To combat what they say is a safety concern, county officials are taking steps to discourage vagrancy in West Park by cutting power to its outlets. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NORWICH – Citing a growing trend of people unreservedly using power outlets, the Chenango County Ag, Buildings and Ground Committee is taking steps to cut power to West Park outlets and discourage vagrants from daytime camping downtown.

“I’ve received complaints from constituents,” said Norwich City Supervisor Robert Jeffrey. Jeffrey, though not a member of the committee, brought the issue before members at a regular meeting of the committee Tuesday, making the case that people simply don’t feel safe. “People are bringing in their belongings and using the outlets there to charge their phones and devices, and hanging out all day long. This is a safety issue and it needs to be addressed.”

Jeffrey, along with committee members, pointed to the rising drug problem and violence in the region, particularly in that area of town which includes the park behind Guernsey Memorial Library and some dimly lit alleyways near the Chenango County Office Building where the Norwich City Police have to patrol regularly.

The financial hit to the county for power usage in West Park is nominal; only $53 last month. Nevertheless, committee members said having live outlets in a public park seems like a liability. Besides, cost isn’t the leading issue here, argued committee member Dolores Nabinger.

“It’s not really the money. It’s the precedent,” she said.