MAYOR PALMIERI ANNOUNCES PROGRESS OF HARBOR POINT DEVELOPMENT
Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri today announced the city has formally taken ownership of the 1933 Building from the New York State Canal Corporation; a major step in the development of the Utica Harbor.
In 2008, then-Governor David Paterson signed legislation that allowed for the transfer of roughly 15 acres of State land around the Utica Harbor. It was the State’s intent for a local development corporation to be a steward of the land and foster the environment under which private redevelopment could occur.
Since that time, the city established the Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation (UHPDC), of which the City is the sole member, and is guided by an eleven-member Board.
The UHPDC has successfully secured nearly $20 million in State and local funding to achieve the following;
• Creation of a master plan
• Establish design guidelines for new development
• Construct improved access with a waterfront aesthetic
• Extend utilities into the site to facilitate future development
• Reconstruct the concrete bulkhead that rings two sides of the Harbor
• Improve pedestrian access between Downtown Utica and the Harbor
Earlier this month, the approval to transfer the last piece of historically-owned State land to the UHPDC was granted by the Canal Corporation, the New York Power Authority and the Office of Attorney General, thereby fulfilling the 2008 legislation.
The transfer clears the way for the UHPDC to pursue discussions with two private developers that responded to the Requests for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) issued by the UHPDC.
In addition to the transfer of this property, the overall development plans call for two structures located at the Harbor to be abated and demolished (demolition is scheduled for the week). The demolition is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 20th. The city is utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for demolition and to undertake some of the environmental remediation.
This progress is key to the city realizing its vision for Harbor Point; which encompasses commercial, residential and recreational development.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton stated, “For nearly 200 years the Erie Canal has been an economic driver throughout the Mohawk Valley, and the Utica Harbor has connected the City of Utica to this historic waterway for generations. Today’s final transfer of the 1933 Building is part of the city’s dynamic vision to transform the harbor into a waterfront destination that will let residents and visitors alike experience the very best Utica has to offer. It’s just one more example of how America’s most iconic waterway, the Erie Canal, continues to support our canalside communities as it nears its third century of operation.”
Mayor Palmieri stated, “While there are exciting projects occurring throughout the entire city, the development of Harbor Point will transform our community and serve as a destination and quality of life asset. I commend the work of the Harbor Point Development Corporation and thank the individuals and businesses whose investment will make this development possible.”
Utica Harbor Point Development Corporation Chairman Vin Gilroy stated, “The UHPDC, in partnership with Mayor Palmieri and city staff, has been effective in securing the necessary resources to transform the Utica Harbor. The transfer of this property is another crucial step forward in the development of Harbor Point coming to fruition.”
