NORWICH – Improve Norwich Now (I.N.N.) recently purchased a home from the City of Norwich, and is beginning renovations on it immediately as a way to help improve the community and raise funds for future projects.

According to Improve Norwich Now Vice President John Trottier, starting at 9 a.m. this Saturday at 13 Jones Ave in Norwich volunteers will be doing landscaping work. Trottier said the project wouldn’t have been possible without generous donations from the community and a partnership with the Norwich Building Tomorrow Foundation.

“Although we are a nonprofit, the fact is, the more we come out ahead in the end, the more opportunities we will have to help fund other important I.N.N. programs,” said Trottier. “This project is all about creating an atmosphere where people want to improve their neighborhood.”

“We’re hoping property improvement projects become contagious.”

Trottier said the concept is fairly straightforward, and by renovating homes that could be considered eyesores it helps everyone else on the street.

“We’re trying to improve the county by buying properties that need work, fixing them up, and then selling them to a deserving local family,” he said. “Through this process we are hoping to create connections, open doors, and streamline the process so our next similar project will be even more successful.”

Trottier said this weekend’s event will have volunteers performing landscaping tasks to include removing shrubs, cleaning the yard, and removing debris. Trottier added that the home will be listed for a reasonable price once it’s fully renovated to help make it affordable for a new family.

“We are asking for individuals that feel the desire to participate in a project that directly influences the improvement of their local community to take part,” he said. “So if this is you, please reach out to us on our Facebook page.”

He added that social distancing guidelines will be enforced, and volunteers are asked to bring their own masks and personal protection equipment.

Trottier said funds from this project will be used to help create future opportunities to help the Chenango County community.

He said those who are interested in following the progress of the home renovations may visit the Improve Norwich Now website and Facebook page at improvenorwichnow.org.