the best thing for brick,” Lorence said, explaining that when painted, brick can’t properly release water it has absorbed, thus causing damage and weakening the structure.
“It might be worth it to see what it would cost to sandblast,” said Supervisor Lawrence Wilcox (R-Oxford).
Also, Brown suggested further inquiry into finding a local artist who would be capable, and interested, in coming up with an idea for a sculpture commemorating the old jail that would be placed out front when the new project is complete.