"This is the kickoff" YMCA revitalization begins as groundbreaking nears
If you took a look behind the old Norwich YMCA last week, from the parking lot or over the bridge, you would see trees, trash and dirt getting cleared.
On Thursday morning, there will be an official groundbreaking for the redevelopment of the 20,000 square foot former YMCA building, which was closed in 2009. When it is all said and done, the property will be turned into the headquarters of Mattern Construction, currently in Sprague, and feature space for a brew pub and at least two retail spots.
Among those attending the groundbreaking will be officials from the state Department of Economic and Community Development. That organization was able supply $2 million from the Communities Challenge Grant to help the city with Brownfield cleanup. Other funding was also needed to help with the cleanup, including EPA funds administered by the Capitol Region Council of Governments and American Rescue Plan funds given to the city, Norwich Community Development Corporation President Kevin Brown said.
It's critical for DECD to get projects funded, and to see them in progress. The YMCA project is a strong example of what the Challenge Grant should do, building relationships between municipalities and private entities and downtown focused development, Executive Director of Community Development Matt Pugliese said.
"It exemplifies what we're trying to do across the state," he said.
YMCA conversion just one of several city rehabilitation projects
After gaining control of the YMCA property, Norwich was able to sell it to Mattern Construction for $1. Norwich put out the RFP for environmental abatement work on Friday, and construction company is working to secure the proper city permits for their part of the project. Construction is expected to being late fall or early winter, Mattern Construction President Eric Mattern said.
“This is the kickoff to seeing some physical improvements on the site,” he said “That’s exciting for us and everybody in the city to see work get underway.”
Norwich City Planner Deanna Rhodes has given the go-ahead for soil testing, and work will start on the side of the building with the Y, and move across the property. Other redevelopment in downtown Norwich is continuing, from the Hotel Callista, a former Elks lodge, opening soon, to further work on Reid and Hughes and apartments on 77-91 Main St. that will have a ribbon cutting in September, Brown said.
“If you come in through the east side and see the YMCA building and wonder when something is going to happen, we are at that moment,” he said. “The dominoes are starting to fall.”
Rhodes and Norwich Public Works Director Pat McLaughlin and their respective departments have also been important in making this happen, Brown said.
“Many hands make for light work,” he said.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich YMCA Main Street revitalization begins with groundbreaking
