NORWICH – Progress is being made towards the early childhood education center that is set to be constructed in the lower level of the Commerce Chenango Building at 19 East Main Street, a prime location in the center of downtown Norwich right by city hall, the post office, police and fire departments.

The project is being coordinated by Commerce Chenango, in collaboration with the City of Norwich, the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), and youth service organization The Place, received Restore NY grants to accomplish.

President and CEO of Commerce Chenango Sal Testani said, “If they live in the City of Norwich, they would literally be able to walk their child from almost anywhere within the city. You could walk your child to the childcare center and you could come visit them during the day while you're working.”

Traffic from parents dropping off and picking up their children is also expected to bring more customers to the nearby businesses and restaurants.

While they've begun emptying the first floor and prepping for demo, the construction will begin later this month using local contractors. The lead architect/engineer is Principle Design + Engineering, PLLC out of Norwich, the general contractor is Upstate Companies, LLC out of Mt. Upton, electric work is being done by TMB Electric out of Sherburne, the HVAC work by C&H Cooling & Heating out of Bainbridge, and the plumbing will be done by by S&H Plumbing & HVAC out of Cincinnatus.