March 20, 2019

UTICA HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MARKS BULKHEAD REPLACEMENT PROJECT UNDERWAY

UTICA, N.Y. — After years of planning, the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) and City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri marked the beginning of a $6.7 million project to replace the harbor walls (bulkheads) at Harbor Point in Utica.

The existing bulkheads, originally constructed in 1915, were in disrepair and their replacement represents the latest step in the work of the Utica Harbor Point Redevelopment Plan, which was finalized in 2014. This UHPDC project was awarded a $6 million grant through Governor Cuomo’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council in November.

“The Utica Harbor Point Redevelopment Project complements many of the other exciting redevelopment projects around the City of Utica,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “We’re looking forward to the day when the Harbor will serve as a year-round attraction and catalyst for continued economic development in Utica.”

The new bulkheads will provide a safe and stable structure for waterside activities. Floating docks are envisioned in the future to allow boats to visit the harbor after its redevelopment.

“Our vision is to redevelop the area to create an economically sustainable multi-use development that will become a premier waterfront destination in the City of Utica,” said UHPDC President Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. “We’re looking to turn this gem into a space where residents and visitors alike can find entertainment, retail, live/work space, and more.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Waterfront activation, including this economically sustainable, multi-use development in Utica, reflects the strategic support the Upstate Revitalization Initiative has provided for long-term growth in New York’s city centers.”

The new bulkheads are expected to be in place by June, but site restoration activities may extend through the summer.

“This important project will help ensure that the redevelopment of the Utica Harbor can serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region and attract more New Yorkers to experience the Canal System and experience why downtown Utica is a great place to live, work and play,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton.

In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing water’s edge with public and private investments. In 2017, the Barge Canal was designated as National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, which can help promote Utica Harbor as a heritage tourism destination. The Harbor Master Plan includes the preservation and reuse of two buildings on the site constructed in 1917 and 1933.

For more information or to review project documents, visit www.uticaharborpoint.org.

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September 26, 2018

EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES $6 MILLION GRANT TO REPAIR BULKHEADS IN UTICA’S HARBOR POINT
Investment Supports Vital Safety and Infrastructure Improvements Project Supported by Mohawk Valley’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative Fund

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced a $6 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) grant to repair the bulkheads at Harbor Point in Utica, Oneida County.

The bulkheads are crucial to the structural integrity of the harbor walls and represent the latest step in the work of the Utica Harbor Point Redevelopment Plan, which was finalized in 2014. The project also includes improvements to the marina and the overall site, and an initial phase of private mixed-use development.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “This Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant will allow Utica to take the next step in its grand plan to turn the waterfront into a new and exciting food and entertainment destination for tourists and locals alike.”

As part of the Harbor Point redevelopment, the City of Utica and the Harbor Point Local Development Corporation requested funds to assist with the reconstruction of the harbor bulkheads. Repairing the bulkheads is one of several interconnected components of the overall redevelopment of the Utica Harbor. The Plan establishes a modern vision for the harbor by revitalizing the area to create an economically sustainable multi-use development that will become a premier waterfront destination in the City of Utica.

The new bulkheads will provide a safe and stable structure for visiting vessels to dock and to attach floating dock structures.

In 2015, the state launched a URI competition to strategically focus on the economic development of Upstate NY as part of long-term, regionally-based plans for economic growth through its 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs).

The REDCs have changed the way NYS invests state resources, through a community-based, bottom-up approach designed to meet each region’s needs, involving private-public partnerships of local experts and stakeholders.

Through a competitive process for state resources, the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the REDCs create strategies for growth through projects and initiatives that attract private investment and create jobs. The Mohawk Valley received $50 million to implement its strategic plans.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As it has for countless communities across upstate New York for the better part of two centuries, today’s Erie Canal continues to be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. We are proud to have partnered with the City of Utica and the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation to move this important project forward and to see this facility serve a vital new role in Utica’s renaissance and the Canal’s next century of operation.”

“The Utica Harbor Point Redevelopment Project is a shining example of how economic development and progress can happen when there is collaboration,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “Securing funding to reconstruct the Harbor bulkheads marks a major milestone in this process and the support we’ve received from State partners has enhanced our efforts to redevelop this unique regional asset. Once completed, the Harbor will serve as a year-round attraction and catalyst for continued economic development in Utica.”

Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “The harbor redevelopment project aims to revitalize an area once used for heavy industrial purposes and to transform it into an asset that has the potential to help the local economy, provide job opportunities, expand recreational offerings and increase tourism to Utica, surrounding communities and the entire region. This funding will help with needed repairs to the bulkheads at Utica’s harbor and will assist with moving the mixed-use development of the city’s waterfront forward.”

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica said, “Harbor Point is one of Utica’s greatest assets–a scenic waterfront area that is a short drive away for thousands of people. The collaboration that has developed between private industry, interested area residents, and government is already a successful model of creative redevelopment of a unique recreation area. Today’s announcement represents another significant milestone in revitalizing Harbor Point into a significant attraction for Mohawk Valley residents and visitors to the area. I look forward to seeing the vision for this beautiful area fulfilled in the near future.”

“The Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) has been working alongside our State partners to redevelop Utica’s Harbor Point into a landmark destination for our region,” said UHPDC President Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. “Our engineering and construction teams have already commenced work to re-grade the DSA-1 site and prepare it for the coming development. This news enables us to keep momentum as we turn our attention to the lynchpin of the project — repairing the Harbor walls so that the site remains an attractive, mixed-use waterfront destination for years to come.

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

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September 13, 2018

PROGRESS AT UTICA HARBOR POINT:
Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation Takes Ownership of First Parcel from Canal Corp., Next Phase of Work Advanced

UTICA, N.Y. — City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) Chairman Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. proudly announce that the UHPDC has acquired the first of two parcels of land from the Canal Corporation, marking another milestone in the advancement of this critical redevelopment project.

This approximately 17-acre parcel of land, known as Dredge Spoils Area No. 1 or “DSA-1,” was the location of the New York State Canal Corporation’s dredge spoil operations; the location where sediment from the annual dredging of the canal is deposited.

“The DSA-1 land transfer is a critical step toward advancing redevelopment at Harbor Point,” said Gilroy. “Our engineering and construction teams have commenced work to re-grade the DSA-1 site and prepare it for the coming development.”

In May, the UHPDC released a request for proposals for the development of a 17+-acre portion on the northeast edge of the Harbor Point site. Developer proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2018.

“This unique development opportunity has attracted attention from developers across the Northeast” said Mayor Palmieri. “This land transfer is a tremendous step forward in this project, one that many people have been working toward for a number of years. I’m proud of the work that has been accomplished and greatly look forward to seeing the culmination of these efforts in the coming years.”

“We are pleased to be working with the City of Utica, the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, and other state and local partners to move this important initiative forward,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “By taking full advantage of the incredible asset that the Erie Canal and the Utica Harbor Point area represent for the region, this project can serve as a catalyst for even more economic growth in the Mohawk Valley, and help bring more people to our iconic Canal System to work, play, and live.”

Based on a market demand study, the Harbor Point Master Plan calls for a preferred mixed-use project consisting of residential upper floor apartments, with retail and commercial uses and associated parking on the ground floor. The winning proposal will be consistent with the City’s vision for this area as articulated in the Master Plan. The Request for Proposal can be seen on www.uticaharborpoint.com.

In addition to this critical land transfer, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the NY Empire State Development, the City of Utica, and the UHPDC have entered into an agreement that will preserve two historical buildings along the Harbor. When the second Canal Corporation parcel is conveyed these two buildings will be reused as local food, beverage, arts businesses and marina support services.

“We’ve been working for an extended amount of time with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to ensure that we maintain the historical integrity of the Harbor, while also allowing new development to occur,” said Gilroy. “Of course any new development within the Harbor will adhere to our project Design Guidelines, which have been carefully crafted to deliver a sense of place where visitors can take part in a celebration of the District’s history while enjoying a modern, lively place to live, work, shop and play on the waterfront.”

For more information or to review the request for proposals and other project documents, visit www.uticaharborpoint.org. In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing water’s edge with public and private investments. The plan realizes the goals defined in the City’s Master Plan (2011), as well as those identified in the Brownfield Opportunity Area Study (2014) and the Local Waterfront Access Plan (2011).

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May 7, 2018

CITY OF UTICA AND UTICA HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SEEK DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR HARBOR POINT

UTICA, N.Y. — City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) Chairman Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. announce the release of a request for proposals to develop a 17+-acre site on the northeast edge of Utica’s Harbor Point.

Developer RFP 2018

Based on market demand, the Harbor Point Master Plan calls for a preferred mixed-use project consisting of residential upper floor apartments, with retail and commercial uses and associated parking on the ground floor. The winning proposal will be consistent with the City’s vision for this area as articulated in the Master Plan.

“The UHPDC and the City of Utica have invested significantly in the success of this project,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “And this work is coming to fruition just steps away from the redevelopment in Bagg’s Square, the exciting growth in the sports and entertainment district around the Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium, and within 15 miles of the existing and emerging major employment centers of Griffiss Business and Technology Park, as well as Utica Nanocenter. We look forward to reviewing interested developer proposals to see how they will align with our vision for the project site.”

The UHPDC hosted a special forum last fall to showcase the Harbor to potential developers. The event, which included developers from across the state, featured a presentation of site details, review of the Harbor Point Master Plan and Design Guidelines, local and state incentives overview, and bus tour highlighting exciting development projects and key community assets. In addition, attendees were led on a walking tour to personally explore the Harbor Point area.

“This location provides for a unique opportunity to create a mixed-use waterfront destination that is directly adjacent to the heart of the City of Utica,” said UHPDC Chairman Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. “With this and many other projects within the City, we are experiencing a renaissance, and Harbor Point will become a significant component centered on urban waterfront living, recreation, and craft food and beverage.”

Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on July 27, 2018. For more information or to review the request for proposals and other project documents, visit www.uticaharborpoint.org. In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing water’s edge with public and private investments. The plan realizes the goals defined in the City’s Master Plan (2011), as well as those identified in the Brownfield Opportunity Area Study (2014) and the Local Waterfront Access Plan (2011).

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November 14, 2017

UTICA HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HOSTS FORUM FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPERS IN ADVANCE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

UTICA, N.Y. — The Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) hosted a special forum Tuesday to showcase the Harbor to potential developers.

The event, which included developers from across the state, featured a presentation of site details, review of the Harbor Point Master Plan and Design Guidelines, local and state incentives overview, and bus tour highlighting exciting development projects and key community assets. In addition, attendees were led on a walking tour to personally explore the Harbor Point area.

“The Harbor Point Redevelopment Project is a transformational project that will have a positive impact in our community for decades to come,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “Through hard work and collaboration with many partners, we are excited to advance this project and look forward to working with talented developers to incorporate their vision and ideas with our Master Plan.”

“Utica’s Harbor Point is a key asset that will not only serve as a destination for tourism, but will also provide a regional four-season activity hub for community members right here in the Mohawk Valley,” said UHPDC Chairman Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. “This project has been in progress for many years and the Forum represents an exciting milestone in our mission to establish a modern, lively place to live, work, shop and enjoy recreation on the waterfront.”

Following this event, interested developers will be invited to complete a Request for Proposal for development of the approximately 16-acre parcel known as DSA-1. UHPDC board members will review the proposals and select the submission that most closely aligns with the vision outline within the Harbor Point Master Plan.

In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing water’s edge with public and private investments. The plan realizes the goals defined in the City’s Master Plan (2011), as well as those identified in the Brownfield Opportunity Area Study (2014) and the Local Waterfront Access Plan (2011). For more information or to review project documents, visit www.uticaharborpoint.org.

