At a recent meeting, the Utica Planning Board unanimously voted to declare the draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) as ‘complete.’ This indicates that the document has adequately addressed all topics outlined in the scoping document approved last December. The DGEIS examines potential environmental impacts from four redevelopment scenarios for the former St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, developed with current market conditions and public input.
Following this decision, the Planning Board will invite public comments on the DGEIS. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 20th at 4:30 pm in the Common Council chambers of Utica City Hall. Recognizing significant community interest in the project and its importance to South Utica and the Greater Utica region, an extended public comment period of sixty days has been approved by the board. This is the maximum duration allowed under New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime emphasized the role of public input in this process, stating, “Public input has been critical at every step along this re-use planning process and it continues to be as we evaluate the potential impacts.” He also mentioned that Urban & Economic Development Commissioner Brian Thomas has been asked to ensure that “the full DGEIS is posted to the City’s website to allow for public consumption as soon as possible.” Mayor Galime expressed anticipation for marketing the property in future months, highlighting its potential to expand Utica’s tax base significantly.
