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2017

December 29, 2017 - Watch the Landmarks' Press Conference and a follow-up on the radio...

Downtown is no place for this vital and large-scale non-profit institution, place it at St. Luke's!

December 11, 2017 - Utica area residents do not want a hospital in downtown! The reasons vary, but Ray Jadwick Spells It Out Here and the Greater Utica Landmarks Society's Jay Groah Offers A Video Message.

The writing is on the wall...

The hospital owns no land downtown and Property Owners Are Pushing Back.

December 10, 2017 - Read today's statement by Ray Jadwick, Before It Is Too Late.

The people and organizations lining-up to create, push this, are facing a future that looks like this...

December 8, 2017 - Slowly outside media is catching the true sense of the hospital story Downtown Utica hospital forum displays deep division over the project.

Anyone that looks at Oneida County's, Utica's, options (without any "political obstruction"), would clearly see that Downtown Utica Is Wrong For A Hospital - and that the St Luke's Campus is Ideal!

December 2, 2017 - Political forces held sway over Utica-area media (read, "advertising dollars"), and community groups (read, "elite board members"), however the real truth is unfolding, as Architect & Civic Leader Mike Bosak Makes The Case Against Building the Hospital Downtown.

Join the growing ranks of #NoHospitalDowntown on Facebook. We'll keep adding more members as the truth breaks through. For example, in today's newspaper: Downtown Not Right Place For Hospital.

November 27, 2017 - #CorruptionDisruption Our area hospitals were merging, preparing for the future, but now it's a new Downtown Utica hospital. How did we arrive here? What events and what players have had their hands in the concept? Has Corruption Landed In The Utica Healthcare System?

Seeking more coverage? We have more: watch #NHD TV, listen #NHD Radio, and last - but certainly not least - is #NHD Legal.

November 16, 2017 - Worse than one could have imagined! An entire neighborhood, a huge part of Downtown Utica, bulldozed for a sea of parking and huge nonprofit "medical box"; only something that would become "something to walk around". Just look at the urban renewal destruction: Gallery: Downtown Hospital Designs

We've been tracking the MVHS Utica Concept. They've proposed a concept for an Inner-city Hospital District, Surrounded By A Sea Of Parking, senseless urban renewal. Can you believe that NBBJ Healthcare Proposes Hospital Close to Hazardous CSX Railroad Tracks?

November 15, 2017 - Utica is facing "Hospital Sprawl", not a transformation, Read More...

November 11, 2017 - Those who are saying "Yes" to the destructive downtown hospital concept have asked us for our plans. What do we see for downtown? Well we have plenty of ideas and we support a new hospital, but where it belongs. At the same time we also advocate for small-scale healthcare solutions (urgent and primary care) for downtown Utica.

As soon as we kill their ill-conceived downtown hospital concept in this C.O.N. Application, we are ready and prepared to work for a Better Downtown Utica.

November 8, 2017 - The #NoHospitalDowntown Grassroots Effort and "NoHospital Dwtn" political movement are two different things. Candidates who ran, those that signed our pledge, and the one candidate on the party line, all created much attention and change. Utica's Common Council which was (8) Democrats and (2) Republicans not long ago, now consists of (5) Democrats and (5) Republicans. It is not easy to run for office, we appreciate those that tried. Perhaps we will see them in another election cycle before this downtown hospital fiasco ends?

The hospital owns no land in downtown, they cannot simply buy and close off our streets. This battle continues and many, many, more people know what is going on. Politicians are working overtime to create the "Appearance Of Community Support" (we're tracking it all and cataloging it), but these effort are weak, even weaker than their very weak downtown hospital concept.

We will be present at City Hall and we will either see new healthcare investment(s) outside of downtown or maybe the $300 million goes away? Much time has been wasted, many facts and details never explained. If the ill-conceived push for downtown wasn't started or if it was fully and honestly vetted to the public, we believe healthcare construction may have already been underway at the MVHS's 64-acre St. Luke's Campus.

November 2, 2017 - Another sad story as Downtown Utica's Central Business District unravels, Mass exodus - thanks to Mohawk Valley Health System, Oneida County Executive Picente, Utica Mayor Palmieri, the Community Foundation, and Genesis Group. All for a Hospital that we will stop from bulldozing 2/3 of our downtown (MV EDGE too)...

Per Empire Bath owner Cindy Miller, "When I purchased (the business) in ’08, we had a lease for 10 years,” she said. “Do I stay? Do I buy the building? Do I risk the hospital construction? How is it going to impact my business?"

But voters are telling candidates they do not want the $300M grant wasted on destructive urban renewal, bulldozing of Downtown Utica...

Get to know Matt Downs... Matthew J. Downs For Oneida County Legislator.

Downtown Utica Neighborhood Being Dismantled

September 29, 2017 - Sad stories are playing out, why must this persist? Utica's hospital system owns 64-acres just 1.75 miles away, and yet downtown property owners and businesses are being terribly impacted...

We are seeking justice for property owners, businesses and taxpayers of Utica and Oneida County. Please join over 2,400 of us on Facebook at #NoHospitalDowntown.

