Regional medical center taking shape

The Mohawk Valley Health System recently began closing on properties within the footprint of the new, regional medical center in downtown Utica, and to date has closed on five properties.

The owners of these properties had previously signed purchase option agreements with MVHS to sell their property.

“We are extremely grateful to these property owners for working with us to transform health care in our region,” said Robert Scholefield, executive vice president/chief operating officer. “These individuals and businesses share our vision for a state-of-the-art regional medical center that is integral to the new vision for downtown Utica and health care in our region.”

For the past two years, MVHS and its partners have been working with local property owners to purchase buildings and land that will make way for the regional medical center. They have also been helping the local businesses find alternative locations within Utica: HJ Brandeles Corp. has relocated to Judd Road and Resource Center for Independent Living is in the process of relocating to the old Boston Building in downtown Utica.

Park Outdoor Advertising of New York is moving its offices from 514/524 Lafayette St. in Utica to 2429 Chenango Road.

“While moving our business from its current location was not in our immediate plans, we could see the positive impact the new medical center would have on our community and felt we could contribute by relocating within the city of Utica,” said Matt Stubley, vice president-general manager of Park Outdoor Advertising. “We found an excellent new location in which to grow, and we will actually be adding a new full-time employee. Staying within the city of Utica while contributing to this transformational project is very exciting for Park Outdoor and our employees.”

After a property closing is completed, MVHS and its contracted partners will begin the process of abatement of hazardous materials within that site if those substances are found to be present. Once abatement is completed, the buildings will be razed so that construction can begin, which is slated for late 2019.