Forging a New Norwich brings together residents, businesses, and community leaders to create a bold vision for revitalizing key properties and attracting new investment.
Norwich will be positioned to compete for funding, encourage redevelopment, and create exciting opportunities for economic growth, housing, recreation, and waterfront revitalization
What is a Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan?
Often referred to as a “BOA Plan” for short, a Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan is a community‑driven planning document developed through a New York State program to help revitalize neighborhoods affected by vacant, underused, or environmentally contaminated properties, commonly known as brownfields. BOA Plans take an area‑wide approach, focusing not just on individual sites, but on how groups of brownfields and surrounding properties can be redeveloped together to support long‑term community goals.
The BOA Program is administered by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) and provides funding and technical assistance to municipalities and community organizations to create these plans
Why is Norwich undertaking a BOA Plan?
Norwich has a proud industrial history and with it, underused and vacant sites that hold real potential for renewal. A BOA Plan gives the City a chance to work with the community to decide how these places can be transformed into assets that support jobs, investment, and quality of life.
At the heart of the BOA Plan is local participation. Residents, business owners, property owners, and stakeholders will help shape a shared vision for Norwich’s future. Through public meetings, surveys, and hands‑on engagement, the BOA process ensures redevelopment priorities reflect what the community values, whether that’s new jobs, stronger neighborhoods, improved infrastructure, or better access to natural and community amenities.
How can I get involved?
As part of the BOA planning process, there will be public workshops and engagement events held to collect community input on the vision, goals, and aspirations for the study area. Sign up for the project’s mailing list to be notified of when and where events are occurring.
Stay up to date on Forging a New Norwich
Enter your email to receive project updates and information on public engagement opportunities.