Why has the true impact area never been shown and explained to Utica-area residents? Learn for yourself, take a look at the "Utica slow roll" by viewing the Changing Map of the Downtown Utica Hospital District.

A letter to Utica-area newspaper editors... Brett Truett Supports Lou Poccia

"NoHospital Dwtn" A Party Line On November Ballot

September 27, 2017 - The proposed Downtown Utica hospital district now has a candidate that says "No!", and will vote "No!"...

For a full recount of this news, please read Mr. Poccia's news release Poccia Wins Legal Battle

Make Downtown Utica More Like a Strong Town, Not a Hospital District

September 21, 2017 - Thank you to Strong Towns for coming to Utica last June for our 3-day event, and also for this Tweet today:

Read Urban Moats: Barriers To Growth In Rome, Utica & Schenectady by Strongtowns, they "study" urban design. Take the time and listen (30 minutes) to Strongtowns and Urban3 on Parking Minimums. A 1,000-car surface parking lot for a hospital is bad development for downtown! Read about smart development concepts by Urban3 Smart Growth (PDF) or this video Urban3: The Value of Downtown. Further, Upstate's very own Arian Horbovetz with his The Big Urban Mistake: Building for Tourism vs. Livability. These professionals who see danger of a huge downtown hospital district.

The #BattleForOurCity is far from over! In fact next week we'll be in Rome Court to support a "NoHospital Dwtn" candidate in his Article 78 challenge to the Oneida County Board of Elections

"NoHospital Downtown" Party Line To Defend Itself

September 18, 2017 - Coming up later this month, a Rome court date that some #NoHospitalDowntown Group Members might want to attend... City of Utica, 1st Ward candidate Lou Poccia will appear on September 27, 2017 at 9:30AM to defend his signature collection process, this as Lou seeks to place his name on the "NoHospital Dwtn" party line in November. Please come support Lou and watch for yourself: Oneida County Surrogate Court, 302 N James St, Rome, NY 13440. Utica's 1st Ward includes the AUD and proposed downtown hospital location, here's the Utica, NY 1st Ward Map.

MVHS Hospital Took-On A No-Win Competition

September 14, 2017 - The Utica newspaper finally realizes truth! The hospital, their board, and those behind the curtain will not make the climb, as they will not win the public who was NEVER part of the project...

The fact that ALL politicians and EVERY hospital board member (on the surface) voted in favor of this Albany-back concept, has to make one wonder why, and how?

Sadly the newspaper seems to pretend to take the #NoHospitalDowntown side. However, the UticaOD was never for the people, and they're still not looking out for the people. They just appear to be playing along, its all just optics, and so very sad.

No mind, we are going to make sure that those in charge of our regional healthcare at the PHHPC don't allow our healthcare to become mixed-up in this senseless, destructive and costly very urban renewal.

Tomorrow Is Primary Day, Plus Prepare For #WDUCB

September 11, 2017 - Let's see if candidates who spoke out against higher taxes, the downtown hospital and a taxpayer-funded parking garage, make an impact tomorrow. Here are the area races; PRIMARY DAY 2017: Oneida, Herkimer & Otsego Counties.

We've not placed too much into the primary, or the political races. It's suppose to be all about healthcare, but that's not what we've seen. Yet we know its all about Proper Downtown Development, so get ready for #WDUCB in the coming months!

#NoHospitalDowntown Addresses MVHS, Transparency Concerns To Common Council

September 7, 2017 - Tonight #NoHospitalDowntown offered their side to the Utica Common Council as part of the council's formal Agrenda. Many in the crowd, and our growing online group, are becoming more visible and vocal.

Paul Kohan uses his 80 seconds, "Let's build it somewhere else, let's save downtown... listen to your community"...

Thank you Melissa Krull for the reporting!

Odd that other outlets are avoiding what's the largest issue to ever face downtown. Our group is not against the hospital, but the location. What the hospital concept would do to Downtown Utica is unacceptable!

Attempts to derail potential "NoHospital Dwtn" candidate has been countered, that as another "NoHospital Dwtn" pledge signer has this headline: Zecca: Palmieri Should Be Recalled From Office

Strikeslip, so wise...

September 4, 2017 - Taxpayers and residents are not fooled by hospital, economic development, babble...

Barbara and many other writers have sent the Utica Observer-Dispatch such opinions, but for over two years the politicians and hospital ignore us. Next up, the court system...

September 1, 2017 - Utica Mayor suggests his regional congressional hopeful should call him first, so to "... Give me the opportunity to be able to show him where he may be wrong or I may be right..."

Downtown Utica Rooftop Conversations

September 1, 2017 - Hear what folks are discussing in and around Oneida County on a Downtown Utica Rooftop, in the Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood.

The City County MVHS "MOA"

August 30, 2017 - Read a full Text Version Of The City-County-Hospital MOA, or download a PDF version here: City-County-MVHS-MOA.

