MAYOR PALMIERI ANNOUNCES PEDISTRIAN ONLY TRIAL FOR VARICK ST.

Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri announced that the city will be closing Varick Street to vehicular traffic Friday and Saturday evening beginning at 8 p.m. beginning this weekend.  The change is being implemented on a temporary basis at this time to increase walkability in the popular commercial corridor and to encourage further pedestrian traffic.

The shift to pedestrian-only traffic will be done on a trial basis this weekend.  The City will evaluate the change and consider its merits going forward. The effects to be evaluated will include:

• Impact on pedestrian and public safety as a whole.
• Impact on the businesses in the district.
• Overall experiences of customers, employees and public service personnel.

            Patrons of the surrounding businesses will need to park in adjacent streets and lots and walk to access the Varick St. strip.  The largest public parking lots available nearby are the two on the east side of the North-South Arterial along Court and Columbia Streets. Vehicles that are parked on Varick Street prior to 8 p.m. will be allowed to exit the street during the closure period if necessary.  This change comes as several other changes are currently underway along Varick Street, including:

• New, distinctive standing light posts.
• Decorative string lighting that hangs over the roadway.
• A new tree canopy that allows for better sightliness.
• Permeable pavers and rebuilt sidewalks.
• Improvements to road paving where necessary.

The changes are designed to make the historic district more appealing, more environmentally-friendly and more unique. Varick Street has become the hub for Utica’s nightlife, as well as the host of many significant structures and events. These improvements follow many recent significant investments along Varick Street and the surrounding neighborhood including F.X. Matt’s new Biergarten, the Lofts at Globe Mill, the Irish Cultural Center and more.

Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “The exciting growth happening in the City of Utica give us an opportunity to try new things that can make it an even better place. Varick Street has seen a lot of improvements recently. We’re going to see how a pedestrian-friendly nightlife is received by our residents and businesses. It’s important the public be engaged and give feedback. The City of Utica is excited for the potential Varick Street has for even more growth.”