NORWICH – City residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed Byrne Dairy expansion and relocation as the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) will hold a public hearing to discuss the matter at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Common Council Chambers, Norwich City Court.

During the hearing, the CCIDA will hear public comment regarding a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement and sales tax exemptions for construction materials, which have been requested by Byrne Dairy.

Construction of the 7,000 square foot facility – of which 4,000 square feet will be dedicated as a convenience store and self-service gas station and the remainder as a self-service laundromat – has some local residents, CCIDA members and city officials concerned, primarily due to its proposed location – on the corner of East Main and Silver Streets, directly across from Arrow Laundry and P&C.

Arrow Laundry owner Billie Hendrickson compared the proposition to the side-by-side drug stores on North Broad Street, one of which is now vacant, and said she would not remain in business if the new facility were to have too much of a negative financial impact on the downtown dry cleaner and laundry.

Mayor Joe Maiurano said he disagreed, however, and added city residents and businesses only stand to benefit from the increased traffic, tax revenues and employment opportunities the expansion would provide.