Norwich Seeking Proposals For $10 Million Revitalization Project

The Chenango County economic development agency is seeking grant proposals for the Norwich Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

The state has awarded Norwich $10 million to pay for projects designed to boost local economies and transform city centers.

Kerri Green, President and CEO of Commerce Chenango, tells CNY News that Norwich has about a dozen priorities. "We hope to create a downtown boutique hotel, and we’re also looking at improving some of our public spaces by upgrading lighting and access to parking lots.”

Green, who co-chairs the Norwich DRI Local Planning Committee along with Mayor Brian Doliver, says another goal is to upgrade upper floor housing. “We want to make sure they have working elevators, improved lighting, electric, and broadband.”

The intention is to have modern mixed use buildings with retail on the ground floors and rental apartments above street level.

Another objective is to increase utilization of a former school building. “We have this old building right off East Main Street. Half the building houses the Arts Council the other half has senior housing,” Green said.

Enhancing downtown parks, connecting the business district with the museums and building a workforce training site are other items on Green’s wish list.

Applicants for grants must have authority to execute contracts with New York State.

An Open Call for Project Proposals virtual meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 24th at 6:00 PM.

For information on the DRI program and to access the Open Call for Proposals visit: www.NorwichDRI.com or https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization- initiative.

Nostalgia Alert! 11 Awesome Vintage Upstate General Stores and Five and Dime Stores

We all have memories of those great little five-and-dime stores and general stores of our youth. They were the heartbeat of our communities. They sold just about everything, you could get a pretty good meal in most of them, and of course, the showstopper was always the rows of penny candies. Upstate still has plenty of these stores around (some of them 100, 150, 170 years old!). Here is a list to start you on your trip back to the general stores of your youth. They are all great!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

10 Sophisticated Dining Hot Spots In Otsego County

Otsego County has its fair share of eateries but most of them are very casual in terms of the decor. If you're looking for something "next level" - a finer dining experience, check out these more sophisticated restaurants in Otsego County that also feature delicious and varied cuisine.

Gallery Credit: Leslie Ann, TSM Oneonta

The Most Head-Scratching List Of Upstate New York Trivia You Have Ever Read!

Wait....is that Mr. Ed in the photo above? What on earth could that talking horse have to do with Upstate New York?

OK...trivia time! Where is the geographic center of New York State? Where are all the lollipop, corn dog, and cotton candy sticks made? Where is the oldest (and shortest) covered bridge in the U.S.? Where is the most visited celebrity grave of all located? Is there really such a thing as a two-story brick outhouse, and if so where the heck is it?

Well, if you answered "Upstate New York" to all of these you are right. And you will definitely enjoy this delicious list of trivia about our region!

Everybody loves a good story, or some head-scratching trivia facts. This list pulls the curtain back on nearly 40 amazing pieces of Upstate New York history you probably didn't know about. Are they earth-shaking? No. Are they interesting? Definitely!

Whatever happened to "that kid" in the Willie Wonka movie? Where was the first grand slam home run in organized baseball hit? Where is the oldest mini-golf in America located? Tell us the story of Binghamton's Kentucky Derby winner! Tell us the story about TV's "Mr. Ed" and his connection to Upstate New York! How could the oldest continuously operating Boy Scout troop be in a tiny Upstate New York village? And what was that controversy over famous singer Kate's Smith's Lake Placid, NY grave all about?

The answer to all of these questions and many more lie in Upstate New York.

Enjoy!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio