NORWAY — A large crowd is expected Thursday evening when the Planning Board holds a public hearing on the proposed Lakeside Norway project on the site of a former corn canning facility on Pennesseewassee Lake.

The public hearing will be held at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School starting at 7 p.m.

Lakeside Norway is a 6.64-acre lot located on two adjacent parcels — at 61 Lake Road and one listed as 0 (zero) Lake Road.  Lake Road is also Routes 117 and 118. It was once the home of C.B. Cummings Mill and the Norway Packing Co. and sits along nearly 1,500 feet of lake frontage on the eastern bay of Pennesseewassee Lake. There are seven buildings on the property, which is within the Downtown Gateway Area.

It is about a five-minute walk from downtown Norway.

The plans for the project include hosting entertainment events, such as live music, festivals, outdoor films and live theater, comedy, meet and greets, educational activities and four-season outdoor recreation such as hiking, kayaking, picnic areas and ice skating. The Norway Brewing Co. would move its brewing operation to the corn shop warehouse on site and open a small tasting room.

Lakeside Norway could also offer a venue for weddings and other events.

Jason Shiers, who owns Pleasant Hill Property Services, a boutique landscaping business, heads a team of local investors who have purchased the property. The property ownership group, Left Turn Enterprises, was founded by Shiers, who also is the director of operations and business development for Lakeside Norway. His partners include Charles Melhus of the Norway Brewing Co.

Their vision includes developing the property into a four-season event venue, which would keep the waterfront accessible to Norway residents. The owners have said that they have worked to mitigate erosion and stormwater runoff to protect the lake. They also have pledged to support community organizations and local nonprofits and businesses.

Opponents of the project have expressed concern with increased noise levels and lighting in the area and increased boating at that end of the lake.