EDITOR’S NOTE: The Bricks & Mortar Report will provide updates Mondays on major construction projects in Chenango County.

Downtown Norwich Parks Restoration project:

• Friends of the Parks continues to explore ways of funding proposed electrical, landscaping and other infrastructure upgrades to the county seat’s East and West Parks. A Great Gatsby-themed gala event is planned for June 1 to “keep awareness of the project out front,” Friends’ chairperson Eric Larsen said.

• A previously submitted New York State Quality Communities Grant application was unsuccessful in securing the initial funding for the estimated $1 million project. City of Norwich planners and the Norwich Business Improvement District plan to submit a request for another member item this year.

• The Friends organization has already secured a letter of commitment from NBT Bank for $10,000. The grant application was approved by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors.

Flood rehabilitation work:

• Town of Columbus officials plan a detour this month around access to Hemlock Road as flood remediation work there continues. Highway crews will close county Rte. 25 through the center of town in order to replace a culvert pipe. Guide rails have been removed temporarily.