A local child dressing up in Renaissance-era garb at the first annual Upstate Renaissance Faire over Labor Day weekend. The event was started by a Norwich native, who plans to bring it back every year. (Photo by Dustin Genter of 5th Dimension Photography)

NORWICH — The City of Norwich has seen an exciting year, with developments to the city, the addition of new events, achievements for area residents, and continued support within the Norwich and Chenango County community.

Downtown development

Perhaps the largest development for the city this year was the completion of the water main replacement project and repaving of downtown roads.

After more than a year of discussions and planning, the project officially began in June of this year. The project replaced outdated piping along East Main and South Broad Streets, which was completed around the end of September. Following the project, the New York State Department of Transportation repaved the same roads; a much needed improvement of downtown city roads.

The project cost around $4 million to complete. In January, the city received a $2.85 million federal grant to help complete the project, and the rest was covered by $479,233 in a capital reserve fund and $670,767 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

City of Norwich Common Council members also explored placemaking opportunities in the city. Dana Wall, a project director with international boutique consulting firm Street Plans, explained placemaking as"the process of creating quality places that people want to live, work, play, and learn in."