Oneida County Releases Cornhill Revitalization Plan

Oneida County has released a revitalization plan for Cornhill that will transform the Utica neighborhood into a safer, stronger and more connected community.

The Cornhill Revitalization Public Realm Improvement Plan was developed in partnership with the City of Utica and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, and outlines targeted investments in infrastructure, streetscape enhancements and public space improvements to support the redevelopment of one of Utica’s most historic and diverse neighborhoods.

“The people of Cornhill deserve the same investment, care and opportunity as every other neighborhood in our county,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “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.”

The plan was created by the Oneida County Department of Planning and included active involvement of neighborhood residents, stakeholders and civic organizations. It is part of a larger investment into the neighborhood’s future, including the construction of two new Impact Centers on James and West Streets, that will provide affordable housing, educational programs, workforce development opportunities and spaces for entrepreneurship and cultural expression.

Key points of the Cornhill Revitalization Public Realm Improvement Plan include:

• Safe, accessible and complete streets with wider sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, lighting, signage and stormwater management features.
• Improved parks and green spaces, including tree planting, updated amenities and connections to adjacent development.
• Streetscape designs that reflect community identity and cultural history through art, signage and materials.

“This plan is the product of collaboration and care,” said Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime. “Cornhill has always been a neighborhood of resilience, heritage and heart—and now it has a roadmap that matches that spirit. We’re proud to stand with our partners in committing to investments that create lasting impact. By prioritizing safety, beauty, and connection, we are ensuring that every resident of Cornhill is part of Utica’s brighter future.”

The plan lays out a clear implementation strategy focused on short-term wins, medium-term priorities and long-term vision. Specific projects have been identified along key corridors—including James, West and South streets—and in high-impact areas like Kemble Park and the West Street Impact Center zone.

Priority actions include:

• Developing gateway nodes at key intersections.
• Activating underused public spaces with lighting, seating, art and programming.
• Improving pedestrian and transit access across the neighborhood.
• Establishing a unified maintenance strategy with the City of Utica and local partners to ensure long-term care of new improvements.

“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,” said Alicia Fernandez Dicks, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties. “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 emphasizes a phased, fundable approach, guiding future grant writing, public-private partnerships and capital planning.

"With its long-standing challenges and deep-rooted strengths, Cornhill is poised for renewal," said Oneida County Commissioner of Planning James Genovese. "By aligning public infrastructure with ongoing social and economic investments, this plan ensures that revitalization reaches every corner of the neighborhood."

The full Cornhill Revitalization Public Realm Improvement Plan can be viewed here.

To learn more about the Cornhill Revitalization Project, visit www.revitalizecornhill.com.