Improved housing & neighborhoods among Oneida County's priorities for 2024 By Executive Anthony Picente
While 2023 will be remembered as another transformative year for Oneida County, the work does not stop there. The foundation of strong fiscal management and investment has led our county to great strides across the economic spectrum.
Last year in this column I spoke of our persistence during a time of crisis in our state and nation and how we as a government and people responded to that crisis. We did it by recognizing that we needed to continue to move forward and meet any challenges head on. My administration has always operated on that basis and will continue to do so as I begin another term.
As we enter 2024, we must continue the momentum that has brought us this far. We cannot look at the success of the past few years and take a rest, rather the exact opposite must occur as we still have gaps that need to be addressed.
One of the prime areas of concern is our housing stock. That is why we have commissioned a study to review our inventory and determine what new growth is required. The job growth that we continue to see will have greater demands in the years ahead. Coupled with our investment in our health care systems, we will be challenged by the attraction of new professionals to have housing stock that meets the needs of a generation that sees the world in a different way. The downtowns of Utica and Rome have been addressing this issue through loft and new construction, but more development is needed in outlying areas to meet the needs of all of our residents. Working with MVEDGE and MVHS we have begun the process of reviewing the potential of the St. Luke’s site with two RFPs issued. One to look at the facilities of the site for removal and the other to create a master plan for reuse. Our first community meeting on that location will be held in January. We are also hopeful that the new city administration will include us in the reuse plans at St. Elizabeth’s, so that we can collectively maximize resources and capital for both locations.
Likewise, we must improve our neighborhoods that have seen decay and neglect over time. Collectively we must improve our codes enforcement and education programs throughout the county. Starting in the cities of Utica and Rome we will hold a summit to review current policy and procedures with the intent of a more proactive approach. Currently Oneida County funds both municipalities with approximately a half a million dollars. It is in all of our interests to see that partnership yielding results that our residents expect and deserve. Neighborhoods that are neglected breed a rise in crime, poverty and addiction. We must improve our work in this area.
Photo from Executive Picente
Our first priority must always be the health and well-being of our people, as such our fight against the disease of addiction continues as the Opioid Task Force continues its work. While we have made great strides, we are still seeing the destruction of individuals and families that is plaguing all communities. We will increase our efforts as we also tackle the growing homeless population throughout the county. And we will continue to stand up to any level of government that attempts to shift their responsibility to the people of Oneida County.
Our Main Street program will also take shape in 2024 as 11 municipalities work with our match of $5million in investment to improve the fabric and safety in areas of our towns and villages where our neighborhoods meet our small business community. We will continue our broadband investment as more areas will be reached to provide the necessary connections that our residents, students and business populations require. We cannot expand our economic potential if the very fiber does not exist in our rural communities.
With the opening of Wynn hospital and the success of Nexus we must continue development of the area surrounding both. As the parking needs are addressed, more amenities to serve the employees and visitors to Wynn as well as the visitors to Nexus are needed. The corridor from the REA wing at Union Station to Wynn and the Adirondack Bank Center is prime for more development. The new year will also bring the USA Women’s Hockey championship to Oneida County. Partnering with Mohawk Valley Garden, the Oneida Indian Nation and USA Hockey, teams from across the globe will be here in April for 12 days. Our work as a sports and tourism destination will take on new heights as we showcase all we have to offer.
Our economic focus must not waver as we look to expand upon the technology base established in Marcy and at Griffiss. Another fab and more expansion is not out of the question. The work at Innovare and Skydome and the partnership with the Air Force Research Lab are keys to future job growth and our position at the forefront of all things around Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Quantum Computing and Cyber related industries.
Oneida County has never been more exciting and our future is never more promising than we see today. We will keep growing, we will continue to be innovative, and we will do so with the best interests of all of our people. My thanks to the people of Oneida County for their strength and fortitude and for the confidence they have placed in me to continue to serve. My wishes for a Blessed Holiday season and the very best in the New Year.
Anthony Picente is the Oneida County Executive
Special thanks to The Genesis Group for contributing 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.