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UTICA HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO HOST FORUM FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPERS

The Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) will host a special forum on Tuesday, November 14 to showcase the Harbor Point area to potential developers.

The forum will include:

  • How development of this historical waterfront property could become a profitable opportunity for your company
  • Information about helpful financing tools, including tax credits and other financial incentives (grants, etc.)
  • Details about how Payment in Lieu of Tax Increment Financing (PIFs) can be used to help finance new project infrastructure
  • Update on other development projects in the City of Utica

RSVP by November 10 to rsvp@harrisbeach.com.
 

October 30, 2017

UTICA, N.Y. — City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri shared insights on Utica’s Harbor Point Redevelopment Project at the SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum on October 30 at Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, N.Y.


September 27, 2017

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Utica’s Harbor Point Redevelopment Project was featured at the World Canals Conference on September 27 in Syracuse, N.Y. Project team members Paul Romano, OBG, and Lisa Nagle, Elan Planning, Design & Landscape Architecture, presented Transforming Utica’s Inner Harbor.


December 15, 2016 

UTICA HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RELEASES DESIGN GUIDELINES

UTICA, N.Y. — The Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) has released the design guidelines for the Utica Harbor Point Redevelopment Project.

The guidelines, available for review at uticaharborpoint.org, are applicable within the PD-E Planned Development–Extraordinary district, for the district located at the Utica Harbor only. The Utica Harbor district is bound by North Genesee Street to the east, the railroad track to the south, Interstate 790 to the west and the Mohawk River to the north.

The adoption and implementation of design standards and guidelines will provide a framework on which to base future decisions. The intent of these standards and guidelines is to ensure that infill and redevelopment within the Harbor Point area:

(1) Is compatible with surrounding land uses;
(2) Supports and protect historic resources;
(3) Restores the canal harbor character;
(4) Improves the overall image of the Utica Harbor;
(5) Provides a user-friendly document and review process; and
(6) Maintains consistency with the goals and policies of the Harbor Point Redevelopment Plan.

“Our goal is to set a design standard that enables a modern feel, while maintaining the historical culture and aesthetics of the canal system,” said UHPDC Chairman Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. “We want to celebrate the past while establishing a modern, lively place to live, work, shop and enjoy recreation on the waterfront.”

The City of Utica Planning Board will review the design guidelines at their Dec. 21 meeting at 4:30 p.m. at Utica City Hall, and is expected to conduct the required public hearing on the guidelines at their meeting on Jan. 18. The Planning Board must then make a recommendation to the Common Council. Following the recommendation, the City of Utica Common Council will review the guidelines and conduct its own required public hearing before considering their adoption.

In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies, and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing water’s edge with public and private investments. The plan realizes the goals defined in the City’s Master Plan (2011), as well as those identified in the Brownfield Opportunity Area Study (2014) and the Local Waterfront Access Plan (2011). To review project documents, including the Final GEIS, please visit www.uticaharborpoint.org.

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March 28, 2016

UTICA HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

UTICA, N.Y. — The Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) announced today the addition of four new members to the UHPDC board.

“With the completion of the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for the Utica Harbor Point Master Plan comes a new phase in the revitalization of this prime real estate,” said UHPDC Chairman Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. “We are now shifting focus from environmental analysis and planning to development activities. With this shift in focus, we welcome new board members that will bring their unique expertise and insights to guide this next phase.”

The following new members have been appointed to serve for one year:

  • Barbara Brodock, President and Owner of CBB Realty LLC
  • Evon M. Ervin, Deputy Director at Mohawk Valley Community Action
  • Jack LoMedico, City of Utica Common Councilor at-large
  • Michael Pezzolanella, Vice President of Operations for Pezzolanella Construction

In addition, a voting seat on the UHPDC board will now be occupied by the councilperson representing the district that encompasses Harbor Point.

