Utica to target 16 projects with its $10 million DRI award

UTICA, N.Y. — Utica has plans for 16 projects that will benefit from its $10 million state award in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The funding will help Utica redevelop underutilized buildings, improve infrastructure including parks, foster new business, and bolster arts and cultural offerings, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. Utica was named a round 4 winner in November 2019.

Some Utica projects

The City of Utica will use $2 million to repair the three-deck Washington Street Garage, including recommended improvements to the slab, structure, and stair tower for “critical” downtown parking space, Cuomo’s office said.

In addition, Utica will devote more than $340,000 to upgrade the Stanley Theater with the creation of a “more welcoming and accessible interface” along with upgrades to the Genesee Street entrance and the box office department.

In addition, $750,000 will help pay to restore the Kempf Block into mixed-used redevelopment, targeting underutilized buildings in the city’s commercial business district to add market-rate residential apartments and commercial space across seven retail storefronts.

The City of Utica will also allocate $750,000 to establish a grant fund for eligible small businesses within the focused area for expansion and improvement projects.

The projects also include the rehabilitation of the Macartovin Building’s vacant first floor, and $600,000 will help bring commercial space downtown, “thereby attracting businesses to the heart of the city’s commercial corridor,” Cuomo’s office contends.

Another $400,000 will help pay to redevelop the Oneida National Bank Building to establish the Mohawk Valley’s commercial kitchen/food incubator.