Utica Construction Project Well Underway
By: Elsa Gillis
Updated: August 31, 2011
The roundabout isn't the only thing changing in downtown Utica. The Main Street Program run by the Utica Municipal Housing Authority is funding new construction projects in the city.
The program is well underway, giving parts of the city a big facelift. Rebuild Mohawk Valley, part of the Utica Municipal Housing Authority was awarded $500,000 from the state to help rebuild parts of the community.
"The Main Street Program is a program aimed to target small business owners in the downtown area to help rejuvenate the outsides of their buildings," said Mary Khiamdavahn, Community Resource Coordinator of Rebuild Mohawk Valley.
Khiamdavahn and her colleague Bob Manca say the money will go towards revamping the exterior and interior of mostly existing businesses, and some residential spaces. In total there will be seven properties that will be redone. Manca says they supply 75% of the funding and the owner supplies 25%.
The only property currently under construction is a building on Bleecker Street. Once their proposals are approved for the additional six properties, Rebuild Mohawk Valley will be looking for contractors.
President of Rebuild Mohawk Valley Dr. Taras Herbowy told Eyewitness News the Main Street Program will help to restore the historic representation that was such an integral part to the city of Utica. He says the success of this project could spur additional projects in the future that he believes to be very important for the city.
The properties are located on Bleecker Street between John and Genesee, and on the 100 and 200 blocks of Genesee Street.
