Latest news with #Picente
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Murnane Field shows off new upgrades
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente was joined by baseball teams from all over the city to unveil the new upgrades to Murnane Field on Tuesday. The field — which has been owned by Oneida County since 1990 — got several new upgrades over the last several months, including a synthetic turf field and LED field lighting. Other upgrades to the field include improvements to fencing and safety netting, as well as to the bullpen and batting cages in the outfield. 'These improvements transform Donovan Stadium into an even greater community asset, making Murnane Field much less susceptible to inclement weather and extending the baseball playing season to earlier in the Spring and later in the Fall,' Picente said in a statement. 'This will result in more play for collegiate, high school, American Legion and multiple youth baseball leagues; provide stability for PGCBL games and increase baseball tourism by giving Oneida County a premier venue to host tournaments, special one-off games and camps.' Current tenants of the field include the Utica Post 229 American Legion Baseball Team, Mohawk Valley Community College, Proctor High School Baseball and the Utica Blue Sox of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The stadium was also home to the New York-Penn League Utica Blue Sox from 1977 to 2001. Both are featured in author Roger Kahn's book 'Good Enough To Dream,' where the author owned the Blue Sox for one year in 1985. The field has also hosted several Section III Baseball Tournaments and state American Legion tournaments. The first game to be played on the new Murnane Field turf will be Wednesday night, when the Utica Blue Sox take on the Boonville Lumberjacks. First pitch for that game is set for 6:45 pm. 'This is a great day,' Oneida County Board of Legislators Chairman Gerald J. Fiorini said in a statement. 'This significant upgrade will allow Murnane to host more games and more fans enjoying this venue. This field represents not just a modern place to play ball, but a space where county residents will gather.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oneida County releases Cornhill revitalization plan
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente released a revitalization plan for Utica's Cornhill neighborhood on Tuesday that intends to turn it into a safer community. The plan — released on Wednesday, June 4 — was developed in conjunction with the city of Utica and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and created by the Oneida County Department of Planning. It outlines investments in infrastructure, enhancements and improvement to support the redevelopment in the neighborhood. 'The people of Cornhill deserve the same investment, care and opportunity as every other neighborhood in our county,' Picente said in a statement. 'This plan takes meaningful steps to deliver safe streets, inviting public spaces and vital infrastructure that connects residents to jobs, housing and community life. It's not just about fixing streets or planting trees. It's about building a Cornhill that honors its past, serves its present and secures a better future for generations to come.' Several projects have been identified along key roads in Cornhill, including James, West and South Streets. Projects have also been identified in high-impact areas such as Kemble Park and the West Street Impact Center. Some priorities of the plan include: Development of gateway nodes at key intersections, Activation of underused public areas with lighting, seating, art and programming, Improvement of pedestrian and transit access, and Establishment of a unified maintenance strategy with the city to ensure long-term maintenance of the sites. Proposed projects include the establishment of activity centers in the neighborhood to improve pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The plan also proposes an 'urban fitness trail,' which would encircle the Memorial Parkway, as well as several corridors from the Parkway into the city. 'An initiative of this magnitude takes collaboration, partnership and a continued eye on the needs and wants of the residents in Cornhill to ensure equity, opportunity and lasting impact,' Alicia Fernandez Dicks, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, said in a statement. 'Oneida County's improvement plan for the neighborhood compliments the greater Cornhill Revitalization Project by looking beyond the Impact Centers to the streets, accessibility and safety components that will surround them. We commend the County for leading this study as it will ensure that all facets of neighborhood revitalization are implemented, ensuring a strong and vibrant future.' The plan also emphasizes a phased, fundable approach, which will guide future grant writing, partnerships and capital planning. You can check out the full plan for the revitalization of the Cornhill neighborhood below: CornhillPlan_DigitalDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Oneida County launches new mental health app
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced on Thursday that the county has launched a new phone app to help residents with their mental health. Picente announced on during his State of The County address that the county's Department of Mental Health has launched the OC C.A.R.E.S. app on Thursday, May 29. The app — whose initialism stands for Community Access to Resources, Education, and Services — will serve as a fast and efficient way to provide residents with resources to help with mental health and addiction problems. 'Oneida County is committed to providing access to vital mental health and substance use resources to our residents,' Picente said in a statement. 'The OC C.A.R.E.S. app will support our mission of utilizing innovative strategies to create meaningful, positive impacts. The goal is to not only create a one-stop shop for all things mental health, but to also share the message that Oneida County cares about our community and is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need.' The C.A.R.E.S. app will offer quick access to several features, including suicide prevention and other mental and physical health services. The app also provides strategies for maintaining your mental health, as well as services and providers for several crises that may arise. The app will also notify you of updates and events that may be available to you, such as open appointments for specific services. The app was created in conjunction with the Oneida County System of Care Resource Guide for 2025 and is aimed at improving the lives of people in crisis. 'The development of this application has allowed us to bring together a wealth of information and create a comprehensive directory of providers to our community,' said Commissioner of Mental Health and Director of Community Services Ashlee Thompson. 'Our department is dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and updating of the app to ensure that all resources, information, and services are accurate and accessible. We truly believe that this app will allow the residents of Oneida County to more effectively and efficiently access support.' The app also provides information on the following: Crisis Services Health and Wellness Suicide Prevention Naloxone/Harm Reduction Services & Providers Mental Health Strategies Safety Plans Self-Screeners Career-Specific Support Interactive Maps Push Notifications The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play. Those interested should search for 'OC C.A.R.E.S' in your app store of choice. You can check out the county's rollout of the C.A.R.E.S. app in the video below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Largest hangar at former Griffiss base to be converted into massive multi-sport recreation complex, Oneida County executive plans
ROME, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The Oneida County Executive has announced plans to convert the largest hangar at the former Griffiss Air Force Base into a massive multi-sport and recreation facility with lodging and dining. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente explained his vision for what he calls 'The Runway' at his 2025 State of the County Address on Tuesday, May 20, at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. WATCH: Oneida County Executive on Newsmakers The announcement follows Greek Yogurt-maker Chobani's plans to build a 1.4 million square foot, $1.2 billion facility at what's now called the Griffiss Business and Technology Park. He said the facility, with its 400,000 square feet of floor space, will be used for 'youth and tournament-based play that will attract visitors from across the United States and the world.' Picente listed the sports that the facility will be designed for: lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, flag football, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, wrestling, and gymnastics. 'The vision doesn't end there,' Picente added. 'On top of the recreation compound, we will plan for many other amenities like lodging, cafes, restaurants, maybe even a distillery and brewery.' The military currently calls the facility 'Building 101.' Picente said the focus on using the building for aviation-related industries has shown little success. As an example of its size, Picente said 250 pickleball courts could fit into the space. He touts it as the second-largest of its kind in the United States and the largest in New York State. Picente said: 'The Runway will build on the success of Chobani, Air City Lofts and the Griffiss Business and Technology Park as a whole, cementing the park as a multiuse work, live and play neighborhood that will drive growth in Rome and the county for years to come.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Picente: More than 6,000 new homes needed by 2040
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — In a new report from Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, over 6,000 new homes will be needed in the county by 2040. The County's Housing Inventory Assessment — which was commissioned by Picente in the summer of 2023 — aimed to address the needs of the county in housing options. The assessment was conducted by the Oneida County Department of Planning, along with UP Development Planning. The assessment included an online survey, which was presented on Thursday, March 13 at the MVCC ThINCubator in Utica. Highlights of the report include the following: a total of 6,070 new housing units will need to be created by 2040 to meet market demand. A majority of those homes will be required in the next five years. Senior housing should account for nearly half of new construction. Included in those 6,070 new housing units are 2,240 new homes for younger homeowners, supported by employment-driven housing demands. 16 percent of all homeowners and 39% of all renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. For 78% of renters earning less than 30 percent of the area's median income, over 50% of their income goes towards housing. The report also lays out five goals, 13 strategies and 34 potential steps to take for the county. Those steps include: PILOTs, infrastructure coordination and technical support for pro-housing municipalities. Innovative examples of financing such as density bonuses and reduced regulations and fees, as well as the elimination of parking requirements and infill investment programs. Assisting seniors through handyman and aging gracefully programs. Stabilizing current housing stock through vacant property and lot inventories, housing trust funds, landbanks and creation of NYS-backed programs such as the Vacant Rental Improvement Program and home improvement programs. 'The findings of this report confirm what we've long recognized—Oneida County is growing, and we must take strategic action to meet the housing needs of our residents now and in the future,' Picente said in a statement. 'This comprehensive assessment provides a roadmap for ensuring that we have the right mix of housing to support our workforce, our seniors, and our families. By working together with developers, municipalities, and community stakeholders, we can implement innovative solutions that will enhance affordability, stability, and opportunity across our county.' You can check out the full report online at the link here. A full story map of the process can be found at the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
