NORWICH – A motion was passed at Tuesday night’s meeting of the City of Norwich Common Council to receive an ordinance that would amend the city’s zoning law with the creation of a Railroad District.

After a brief public hearing, during which time no comments were offered from the public, the city passed the new ordinance.

According to the ordinance, “The Railroad District is intended to provide a linear corridor through the city suitable for rail transportation and/or recreational trail development.” The district would comprise of the portion of the New York Susquehanna & Western Railroad located within the city, portions of the former Ontario & Western Railroad, between East Main Street and Borden Ave., and portions of the Hosbach Trail. No space requirements were established for the district.

The council also passed a resolution allowing the council to circulate information pertinent to the zoning amendment to the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The information was previously presented to the Chenango County Planning Board and the New York State Office of Recreation and Historic Preservation. The city asked to be serve as the lead agency for the environmental review process.