NORWICH – The Common Council held the first of two public hearings last night concerning its application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the rehabilitation of properties located on the corner of Mitchell and State streets.
According to Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer, the main structure involved in the proposed renovation is the three-story, historic brick building once known as the Commission House and currently owned by landlord Salvatore Grippaldi.
In the mid-1800s, the structure was used as a warehouse for goods being transported on the nearby Chenango Canal. Due to its historical significance – and its close proximity to the city’s Museum District – Mayor Joe Maiurano said renovation of the structure would not only provide affordable housing, but would also draw tourism to the area.
“This has been an area that has deteriorated over many, many years and that needs to be addressed,” said Maiurano. “There’s a lot of potential for progress in that area, especially as the city continues to grow.”
Dreyer said the CDBG grant would be utilized in the rehabilitation of five existing residential units in the Commission House, in addition to two new apartments on the third floor of the building. At least two, and possibly three, wooden structures adjacent to the structure on State Street would more than likely be demolished and replaced with a parking area for tenants, he added.
“Regardless of one’s philosophy about whether the government should be involved in subsidizing private development, the reality is that these CDBG funds are going to be spent somewhere in New York,” stated Dreyer. “It makes sense to me that we should do everything we can to make sure that Norwich gets its share.”
Dreyer said he expected the city would receive between $300,000 and $400,000 in grant funds, which would then be used to hire local carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other tradesmen. In addition, construction materials used in the renovation would also be purchased locally.
Considering the competitive nature of the grant, Dreyer said it’s important for the city to show a high level of support for the project. Those not wishing to speak at the second public hearing on the proposal – to be held May 17 – are welcome to e-mail the Planning Department by visiting www.norwichnewyork.net, added Dreyer, or by written correspondence.
While there were no comments on the project at last night’s council meeting, Dreyer said he’d received fifteen written remarks to date, which were introduced into record. Eleven of the fifteen were fully in support of the rehabilitation effort, three mixed in their support and one against.
“This project will help to relieve neighborhood blight in the area and create decent, affordable rental housing,” added Dreyer. “It will also help provide some amount of economic stimulus in regards to the tradespeople employed for the renovation.”
For more information on the city’s application for the CDBG grant contact Todd Dreyer at 334-1229.