NORWICH – In an ongoing effort to clean up unsightly or damaged properties, city officials have announced the beginning of preliminary construction of a new home at 49 Front St.
In partnership with DCMO BOCES, the cooperative project is aimed at the “revitalization of downtown neighborhoods and addressing dilapidated structures in the city,” according to Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence.
“This is a great opportunity for us to work together with BOCES and improve this community,” added Lawrence. “We had a burned out structure here on Front Street and got wind that BOCES was in need of a project such as this, so it was basically a win-win situation.”
The new two-story structure will follow the same basic design as three Restore NY homes recently constructed on Grove Avenue, Waite Street and Fair Street, including three bedrooms, two and a half baths and energy efficient appliances.
“This is a unique program and the first time we’ve teamed up with BOCES for a project of this size,” said Mayor Joe Maiurano. “This is a great example of different organizations working together for mutual benefit.”
The project, tentatively scheduled for completion in the spring of 2011, partners BOCES students from the Carpentry and Building Construction program with area professionals in a variety of fields, including electric, plumbing and heating, said Lawrence, who added the general construction will be handled primarily by the students.
“There are two major positive outcomes with this project,” stated BOCES Chenango and Harold Campus Director Steve Perrin. “First, the students will gain in technical skills and construction and second, because it’s a community service project students will realize how important it is to give back to the community.”
Once completed the house will be sold by the city, making it financially beneficial, while at the same time offering BOCES students from all over the county an educational opportunity, according to the mayor.
The main goal however, continues to be the revitalization of targeted properties in the city, said Maiurano.
“We decided this area in particular was perfect for development at this point,” stated the mayor. “Anything we can do to make the city more desirable for residents is a good thing.”