NORWICH – More than a year after receiving a $300,000 grant as part of the second round of the Restore New York Grant, the City of Norwich is going out to bid for the construction of three homes being built as part of the project.
In January of 2008, Norwich was notified that it would receive the $300,000 to demolish three condemned city homes and build new residences on those sites. Last summer, the houses located at 52 Fair St., 23 Grove Ave. and 7 Waite St. were demolished. Now the city is beginning the construction process by going out to bid.
“It’s finally coming together,” said Mayor Joseph Maiurano. The mayor explained that the city began the process three years ago when they applied for the first round of Restore New York funding. “We’ve been working on this for quite a while. We’re at an exciting point now.”
Bids for construction of the homes will be available today, said Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer. Bids for 23 Grove Ave. will be open on May 19, 7 Waite St. on May 22 and 52 Fair on May 26. Construction of the homes is expected to occur this summer.
The three homes are expected to look the same. Each will be a two story, three bedroom, two and a half bath home of approximately 1,800 square feet. “We’ve designed these homes from the basement up,” said Administrative Assistant Amy Donnison. “They will be turnkey ready.”
Dreyer explained that the department has been busy working to prepare the specifications for the bid process. “This is a great project. I can’t wait for the dirt to be moved and the construction to begin,” Donnison said. Donnison has worked to pick out all the amenities that will go in the home, including the appliances, fixtures, windows, doors and flooring. Donnison said the homes will be furnished with energy efficient appliances including a washer, dryer, range and above-range microwave. The homes will have engineered hardwood throughout the home, with tile in the bath and utility rooms. “I looked at how I would want the home laid out if I lived there,” Donnison said. “These are all things I would live with.”
While the homes are all expected to be the same, some will be at a higher elevation than others to meet flood requirements. The Fair Street lot will include options for building a new home or moving a home from Canasawacta Street to the Fair Street location.
The city is working on an application for potential home buyers.
The city is currently in the process of applying for a third round of Restore New York funding. The grant proposal will seek funding for renovating the former Frames Unlimited, located at 24 East Main St. in Norwich. The renovations would reestablish a “viable first-floor commercial space and residential use of the second floor,” according to a press release from the city. Applications for the third round are due by the end of the month, and awards are expected to be announced in July.