Utica Wants Input Into Next DRI Application

Utica Wants INPUT INTO NEXT DRI APPLICATION

Mayor Michael P. Galime announced today that the City of Utica will host an open house in the lobby of Utica City Hall from 4 PM to 6 PM on Wednesday, October 2nd.  The public is invited to attend the open house and share their thoughts relative to applying for a second Downtown Revitalization Initiative, including the draft boundaries, the vision for the area and potential projects that could be included in the application.  Brian Thomas, the city’s Commissioner of Urban & Economic Development, will be available to discuss the application with attendees.

Of the potential for a second DRI award, Mayor Galime stated, “I believe that the City is well-positioned to quickly implement a second Downtown Revitalization Initiative.  Given the significant investment to date, particularly in the Bagg’s Square West neighborhood, much of the historic building fabric has been renovated and is available to be occupied by local and regional businesses looking to expand in Utica.  My vision for this second DRI is to assist those businesses in the fit-out of that raw space, supporting small business innovation that in turn becomes a further catalyst for growth, job creation and economic activity.  Input from stakeholders and the general public are crucial to ensuring the city’s success in securing a second such award.”

The focus of the city’s second DRI application is the Bagg’s Square West neighborhood, extending into portions of the Harbor, North Genesee Street and Bagg’s Square East.

 Additionally, Mayor Galime issued an open call for projects, “If you own a business or a property in or around the proposed boundaries and you have a project that could benefit from State investment through the DRI, please contact Commissioner Thomas at the Department of Urban & Economic Development (bthomas@cityofutica.com) to ensure that your project is included in the city’s application.”

The State’s deadline for submission of the DRI application is October 18th.