Voting on Proposition #2 will bring answers for the future of Flanagan Field. Voting will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., today, May 19, in the Norwich City School District Office, located at 89 Midland Drive in Norwich. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH ― The future of Flanagan Field is in the hands of voters and will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., today, May 19, in the Norwich City School District Office, located at 89 Midland Drive in Norwich.

The sale of the property is not finalized as district voters will take to the polls, deciding on the fate of the proposed project by voting on Proposition #2.

Recently, Greater Opportunities of Broome and Chenango County, Inc. won the bid from the City of Norwich School District to purchase Flanagan Field on Plymouth Street in Norwich, where they plan to build a $9 million multi-unit apartment project for low-income housing.

City of Norwich School District Superintendent Scott Ryan said the sale of the Plymouth Street Flanagan Field property will be presented to district voters as part of the annual budget vote, adding, “If the proposition is approved, the district is authorized to move forward with the sale, if not, the sale will not occur.”

The project represents a $9 million private investment, bringing affordable housing for households at or below 60% of area median income and may include seniors, working families, veterans, and others who make up a large sum of the community.

He explained the board of education has supported bringing this proposition forward because it represents what they believe to be a responsible use of an underutilized asset, while also aligning with the broader community needs.

Also, Ryan made it very clear that the board is not approving the housing development but is asking voters to consider if the property should be sold for this purpose.

The board’s support reflects key considerations that include the need for quality, affordable housing; the development by experienced non-profit organization, having a proven track record for maintaining properties and supporting residents; and ongoing city discussions regarding a PILOT Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement to ensure the project contributes financially to local services, including schools.

While the board brings positive considerations for the property purchase there are many local residents concerned over who will be allowed to move into the project if it moves forward.

Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Kelly Robertson answered those questions.

She said the 20 unit, $9 million project will bring revenue to Norwich, which is needed, and also offer a safe place for people to live.

“This is not subsidized housing, not free housing, if someone has DSS payments then yes they can be accepted. Also, we do not take sex offenders, or those charged with the production of meth amphetamine or have a criminal record,” Robertson said.

“I’ve heard a lot of people say we need to do something about housing, and we are, but it makes me sad to think the community isn’t looking out for everyone,” she added.

Chenango County Department of Planning and Development Director Shane Butler said their department has a great relationship with Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango.

Butler said they worked with the non-profit on several previous housing projects across the county and they are also a member of the Chenango County Housing Oversight Committee, which is run out of Greater Opportunities.

“We are very involved with these projects, and at the same time, we talk daily with Commerce Chenango and other organizations and we are always trying to connect the dots to help the community in one way or another,” he said.

After the completion of the Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan, Butler said they really wanted to have community input which is why they pushed so hard to get people to take the survey and attend meetings.

“This is the reason we do surveys; to find out what the majority of our community wants,” Butler added.

He said the survey results showed over 75% of respondents felt that affordable/workforce housing is undersupplied in the county.

“Will every project make every person happy?” Butler continued, “Not usually, there are downfalls to projects depending on your perspective of the issues.”

Yet, Butler does believe Greater Opportunities will do a fine job managing the property to ensure it remains clean and safe and doesn’t detract from the area.

He noted, “Greater Opportunities is always trying to be good stewards and wants to make these buildings fit within the character of the neighborhood, so it looks like a residential neighborhood.”

Additional information on the budget vote and proposal can be found at the City of Norwich District websites, www.norwichcsd.org/page/voting-elections and at www.norwichcsd.org/page/school-budget.