NORWICH – The Chenango County Health and Human Services Committee has given the green light to pursue a lease contract for vacant commercial space in downtown Norwich to become the new home for the Chenango Club, an auxiliary of the Chenango Department of Mental Hygiene Services.

Committee members gave the nod this week, permitting Mental Hygiene Services to begin negotiations with the owner of the property and the county attorney. A resolution outlining terms of the lease would have to go the Board of Supervisors before the county signs an official agreement.

According to Mental Hygiene Service Director Ruth Roberts, the program actively sought ideal space for the Chenango Club for months before eyeing a tucked away commercial space along South Broad Street. The vacant space, located in the same building that once housed the Norwich extension of Morrisville State College, was deemed the best fit after considering 10 other properties, Roberts said.

“This is based on the central location, accessibility to transportation, the fact that it’s the right size for square footage, and also that it has kitchen capacity in place,” she said.

The Chenango Club provides individuals with social skills training, recreational activities, daily living skills, daily structured programming, vocational evaluation services, and medication therapy. It serves county residents 18 years of age and older who have prior or current involvement with mental health services.