NORWICH – City officials are seeking the input of residents regarding its application for grant funding for the collection of information needed to create a marketing strategy for various commercial properties on the city’s east side and downtown area.

City residents will have a chance to voice their opinions about the grant application at tonight’s Common Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the City Court facility on Hubbard Ave.

The grant money would come by way of the NYS Department of State’s Brownfield Opportunity Areas (BOA) program – a three-phase program designed to help municipalities study the potential use of currently unproductive, underutilized or potentially contaminated properties. Currently, the city is in phase two of the program, which will provide the city funding to obtain in-depth information and data needed to conduct a marketing strategy of such properties, including vacant downtown storefronts.

Information will be gathered through site visits, collaboration with local public and non-profit organizations, focus groups and workshops, the U.S. census, Chenango County government, NYS Department of Labor, the Assessor’s Office, and existing strategic and comprehensive plans.

Based on the results of gathered information, the city can then proceed in marketing selected parcels within city limits in a way that best suits the demands of the community.