Uptown Utica’s NY Forward Boundary

Uptown begins at Genesee Street and Memorial Parkway and extends to Hampden Place. In general, the western boundary runs along Sunset Ave, while the eastern boundary extends along the back property lines of the properties bordering the former rail line from Sunset Ave to Holland Ave.

The district includes the Genesee St. commercial corridor, home to retail storefronts and restaurants, a significant cultural hub between The Other Side and the Uptown Theatre, and a large recreational anchor in Donovan Stadium at Murnane Field.

Local Planning Committee (LPC)

While the New York State Department of State (DOS) will oversee the Utica NY Forward process with support from a consultant team led by Laberge Group, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) will be responsible for meeting regularly with the consultant team and representing the public throughout the process. The LPC is comprised of NYS DOS approved members, including a diverse group of community leaders and stakeholders. The LPC is tasked with overseeing the development of the Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), which will identify a slate of projects ready for implementation. The LPC will also be responsible for sharing information about the NY Forward with their networks and communities. Members of the LPC play an important role in ensuring that the plan is grounded in the values and aspirations of the community.

All LPC meetings are open to the public and provide opportunity for public comment.

Members of the Utica LPC include:

  • Co-Chair: Hon. Michael Galime, Mayor

  • Co-Chair: Kari Puleo, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce

  • Briana Mahoney, Uptown Theatre

  • Celeste Friend, Celeste Friend Design

  • Dianne DiMeo, Utica Safe Schools

  • Frank Przybycien, MVCC

  • F.X. Matt, The Matt Law Firm/Barclay Damon

  • Jose Blanco Sr., Blanco & Son Realty

  • Kim Domenico, The Other Side

  • CJ Hanrahan, MV Edge

  • Meghan Fraser McGrogan, Utica Children’s Museum

  • Michelle Reese, You Go Girl Fitness Club

  • Delroy Thomas, Mr. Buzz Bakery

The NY Forward Planning Process

The Uptown Utica NY Forward planning process is a community-driven process supported by New York State and a consultant team. The six-month planning process will identify, develop, and recommend proposed projects for NY Forward funding and will result in the development of a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). Throughout the planning process, the public — including residents, business owners, civic organizations, City staff, anchor institutions, and the broader community — are invited to attend Local Planning Committee (LPC) meetings and public workshops to learn about the planning process; to help shape the vision for uptown Utica; to pose questions; to comment on the findings, goals, and recommendations; and to contribute project ideas. The section below describes the key components of the planning process and for those interested, the NYS Department of State (DOS) has provided a reference timeline for review.

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Public Engagement

Public engagement will occur throughout the entire NY Forward planning process to understand community needs, opportunities and challenges, identify and develop potential projects, and to ensure NY Forward revitalization efforts are supported by the local community.

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The downtown profile and assessment will provide a clear, concise, and compelling narrative that articulates the story of the region and Uptown Utica as well as describes the future of the downtown area and region. This section will provide a data-driven basis for projects recommended for NY Forward funding.

Downtown Profile + Assessment

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Informed by Utica’s NY Forward application and public input, the Local Planning Committee or LPC (the core body that guides the planning process for the community) will develop a vision statement with corresponding goals and revitalization strategies to guide decision-making about future development and investment in the downtown area.

Downtown Vision, Goals, + Strategies

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Proposed projects for NY Forward funding will be identified through an open call for project proposals. This is the stage in the NY Forward process where communities invite local businesses, organizations, and residents to submit ideas for projects that could be included in their Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). The state and consultant team will work closely with project sponsors to develop project profiles. The final slate of projects is intended to have positive and transformative impacts on the NY Forward community and will be a mix of public, non-profit, and privately sponsored projects.

Project Identification + Development

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The Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) is a plan with a vision for uptown, based on community input, that will describe the unique challenges and opportunities for revitalization of Uptown Utica. It will represent the community’s vision for the future of the NY Forward area and propose transformative projects that may be realized with an investment of NY Forward funds. Once complete, the State will review Utica’s SIP and select which projects will receive NY Forward funding.

Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)