How Utica's revitalization efforts persisted through the COVID pandemic By Mayor Robert Palmieri
While the past 15 months have been challenging, we have unique opportunities before us to enhance the quality of life for residents in our community.
Due to New York State lifting COVID-19 restrictions, the City of Utica, in partnership with the Genesis Group, hosted a fireworks display in honor of Independence Day on July 5th at F.T. Proctor Park. This is a positive and exciting step as we transition back to normalcy.
My Administration has been diligent in protecting the fiscal health of the city throughout the pandemic. As we look forward, we are excited for the transformational development that is occurring in all corners of our community, including major projects such as the downtown hospital and the Utica Harbor. In addition to projects within city limits, there is major development throughout our region such as the construction of Cree’s new facility that I recently toured with Empire State Development (ESD) President & CEO Eric Gertler.
A key component in our revitalization is connectivity, and I was proud to recently join New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for a ribbon cutting of the new Route 5S project and the Pedestrian Way projects in Bagg’s Square. These projects are the glue that will connect the transformational development that is occurring throughout Utica, while enhancing the safety of drivers, bikers and pedestrians.
Photo from NY state
The city announced the first phase of allocation of funding through the Utica Prosperity Initiative. In order to craft the Utica Prosperity Initiative, the city solicited public input to determine the community’s top priorities, projects and programs. Dozens of projects are still being reviewed as there will be announcements of additional phases of funding in the coming weeks and months.
The majority of Phase I projects and initiatives will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Earlier this year, the city unveiled its police reform action plan. This plan was the product of substantive, powerful, positive and passionate engagement between Administration officials, law enforcement and our minority community. I am proud of the work that our committee accomplished.
Lastly, I thank the residents of our community for their patience and diligence throughout the pandemic. While the pandemic negatively impacted all of us, I believe Utica residents rose to the challenge, and, as a result, our community is closer and stronger.
Robert Palmieri is the Mayor of Utica
Special thanks to The Genesis Group for facilitating this article. The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites Business and Community Leaders working to advance regional Economic, Social and Cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York. For more information on this type of analytical and analysis and data collection technologies, please visit the Genesis Center for Analytical Analysis website at TheGenesisGroup.org
