October 31, 2024
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Utica retail plaza could break ground as early as May

Village hopes to put project out for bid in April

By Tom Collins
Eighty-nine parking stalls, an artificial grass berm and public restrooms. These are a few of the features of the Market on Mill, the outdoor retail plaza unveiled Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at a meeting of the Utica Village Board.

Utica might break ground on the Market on Mill in May. Utica Mayor David Stewart said Thursday, March 14, 2024, the village hopes to go out for bid in April. The outdoor retail plaza will feature 89 parking stalls, an artificial grass berm and public restrooms. (Tom Sistak)

Utica is inching closer to breaking ground on the Market on Mill, the village’s outdoor retail plaza.

Mayor David Stewart announced Thursday that the village is shooting to break ground in May and to put the project out for bid in April.

As previously reported, the village plans to develop an outdoor shopping plaza at the northwest corner of Mill and Church streets.

Stewart said village officials made a close study of the first portable retail stall, which is on display outside the village complex, and then provided feedback on how the remaining units are to be modified.

“We made a couple of minor changes inside,” Stewart said, adding that it “made it easier for people to work with.”

Finally, the village is forging ahead with improvements to the streets adjacent to the village complex. The Utica Village Board agreed to seek a design at a cost of $82,500.

Once in hand, the village can seek bids for various improvements including new sidewalks, improved drainage and the addition of up to 50 parking spaces.

Other matters:

  • The Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be at 4 p.m. Saturday.
  • Military banners, which will include photos, will return to Utica. More information is forthcoming.
  • Body cameras may be coming to Utica. Police Chief James Mandujano is pursuing grants and plans to try out sample products.
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