Homelessness, trespassing, and drug use are becoming a more common sight in downtown Norwich. Recently local whistleblowers reached out to the Evening Sun to reveal that a number of alleged drug users and people convicted of sex crimes had been evicted from a local hotel due to poor welfare budgeting and oversight by the group supporting them. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

(In light of developments this story was edited to better reflect up-to-date information.) Read an updated article here: https://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2022-06-10/36589/Faced-with-100-plus-homeless-evictions-Norwich-community-barely-avoids-crisis

NORWICH – Following a number of recent complaints, petty crimes and at least one overdose, officials and law enforcement told the Evening Sun that a local nonprofit and DSS had planned on, or did release, a number of homeless without any warning to the public or properly informing law enforcement or local leaders.

“They put all these families and people at the Super 8, and they put too many people in and blew their budget. They created the situation we're faced with. It's about 68 people, mostly sex offenders and people with substance abuse issues, but also families with children. So many people were concerned about the situation, that eventually DSS stepped in to help those families,” said an Evening Sun source.

The Evening Sun is seeking more information and putting pressure on local officials to release more information. Anyone wanting to share information with the newspaper, confidentially or publicly should email tmurphy@evesun.com.

Officials from the group declined to comment Wednesday morning when asked if they would share any information with the public or if it was a public safety concern. One representative responded that she didn't even live in Chenango County.

Department of Social Services Commissioner Daniel Auwarter did not respond for comment by press time Wednesday morning.

Chenango County Board Chairman George Seneck said a meeting may have been held with local officials about the issue, but he was not aware of the details prior to last week’s evictions. He was working to confirm more information and release it to the public.

Local government employees and officials not directly related to the decisions, who asked not to be named, said at least 40 people were released from one hotel last week, and that dozens more were likely. Another source said some former tenants had been provided cash, tents, or other outdoor equipment after being evicted.

Chenango County Sheriff’s deputies said there was an overdose at the Super 8 Hotel in Norwich on Monday and a number of local residents were reporting trespassing and theft incidents in recent days.

The Norwich PD confirmed residents have recently made complaints about being accosted during morning walks and jogs. Police said the area has seen a significant change in the last few months.

“They ran out of funds, state or federal. They ran out but were able to keep people with kids in,” said one source.

Officials speaking to the Evening Sun said the recent incident was part of a larger problem with the system.

“We are seeing a lot of homeless drug addicts and panhandling and outdoor bathrooms and setting up of tents and needles being left every where. More than ever before. I think we're seeing a situation where we are arresting the same people ten times and because of bail reform they aren't going to jail. It's very demotivating.”

“They are leaving needles everywhere. We have people coming in to say they're scared, people are begging for the community to do something.”

It is not clear if these incidents are connected or a coincidence.

Recently a local resident, Chelsea Nickerson, posted on Facebook: !!BEWARE NORWICH AND SURROUNDING AREAS!!

“Last night my fiancé and I decided to go fishing at Jeffrey Pond. When we got there, there was a black Audi parked by a campsite where a male and female were camping.

“They had a fire going and it looked like they’ve been there for a couple of days. As we were getting our fishing stuff out of the car they were packing up their stuff getting ready to leave.

“We went down to the water and fished for probably not even 20 minutes then I realized I forgot the bug spray in the car. The whole time we were fishing we kept hearing what we thought was them closing doors getting ready to leave, not thinking anything about it.

“When we got to the car I went to unlock the door I noticed that someone tried to break into my car and the two that were driving the Audi were gone.

“As we waited for the state trooper there was a receipt from Walmart found on the ground right where they were parked. They had bought a bunch of camping things along with a canopy they were taking down when we got there!

“The card was declined so they had to use cash and this was just five days ago. I’d say they were in their late 20s mid 30s. Both had dark hair and the male had dark facial hair. I know it could have been worse, but what a sad scary world we live in.”