The City of Norwich Common Council voted to accept $470,000 in DRI funding for the American Avenue project, as well as support the East and West Parks DRI project, and contract with EDR to develop a placemaking action plan. Although there are no solid plans yet for American Avenue (pictured), some ideas to be explored include installing utility connections, expanding sidewalks, making the area more pedestrian friendly, and making the space more visually appealing. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH – At Tuesday's common council meeting, the City of Norwich Common Council voted to support the East and West Park Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) project, accept $470,000 in DRI funding for the American Avenue project, and approved a contract with EDR to create a placemaking action plan for the city.

The City of Norwich is the project sponsor for the American Avenue DRI project. The DRI Strategic Investment Plan approved by New York State in December 2022 said the project would "create a safer and more welcoming American Avenue with better lighting, more amenities, and a brand-new look and feel."

City of Norwich Community Development Director Erik Scrivener said the American Avenue project was awarded DRI funding as a concept, and there are no solid plans yet on what would be done to the street.

"We’re still in a development phase. We have our contract signed but we’re working through a few things, looking at some different options," he explained. "The project was awarded as a concept, and it’s still in that phase. We’re trying to hone down on what we actually want to do there and what we’re able to do. We received $470,000 in funding, which is a significant amount of money, but it’s a drop in the hat of what the project is going to be overall."