Palmieri announces projects in second phase of Utica Prosperity Initiative

UTICA, N.Y. — Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri has unveiled Phase II of the city’s allocation of funding through the Utica Prosperity Initiative.

The second phase will be presented to the Board of Estimate & Apportionment (E&A) on Monday for formal approval.

The allocation of funding for the second phase is about $20 million in community investment and consists of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

In order to craft the Utica Prosperity Initiative, the city solicited public input to determine the community’s top priorities, projects, and programs. The City of Utica says it is still reviewing “dozens” of projects, and it will have announcements of additional phases of funding “in the coming weeks and months.”

Both law firms and accounting firms “thoroughly vetted” all projects to ensure applicability and compliance with federal guidelines, Palmieri’s office said.

Utica recently announced the implementation of several Phase I projects, including the expansion of childcare and a residential-rehabilitation program.

“The Utica Prosperity Initiative is a unique opportunity to transform our community and enhance the quality of life for our residents. As we’ve recently announced the implementation of Phase I projects, we will begin the process of implementing Phase II projects and continue to review and evaluate other projects as more exciting announcements will be forthcoming,” Palmieri said.

Projects

The second phase will involve projects that include investment in affordable-housing projects, programming at the new Utica Children’s Museum, renovations to the Uptown Theatre, expansion of the Utica Zoo’s Welcoming Center, and support and assistance to prepare low-income students for college (Young Scholars & On Point for College).

The projects will also include mentorship for at-risk and minority students to have a career path in public safety, emergency legal services for victims of domestic violence, renovation of the Empowerment Center to provide space for youth development, enhancement and expansion of the existing lead and healthy homes program, and investment in recreation, such as Harbor Point multi-use fields and new skate park.