With only a few days left until the doors close to the Grand Union grocery store, many officials gathered to discuss the future of the East Main Plaza and possibilities of another grocery store leasing the space at 54 East Main Street in Norwich.

City of Norwich Mayor Robert Jeffrey said when they found out about the closure, they only had 48 days to identify another grocery store to come to the city.

“Since day one, we’ve been in contact with Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Josh Riley, Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblyman’s Joe Angelino and Chris Tague offices,” said Jeffrey. “As well as Chenango County Planning and Commerce Chenango.”

Jeffrey said they held an in-person meeting where all of their key stake holders were represented and had a candid conversation about the future of the plaza, and the concerns associated with no grocery store within the city.

“Their combined partnerships have been paramount in helping us through the concern of not having readily accessible fresh food the residents of the City of Norwich,” Jeffrey continued. “Where 20% of the city’s population does not have consistent access to reliable transportation, it’s a priority that we get a grocery store in the city limits.”