County officials will host an open house event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, to address questions and concerns over a proposed $35 million building project. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NORWICH – Over a year after the county legislature put more than $3 million toward a proposed $35 million building project, county officials will host an open house to address community pushback and concerns over the project's necessity.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, inside the board room of the Chenango County Office Building in Norwich. County leaders say it will be a chance for the public to see detailed information on the proposed project and get answers to questions raised in recent months by speaking directly with representatives.

“This open house event is designed to better educate,” said County Board Chairman Jeffrey Blanchard, adding that he hopes to win over a skeptical public. “People who are against this may not understand the need, the financing, or why the building project is necessary. I hope those who come to the open house do it with an open mind. We’re trying to get information out in a true manner.”

A formal presentation of sorts has been demanded by county taxpayers since the county signed a $1.7 million agreement with Hunt Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors in May 2025. County supervisors followed up in June 2025 with a $1.5 million contract with LeChase Construction, a Binghamton-based construction management and consultation company.