* Jill Osterhout contributed to this story.

NORWICH – Businesses along South Board Street will be expanding, creating a short strip of attractions drawing like-minded customers seeking out art, music and a community connection.

By mid-summer, within a 30 second walk from 28 S. Broad St., one could visit The Coffee Connection, Solstice, The Music Shop Pub, Made in Chenango, Art Upstairs Gallery and the Crazy House music store. The Chenango County Council of the Arts lies a few hundred yards out of any of their backdoors.

The Coffee Connection will be moving from its current location to the building just adjacent. Both buildings are owned by Geri Barnes of Preston. The vacancy will be filled almost immediately by the home remedy and herb store, Solstice.

The coffee shop has become a hub for a wide range of local groups ranging from cancer survivors to poetry readers, and has hosted programs and events like Leadership Chenango and the Colorscape Art Festival. “I have always wanted to create a place where people can come and find a community interaction, a connection, hence the name, Coffee Connection,” said Barnes.

Barnes will add two additional employees to her new venture, which will become a tapas and wine bar. “We would like to bring a little more class to the area,” she said. Her new space will offer about 30 percent more room, allowing for a small stage that will play host to a number of musical and artistic entertainers.