MAYOR PALMIERI ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP IN PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT OF HARBOR POINT
Mayor Robert Palmieri today announced that the next step in the process of redeveloping Harbor Point has been cleared. At its most recent meeting on August 31st, the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC) voted unanimously to authorize negotiation of a purchase and sale agreement with Mohawk Valley Garden (MVG) for the purchase of roughly 2.9 acres of land at the southern end of the Harbor, which includes the historic 1933 building, subject to various terms and conditions to be included in the purchase and sale agreement.
A tentative purchase price of $458,150 has been agreed to by Mohawk Valley Garden and UHPDC.
In July 2019, UHPDC issues a Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the sale and redevelopment of this property; Mohawk Valley Gardens was the sole respondent to that RFEI. Their plans call for the construction of a roughly 8,000 square foot building adjacent and connected to the 1933 building which will house a restaurant facility. Additionally, the 1933 building will be rehabilitated to serve as a regional events center with sufficient capacity to host public and private events.
The UHPDC’s approval also allows Mohawk Valley Gardens to access the property for purposes of conducting due diligence activities necessary to finalize a purchase and sale agreement. The administration has submitted legislation to the Common Council authorizing the submission of a Restore NY Communities Initiative application seeking $3 million in State assistance to supplement Mohawk Valley Garden funds in the rehabilitation of the 1933 building; the Common Council will consider that legislation at their September 21st meeting.
Mayor Palmieri stated, “The City of Utica and the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation, in partnership with the State of New York, have invested significant public funds in recent years at Harbor Point to create an environment in which the private sector would likewise want to invest. This important first step with Rob Esche and Mohawk Valley Gardens is a culmination of those efforts. Rob Esche and MVG has a proven track record in having a vision and implementing that vision successfully – whether it be at Aqua Vino on the Canal, the Memorial Auditorium, the Nexus Center, or Bagg’s Square.”
Rob Esche, MVG President, stated, “Development of a premier waterfront restaurant and events center at Harbor Point is a natural next step for Mohawk Valley Garden, given our efforts on a number of different projects in the surrounding area. We thank Mayor Palmieri and the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation for their faith in Mohawk Valley Garden and look forward to bringing this project to fruition.”
