NORWICH – One month after New Berlin-based Golden Artist Colors ventured into a major renovation project that will ultimately expand its facilities to the City of Norwich, the paint manufacturer is working in collaboration with Commerce Chenango to take the next step forward in the project.

In December, Golden Artist Colors announced it is taking on a $2.5 million renovation project of the former Apple Converting manufacturing plant on Hale Street in the City of Norwich, with the approval of sales and recording tax abatements worth $48,000 from the Chenango Industrial Development Agency. Golden Artist plans to use the facility for warehousing, distribution, light manufacturing and additional offices, which will bring an estimated 37 new jobs to the community when the project is completed.

To help Golden Artist bring the proposed undertaking to fruition, Commerce Chenango will submit an application for a Community Development Block Grant, subsequent a public hearing to be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 11 at the Board of Supervisors’ Chamber in the county government building in Norwich. Block grant funds come by way of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered through the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal.