Utica  Gets State  Money for Economic Community Development

December 23, 2024

Utica, NY – After months of planning and preparation for applications seeking State assistance for economic and community development projects the City of Utica has been notified of multiple awards. The Department of Urban & Economic Development received the following:
 

·       $389,263 – Barnes Avenue Neighborhood Predevelopment Activities – The City of Utica will undertake activities to create a plan for the Barnes Avenue neighborhood. The targeted neighborhood planning will contemplate reconnecting the street grid, creating and maintaining common space, consider establishing a pedestrian bridge, and streetscape improvements. The project will happen in parallel with the removal of a defunct CSX-owned bridge that bisects Barnes Ave.

·       $228,550 – Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan – The City of Utica will create a new comprehensive plan to supplant its existing plan adopted in 2011. This transformative effort will better reflect the City’s existing conditions, solicit extensive public engagement, and plan for vibrant, compact, and sustainable neighborhoods and rational land use.

Other projects awarded in the City include:
 

·       $2,000,000 for Hotel Street Ventures LLC to undertake redevelopment of a portion of Hotel Street in Bagg’s Square West.
·       $800,000 to Mohawk Valley Garden Corporation to rehabilitate the former NYS Canal 1933 building located at the historic Utica Harbor into an event space.
·       $350,000 to the Utica Zoo to create a four-season coral reef habitat exhibit and undertake a comprehensive marketing strategy.
·       $1,300,000 to Munson to redesign and repurpose the interior space to enhance engagement and accessibility, including an expanded interactive gallery, a wellness room, and accessible restrooms.
·       $675,000 to Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts, Inc. (UTCA) to complete restoration of the historic Uptown Theatre for expanded programming and cultural tourism.

Regionally, the Mohawk Valley received one of four awards from the State’s inaugural Advancing Collaboration for High-impact Initiatives for Economic Visions & Expansion (ACHIEVE) competition. An anchor project in the application was Nexus Neighborhood in Utica, a one-of-a-kind destination featuring sports medicine, hospitality, recreation, and housing.

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent $1,000,000 grant from the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) to rehabilitate Pixley Park, which will break ground in spring 2026. The City is also requesting $4.5 million through the Governor’s New York Forward program and $10 million through the DRI program for the Uptown district and Greater Brewery District, respectively.  

A link to the full CFA awards can be found here: (https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/2025-CFA-Award-Booklet.pdf). The Governor’s press release regarding ACHIEVE can be found here: (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-463-million-awarded-statewide-through-regional-economic-development).

Mayor Galime stated:
 

“We have assembled an internal team that can produce applications that elevate the renewed cohesive trajectory we see for the entire city. Working with public and private partners these awards represent recognition that we are, in fact, a momentous place for investment – and executing our collective vision together, for Utica. Congrats to all awardees, including our local internal team. I’d like to thank all involved, noting all those included in the release.”

Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon , and Senator Joseph A. Griffo

Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council: Co-chairs Lawrence T. Gilroy III and Dr. Marion Terenzio

Empire State Development Corporation: President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight and Regional Director Allison Madmoune

NYS Office of Homes & Community Renewal: Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas

NYS Department of State: Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation: Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser​