The plan would go a long way toward revitalizing downtown and bringing more businesses to the area, but there still are details to be worked out, Palmieri said.“We’re taking an opportunity to move the city forward,” he said. “Nothing is carved in stone.” . . .
Paul Balzano, owner of Nicolas Jewelers on Genesee Street, asked if the median was an absolute necessity.“Do we have to do this?” he asked. If the city gets the federal grant it will have to proceed with the median because it was written into the application, Palmieri said.
"Nothing is carved in stone," but Utica " will have to proceed with the median because it was written into the application." So. either the median is "nothing" or the mayor was trying to deceive the public when he said "Nothing" is carved in stone.
What's the purpose of public hearings if the application is already written?
I'm in favor of the city getting as many grants as possible -- but not for the "pet projects" of some obviously "connected" individuals who feel that they know more than everyone else and devise plans for spending taxpayer money and changing the city environment out of the public's view and without genuine public input.
Here's a novel idea: Get public input BEFORE applying for the grant!
Frankly, as much as Genesee needs a remake and the sewers need work, I hope the City loses this grant. It is poorly conceived, will make downtown difficult to navigate, and is being shoved down the throats of those with the most to lose - the people with businesses on Genny.
4 comments:
Just another example of a federal grant that is both wasteful and drives a local program that would never be done if the city had to pay for it. Will local communities ever learn?
This seems like an ill planned attempt by city officials to get something "for nothing". The real problem here is the sewer system and excessive parking. Who is all this parking being designed for? Perhaps the employees of the state and county building. Not the public, there is adequate parking for them at this time. The thought of making Genny one lane is absurd, you might as well close the section to traffic completely and make a mini park mall for the customers who do not go downtown. Several years ago I attended a meeting at Munson Williams that had speakers from Syracuse explaining the successful Armory Square transformation. The locals all just sat there and absorbed nothing. It is sad to say, however, I think that downtown will never be restored. The local politicians are too busy with their own agendas and friends and families. Please let the state step in and stop the insanity.
Utica has its priorities backwards. The city's entire future rests on its ability to keep and attract tax paying citizens to live in its residential neighborhoods. Due to market and demographic changes the downtown will never again be a commercial center. If one accepts those conclussions, it makes little to no sense to keep pouring what are limited resources into the downtown. Of course, resources needed to maintain basic services for existing uses and spaces are necessary but that should be it. All other resources both financial and intellectual should be devoted to neighyborhood stabilization and development. No other strategy makes sense.
Sadly, those governning the city adopt strategies that raise taxes, do nothing to cope with finacial realities and contribute not much except cosmetic sweeps to neighborhoods. Taxpayer/ residents continue to leave.
The last thing this Mayor should be spending his time and our money on is yet another "downtown plan."
I'd like to know how creating a traffic nightmare is going to revitalize downtown. This is without a doubt the most idiotic plan to come out of city hall in years.
I give up. This week I'm meeting with a realtor so I can sell my home. Yep, I'm getting the h**l out of Oneida County. I've had it with the high taxes, the stupidity, the friends & families plans, the corruption {see HUD}the yearly water rate hikes, & all the rst of it. Palmieri & Picente can have Utica & Oneida County.
But not with my tax dollars.
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