“The interests of the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation and the City of Utica will be best served by Common Council representation on the UHPDC board,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “Samantha Colosimo-Testa, R-6, who currently serves as an ex-officio non-voting member, has been given full voting privileges for a term of one year. Councilman at-large Jack LoMedico has also been added increasing the Common Council’s participation and representation on the UHPDC Board.”

The following members were re-elected to their position as board members:

  • Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr., chairman
  • Mary Brown-Depass
  • Alicia Dicks
  • John Wade
  • Brian Thomas, commissioner of Economic Development for the City of Utica, ex-officio voting member
  • Samantha Colosimo-Testa, City of Utica Common Council R-6, ex-officio voting member
  • Steve DiMeo, president of Mohawk Valley EDGE, ex-officio non-voting member
  • John Fiume, representative of National Grid, ex-officio non-voting member

Edward Bucciero, Patrick Donovan, Joseph Johnson and Christopher Salatino have completed their duties with the board.

“I want to thank all board members, especially Ed, Pat, Joe and Chris, for providing invaluable input that has helped us advance this critical project to such a positive place,” said Gilroy.

The UHPDC Board of Directors is responsible for the operation and management of the public authority through strategic input, guidance, oversight, mission authorization, policy setting and validation of the authority’s mission, measurements and results. The Mayor of the City of Utica is the sole member of the public authority and is responsible for the appointment of members to the board of directors.

In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies, and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing water’s edge with public and private investments. The plan realizes the goals defined in the City’s Master Plan (2011), as well as those identified in the Brownfield Opportunity Area Study (2014) and the Local Waterfront Access Plan (2011). To review project documents, including the Final GEIS, please visit www.uticaharborpoint.org.

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Sept. 15, 2015

UTICA HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RELEASES DRAFT GENERIC IMPACT STATEMENT FOR UTICA HARBOR

UTICA, N.Y. — The Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) presented on Tuesday the results of the recently completed Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for the Utica Harbor Point Master Plan.

“Our research and studies have reaffirmed that Utica’s Harbor Point is ready for redevelopment into a mixed-use attraction that enhances the existing waters’ edge,” said UHPDC Chairman Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr. “With this news, we are closer than ever to revitalizing this prime real estate. Our efforts are even further energized by the vision of a destination that enhances our community’s character and increases entertainment offerings.”

Developers will be able to build upon the information within the final GEIS to design a project that will not only support long-term community and economic benefits, but is also appropriate for the environment.

“From infrastructure to zoning and community character, the DGEIS evaluations confirm that adverse impacts to the environment are negligible, while the benefits to the City and the greater Utica region are considerable,” said City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri. “We look forward to finalizing the GEIS and moving another step closer to development.”

New York’s State’s Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for development where there might be a significant adverse environmental impact.

In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies, and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing water’s edge with public and private investments. The plan realizes the goals defined in the City’s Master Plan (2011), as well as those identified in the Brownfield Opportunity Area Study (2014) and the Local Waterfront Access Plan (2011). To review the documents, including the DGEIS, please visit www.uticaharborpoint.org.

Questions regarding the public meeting may be referred to Brian Thomas, City of Utica, Commissioner of Urban and Economic Development, at 792‐0181. Public comment on the DGEIS will be received until Sept. 28 by contacting Thomas or visiting www.uticaharborpoint.org.

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Sept. 1, 2015

PRESENTATION OF UTICA HARBOR POINT DRAFT GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SET FOR TUESDAY, SEPT. 15

UTICA, N.Y. — Residents and business owners are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, to comment on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for the Utica Harbor Point Master Plan. The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the North Utica Senior Center, located at 50 Riverside Drive, Utica.

The primary goal of the GEIS is to evaluate potentially significant adverse impacts related to the implementation of the Utica Harbor Master Plan. This document is integral to informed decision-making and planning for success. Typically, each developer would be responsible for conducting its own surveys and research, which has now been already completed through the GEIS process. By completing a GEIS, the UHPDC has improved the project’s build-ready status and compiled information necessary to promote and guide the fulfillment of project objectives.

