City of Utica Signs Valley View Operations Agreement with Longo

 UTICA – Mayor Robert M. Palmieri announced that Salvatore Longo, owner of Rocky’s on the Lake in Coldbrook, and the City of Utica have reached an agreement for Longo to operate the clubhouse and banquet facility at Valley View.

 The agreement comes as the City is investing roughly $5 million in upgrades to the building. As part of the operating agreement, Longo will also invest more than $2 million in equipment and amenities to the site. Construction is expected to be complete in time for golf season, and Longo is expected to begin operations soon thereafter. 

 Operations will include new uses for the traditionally-significant building, including a new bar/grill area overlooking the course, indoor golf simulators and a host of other changes that will make the venue a year-round destination. The banquet hall will also be upgraded dramatically and will continue to host weddings, proms and other special events as it traditionally has. In addition, the new site will be more accessible as additional parking and pathways are part of the project.

Last year, the City announced that it was putting out a Request for Proposal to solicit interested applicants. Longo’s proposal was judged to be the best based on the criteria laid out in the RFP. Longo is a Utica native who built a business from the trunk of his car into Northern Safety, a multi-national corporation. Recently, he donated $1 million toward the construction of Sal Longo Field in Thomas R. Proctor Park. He has made Rocky’s on the

Lake into one of the highest-rated eateries and event values in the region. The modifications to the clubhouse at Valley View are designed to enhance the entire corridor along Roscoe Conkling Park, which now features several new amenities including:

1. ICAN’s new Children’s Museum, expected to open around the same time.
2. A new skate rink and pickleball court, tennis court improvements and a revamped ski area in Roscoe Conkling Park.
3. A new welcome center at the neighboring Utica Zoo.
4. New York State Power Authority’s visitor’s center just east of the golf course.

The new agreement features a graduated rent scale over a period that could be extended up to 20 years. The goal is to run a state-of-the art restaurant, banquet facility and a clubhouse to accommodate golf enthusiasts 12 months a year.

 Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “I couldn’t have dreamed up a better partner or a better proposal for this critical part of our city’s culture. The Valley View site will look better, function better and build more memories than ever before. Mr. Longo has been a benevolent member of this community and a successful owner of multiple businesses. This whole process is the culmination of a lot of hard work, but the start of a very bright future.” 

 Salvatore Longo said: “My family and myself have so many memories that were harvested at Valley View and I took on this project to create those kinds of memories for as many people as possible. I’m excited to show everyone in Utica and beyond the vision and potential I see in this great location. Next to a world-class golf course and overlooking this wonderful city, my goal is to build a venue for all to enjoy. I’m happy to accept the awarded contract, and my family and my staff cannot wait to serve the great people of this region.”