NORWICH – A representative from a private development company has been talking to property owners on Cortland Street about relocating to make way for a new business to enter the area.
A representative from Sphere Development out of Cazenovia is reportedly looking to obtain Bilow’s Garage, Cooley Realty and two residences on Cortland Street, along with Enlightened Dentistry and a city-owned parking lot and access road located behind the garage.
While the developer has not yet indicated what the business will be, City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano has said Sphere is working on behalf of a Fortune 500 retail business. Many property owners in the area have speculated the development will include some kind of drug store.
While the development may be a good thing for the city, some homeowners in the area are concerned about the aesthetic results any development will have.
Rich Stenman of 8 Cortland St. – across the street from the proposed development site – attended Tuesday night’s Common Council meeting to express concerns some area residents had with the plans.
“I have some concerns on the process that is being executed by the city,” Stenman said. Stenman took issue with the city’s active role in the development, which he said included approaching homeowners and encouraging them to sell their properties. “The problem with the city’s involvement is it almost tells the developer de facto that the city will sell the property for development,” Stenman said. Stenman also took issue with the fact the city seemed to be pushing for development without knowing exactly what it was and what it would look like. “How can the city consider selling city property and encourage residents to see without some concept of what this will look like?” Stenman said.
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