NORWICH – While an official open house won’t be held until the second week in March, 31 employees of the Chenango County Department of Social Services have moved across Court Street to their newly-completed West Park Place office building.
Formerly the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and Corrections, the facility was refurbished and separated into two buildings by taking out the century-old jail cell structure in between. They were then re-connected by glass-enclosed walkways, an elevator and other modern features. Period architectural elements were preserved where possible.
The work by John Snyder Architects of Ithaca included replacing the crumbling columns, porches and porticos of the 1930s-era sheriff’s office, a new roof and windows, masonry repairs and interior renovations the created multiple offices, lobbies and restrooms.
The $2.3 million building project was begun a year ago. There were three months worth of delays caused by excess foundation water, a crumbling rear support wall and changing regulations involving emergency management communications systems and emergency egresses. However, the project’s budgeted amount stayed on target.
Overall, the move went smoothly, according to DSS Commissioner Bette Osborne. She chalked up that success to the efforts of the county’s buildings and grounds team, led by Superintendent Julie Gates.
“All of them did a terrific job of getting us moved over here and really deserve a big ‘thank you,’” she said.
Accounting, computer processing, administration, the fraud unit, child support, legal, and staff development employees began moving over in mid-January, one office at a time. The isolation from other units at DSS has meant for some staffers walking back and forth across the street between the two buildings, Osborne said, but new processes implemented over time should take care of the problem.
Not all of the elements of the renovation have been completely finished. Stairways need painting and some of the siding isn’t in yet, for example. Also, Osborne said the heating system has been out of service on several occasions. “We are still getting used to the new heating system. ... The contractors are still working the kinks out,” she said.
On the plus side, in an agreement forged between DSS and BOCES, construction trades students will receive first hand experience finishing off West Park Place’s basement areas. The completed space will be used for storage.
Osborne said the public should be reminded not to come to the West Park Place for services. Fraud, child support, and all other clients are seen only at the “old” DSS annex of the County Office Building.
Osborne also said members of the public have been knocking on the doors at all times of the day and night thinking the Sheriff’s Department has moved back in. “We have had to put signs up at the main entrances informing them where the Sheriff’s Department is now located,” she said.