An aerial view of Chenango County government facilities, including courthouse, department of social services, and office building. (Photo from Chenango County government website)

NORWICH – A plan by the Chenango County Board of Supervisors to construct a new $35 million office building has been met with local opposition from a community that questions the project’s necessity and cost in the current economic climate. In spite of officials’ actions moving forward with the project, local leaders are facing a rising tide of public dissent, with many residents demanding a halt to the project and more transparent use of taxpayer money.

Now county officials are trying to address local concerns and clarify information concerning the multi-million dollar proposal, laying out their case to move ahead with the project while opponents continue to push back.

Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey Blanchard and County Treasurer Bill Craine shared their rationale in a recent interview, while Norwich resident and proprietor Missy Hayes, a steadfast critic of the new office building proposal, voiced opposition. Hayes has led a charge of online efforts across social media platforms encouraging county residents to question the timing and logic behind the project and demand more transparency from county leaders. 

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