NORWICH – A resolution was passed at Tuesday night’s Common Council meeting to allow the city to apply for a community development grant. The “Restore New York” grant was just announced and would provide the city with money for demolition and reconstruction of certain properties.

Todd Dreyer of the city’s Community Development office spoke to council members about the opportunity. He said the grant is for residential redevelopment and that several properties had already been identified as possible construction sites. One such site is at 96 Silver St., now a vacant piece of property. Other possible sites are fire-damaged or otherwise condemned properties, some of which are already city owned. Houses would be built on these sites and then sold, returning them to the tax roles.

The grant would provide money for both demolition and reconstruction costs. The cost to the city would be a minimum of a 10 percent cash match. Although Dreyer mentioned that applications for the grant showing a city contribution of more than 10 percent would be viewed higher.