Breakthrough on Bossert's Site in West Utica

The Bossert's site in West Utica is bordered by the arterial, Lenox Avenue, Noyes and Oswego Streets.  It's almost seven acres of land that used to be home to a steel fabrication plant, and now, it's just an open field.  But that could change in the near future. "I've been fortunate to sit down with United Auto Supply," says Utica Mayor Rob Palmieri, "they put a purchase offer in...and that was accepted so we have a firm commitment at this time."

The Utica Common Council needs to officially approve everything, and if it does, united auto supply will work with the Department of Environmental Conservation for development plans.  Mayor Palmieri says it's a business that's been around for almost 60 years, and that business has big plans for the area.  It's looking to bring in a combined warehouse and retail facility.  He says they're talking with a lighting equipment operator that could be bringing their products here, and looking into bringing in a grocery store.  Palmieri says that might be "purchasing some homes in the area for some of the employees. They want to be part of the neighborhood."

David Salle owns the Sunset Carbonic Gas Company right next to the site.  He says he's seen the site go a busy place with daily activity to what it is now.  "As long as they can control the traffic, I think it can only be a plus," says Salle, "I'd love to see the area develop.  It's a huge piece of property with a lot of traffic... and I think it would cut down on crime in the area."

Palmieri added, "What it means for the entire city is we're alive and well and open for business." He says the development of this site is just the start of many projects to come, which he says will make Utica a 'We Can Do' city and a more vibrant place to live.