NORWICH – On November 19, the Norwich common council passed a resolution allowing Chenango Greenway Conservancy, Inc to begin planning for the installation of a pedestrian bridge across Canasawacta Creek, connecting Hosbach trail and Jamba Flats.

The bridge would allow walkers on Hosbach Trail to cross over Canasawacta Creek to the flats without having to use the railroad bridge, known colloquially as black bridge.

According to community development advocate, Todd Dreyer, the resolution was an authorization for the Chenango Greenway Conservancy group to do the preliminary planning for the bridge. The group will be looking into cost factors, permitting, design, and return to the common council with a proposal. They have two years to complete the process.

The city owns the land on the northern side of Canasawacta Creek and the Jamaba Flats parcel. Dreyer states the city would have to take the lead of being the owner of the bridge, meaning they would become responsible for maintenance.