NORWICH – After almost eight years of waiting, the Brown Avenue Senior Housing Project is moving forward. With the project currently out to bid, city officials are confident that construction could begin in early fall.

The Brown Avenue Project calls for the construction of six duplex structures, or 12 total units on the site of the former Brown Ave. Bowling Alley. The project would provide a home ownership opportunity for seniors of moderate income, $27,000 a year or less.

The project began in 1999, when the Brown Avenue properties were purchased.

“We’ve experienced so many hurdles, but we feel we’ve finally surmounted those,” said Judy Wingate-Wade, executive director of the Norwich Housing Authority.

Approximately six months ago, the project looked like it was picking up speed when the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation gave the Norwich Housing Authority a home award in the amount of $391,900 to cover the cost of start-up expenses.

“We were held up by New York State Environmental Regulations and the State Historic Preservation Office,” said Wingate-Wade. “It’s taken years to get here, but hopefully we’ll be beginning construction in August.”