MAYOR PALMIERI ANNOUNCES PHASE II OF UTICA PROSPERITY INITIATIVE

Mayor Robert Palmieri today unveiled Phase II of the city’s allocation of funding through the Utica Prosperity Initiative, which will be presented to the Board of Estimate & Apportionment (E&A) on Monday November 1st for formal approval. The allocation for Phase II is approximately $20 million in community investment and consists of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

In order to craft the Utica Prosperity Initiative, the city solicited public input to determine the community’s top priorities, projects and programs. Dozens of projects are still being reviewed as there will be announcements of additional phases of funding in the coming weeks and months.  All projects were thoroughly vetted by third parties (law and accounting firm) to ensure applicability and compliance with federal guidelines.

The city recently announced the implementation of several Phase I projects, including the expansion of child care and a residential rehabilitation program.

A breakdown of Phase II projects includes the following;

•   Investment in affordable housing projects

•   Programming at the new Utica Children’s Museum

•   Renovations to the Uptown Theatre

•   Expansion of the Utica Zoo’s Welcoming Center
 
•   Support and assistance to prepare low-income students for college (Young Scholars & On Point for College)
 
•   Mentorship for at-risk and minority students to have a career path in public safety
 
•   Emergency legal services for victims of domestic violence
 
•   Renovation of the Empowerment Center to provide space for youth development

•    Enhancement and expansion of the existing Lead & Healthy Homes Program

•    Investment in recreation (Harbor Point multi-use fields and new skate park)

A major component of Phase II is working with reputable entities to create affordable housing units throughout the city.  

Phase II projects also focus on providing the necessary support and assistance for our youth, including mentoring, professional development, programming, preparation for college and possible career opportunities in public safety, as well as new recreation facilities for them to utilize. 

 
United States Senator Chuck Schumer said, “As Majority Leader, I made local funding my top priority in the American Rescue Plan and fought so hard to ensure that local governments – like Utica – would get the funding needed to not just recover and rebuild from COVID, but to build back stronger and more vibrant communities. From children and families to housing and vital community services, Utica’s plan will make important investments to address community needs across multiple fronts.”
 
Mayor Palmieri said, “The Utica Prosperity Initiative is a unique opportunity to transform our community and enhance the quality of life for our residents. As we’ve recently announced the implementation of Phase I projects, we will begin the process of implementing Phase II projects and continue to review and evaluate other projects as more exciting announcements will be forthcoming.”

The Mayor continued, “I thank Senator Schumer, and all our federal representatives, for their advocacy in securing this necessary funding for our community.”