City of Utica to host Thursday public meeting on DRI application

UTICA, N.Y. — The City of Utica will host an open house to gather public opinion and comment on its draft application for the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The event is set for Thursday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Delta Hotels by Marriott at 200 Genesee St. in Utica, per a news release.

Attendees will have the chance to provide their input on the proposed DRI boundaries and possible projects that Utica can include in the final application. The public can also provide comment through an online survey available at www.UticaDRI.com.

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a $10 million grant competition designed to help New York communities “transform their downtown neighborhoods into vibrant places where New Yorkers want to live, work, have fun and raise families,” per the release. Applications are due May 31.

“Over the last eight years, downtown Utica has transformed into a true neighborhood,” Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said. “The funding available through Gov. Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative will allow us to continue that upward momentum. I encourage anyone with an interest in our downtown to attend the open house and take the online survey.”

Utica is seeking the funding allocated for the Mohawk Valley region. The Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council has previously recommended Oneonta, Rome, and Amsterdam for funding in recent years after reviewing their applications.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com