NORWICH – The City of Norwich Common Council met Tuesday night and officials discussed an open house for a DCMO BOCES built building in Norwich, Walgreens’ official sign change over, and a sidewalk replacement program that could see the city taking over responsibility for its sidewalks.

Recently appointed Alderman Bryan McCracken said the sidewalk replacement program, researched for the city by both himself and Brian Doliver, would see the city assuming responsibility for city sidewalks, including the sidewalk’s repair and construction.

McCracken was appointed Alderman of Ward Three after John Deierlein resigned in September. His term expires Dec. 31, and McCracken's no stranger to the Common Council, having been appointed to represent Ward One back in 2012 and winning a term in the subsequent election. McCracken lost his bid for re-election in 2015 to current Ward One Alderman Matthew Caldwell.

McCracken said the program would include the creation of sidewalk districts and an additional tax amounting to approximately $35 to $45 dollars a year for large apartments and likely less for single family homes.

When discussing the program, concerns such as liability and snow removal were raised, McCracken said he would discuss those with the city attorney at a later date.