In 2013, the City of Utica began a planning and design process to redevelop the City’s inner harbor. Led by the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in collaboration with City staff, private property owners, state agencies and City residents, a Harbor Point Master Plan was developed. The plan calls for creating a mixed-use destination attraction for Utica that enhances the existing waters’ edge with public and private investments. The plan realizes the goals defined in the City’s Master Plan (2011), as well as those identified in the Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Study (2014) and the Local Waterfront Access Plan (2011). To review the documents, including the DGEIS, please visit www.uticaharborpoint.org.

Questions regarding the public meeting may be referred to Brian Thomas, City of Utica, Commissioner of Urban and Economic Development, at 792‐0181. Public comment on the DGEIS will be received until Sept. 28 by contacting Thomas or visiting www.uticaharborpoint.org.

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MAYOR PALMIERI & UHPDC CHAIRMAN VINCENT GILROY ANNOUNCE MAJOR MILESTONE IN DEVELOPMENT OF UTICA HARBOR

DEMOLITION MARKS PROGRESS FOR HARBOR POINT PROJECT

Mayor Palmieri and UHPDC Chairman Vin Gilroy today announced that 105 Genesee Street, a building located at the forefront of the Utica Harbor, will undergo demolition marking another milestone in a catalyst project of the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan for Revitalization.   The demolition will enable the City of Utica’s once hidden Harbor Point to be on full display.  The development of the Utica Harbor is a priority project for the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (MVREDC) and has received millions of dollars in funding from Empire State Development and the Department of State.

“The demolition of the 105 Building offers more evidence that the City of Utica and the Utica Harbor are moving in the right direction.” said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri. “This project is a complete team effort and wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the UHPDC and many other partners.  In addition, I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for his unwavering support in making this project a reality.”

“While significant achievements have been made behind the scenes, public excitement about this area’s potential continues to grow as we see physical and tangible progress at Harbor Point,“ said Vincent J. Gilroy, Jr., Chairman of the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC).

“Residents who attended our public meeting had the opportunity to view concept drawings of the project and offer input, and now they will see that it is one step closer to reality.”

New York State Canal Corp Director Brian Stratton stated, “Nearly 200 years ago, the Erie Canal transformed a young nation and made New York the Empire State.  Governor Cuomo knows that in the future, a fully redeveloped and vibrant Harbor Point area will transform the inner harbor and will allow the city to harness the continued potential of America’s most storied and enduring waterway.”

In order to create the most effective use of the land and waterfront at Harbor Point, information was gathered from market studies, various engineering analyses, and interviews with local businesses and other stakeholders to create a master plan for the harbor area. Concepts identified in the Harbor Point master plan include:

  • Waking up with a view of the Harbor from waterfront lofts
  • Shopping through a variety of boutiques and shops
  • Eating at unique restaurants near all of the action
  • Watching recreational sports, such as soccer or baseball

The UHPDC is currently in the process of completing a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) that will evaluate potential environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with the Utica Harbor Point Master Plan. To review the Scoping Document, which outlines the various components of the DGEIS, click here.

Harbor Point has been an important area of Utica for almost 100 years. In 2008, New York State legislation allowed for the transfer of approximately 20 acres of land to the UHPDC. Based upon the City of Utica Master Plan, Utica secured $250,000 in funding from the New York Department of State for development of a Master Plan specific to Harbor Point. The UHPDC, City of Utica, and a consultant team led by Elan Planning, Design, and Landscape Architecture, PLLC have developed this plan to reinvigorate the City’s waterfront at Harbor Point. The Master Plan was advanced in December 2013 when Utica received grants through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council (NYSREDC) totaling $5.5 million. The NYSREDC awarded an additional $750,000 for infrastructure improvements at the Harbor in its most recent round of funding.

Questions regarding the project may be referred to Brian Thomas, City of Utica, Commissioner of Urban and Economic Development, at 792-0181.