The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is teaming up with the City of Utica, Oneida County, the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, the Genesis Group and Mohawk Valley EDGE to look at the future of Downtown Utica.

The community partners have launched a project with an international architectural and urban design firm to come up with a vision for Downtown Utica’s next 10 to 20 years.

NBBJ has been contracted to engage with the community and prepare the plan, which will embrace a broad definition of “Downtown Utica.”

Alicia Dicks, CEO of the Community Foundation, says the initiative will provide a roadmap for connecting current and future developments in the Downtown area.

“So much has happened in recent years, and, with much more on the way, we decided that it was time to put the pieces together in a meaningful way, to make sure that they work together,” said Dicks. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for this community to make the most of a rising tide of optimism and lay the groundwork for an increasingly vibrant, livable city.”

The first phase of Downtown Utica Vision Action Plan will be made available to the public in May.

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