The City of Utica plans to give away properties to the concept, here's the list Exhibit A. For links to the properties and maps click here: City Of Utica Land Giveaway

Congressional Candidate To Visit #NoHospitalDowntown August 28th

A candidate for the 22nd Congressional District will visit Utica ... Read More

Group Is Growing, Position Remains Unchanged: #NoHospitalDowntown

August 25, 2017 - A rally at the Utica Police Department, in front of the endangered site where bulldozers would destroy city assets to make way for a taxpayer-financed $42M parking garage. However, opposition only grows as costs and those that would pay is revealed.

More and more voices will show and prove that #NoHospitalDowntown is; 1) Absolutely 100% positive on Downtown Utica development, and 2) Only seeks the VERY BEST outcomes for our regional healthcare...

Taxpayers and residents do have a say, attend meetings to let your government know your feelings.

We're tracking the City and county's moves on their MOU & MOA activities.

* * * What's So Wrong With St. Luke's? * * *

August 20, 2017 - Just One More Hand In Utica's "Hospital Of Cards"

Wow! As opinions flow in from community leaders who support the Downtown Utica hospital concept, healthcare facts are nowhere to be found. As are critical disclosures...

To learn more, join the discussion on the #NoHospitalDowntown Group page on Facebook. In due time Utica's #HospitalOfCards shall fall. Just how many will be exposed?

Utica's Government "Leaders" Don't Think Public Needs To Know

ALERT: Mohawk Valley EDGE passed a request to Joe Marino (D-4th Ward) of the Utica Common Council requesting a meeting with Oneida County officials at Mohawk Valley Health System's offices.

The media reported it here after the fact; Hospital Meeting Illegal Inappropriate. View documents and Meeting Details as we have them. Here's a direct link to now proposed 60/40 Taxpayer Hospital Parking Garage Debt Plan .

More after meeting reports in the Utica Observer-Dispatch and the Rome Sentinel This meeting went against New York State's Open Meeting Law.

What you can do? Make a call and or write a letter to your; Utica Common Council Members, your County Legislature, and if you can do more reach these other Contacts To Stop The Downtown Hospital Concept. Your calls and letters are the most powerful steps in keeping our taxes down, preventing bulldozers from destroying downtown, and seeing that precious healthcare dollars are not wasted on bad economic development (urban renewal) schemes.

Finally A Media Outlet Show Full Hospital Destruction Zone

The local media would not do this for over two years! However, Payne Horning of WRVO Reports On, And Shows, Full Impact Area of the proposed inner-city hospital district:

Thank you Payne! Worrisome still, is we've been both told and Shown how the "carve-out" around the city police station and city courts become "Hospital Support" - and would be bulldozed too!

So as we've reported and shown, the proposed downtown hospital concept would be a huge super block separating Utica's growing neighborhoods!

August 18, 2017 - Everyone Loves Stickers! Especially Stickers For "Free Parking"

Should a new hospital be built in Downtown Utica, #NoHospitalDowntown offers some good news: Garage Parking FREE For All Utica City & Oneida County Residents Please join the Free Sticker Conversation on Facebook

August 12, 2017 - New Hospital Facility Gives Utica Two Or Three Empty Hospitals...

Where is the budget and plan to handle the old facilities? They say they'd rid blight in downtown, but what happens to old hospitals?

Think back to Seward Avenue and the old Bendix/TRW plant. It sat vacant and was eventual torn down. Was that at taxpayer expense? Today it remains a big field of tall grass, a brownfield, any tax income to the city?

August 9, 2017 - We Are A Party, The Other Side Keeps Lying

We are now a political force: No Downtown Hospital Group Getting Political, because there are just too many mistruths and many missing pieces to the downtown hospital concept. For example...

Hospital CEO keeps changing his numbers. Told Oneida County officials in May that the new IT System required will be $70-75 million (but didn't show the need in his budget), and yet during last week's illegal meeting, Perra shows that $46.1 million is enough for the "Medical equipment, Furniture and IT Systems...

Turn away the downtown hospital! Go with what's happening downtown today, per the Observer-Dispatch, OUR VIEW: Be part of the new emerging city of Utica. As well as new ideas from the $30,000 Downtown Startup Challenge; for example Steve Bulger on Downtown Startup Contest where Ryan Miller states, "While only one firm will win $30,000, there are probably four to a half-dozen new firms that will come out of this."

August 8, 2017 - Secret "Hospital, City, County & MV EDGE" Meeting Files Are Leaked

Bulldoze downtown, move around big boxes, and have taxpayers fund it... but don't make them part of it!

Read the July 27, 2017 MVHS Presentation and accompanying Spreadsheets. Three years and this is all they have? If you look at the presentation's "table of contents", were some entries withheld?

From New York's Open Meetings Law, where it reads: "It is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that the public business be performed in an open and public manner and that the citizens of this state be fully aware of and able to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and decisions that go into the making of public policy. The people must be able to remain informed if they are to retain control over those who are their public servants. It is the only climate under which the commonweal will prosper and enable the governmental process to operate for the benefit of those who created it."

What will our local media say and do about this?

August 6, 2017 - "Senseless", From A Group That Saves Utica's Buildings & Knows Preservation

The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica calls the downtown hospital concept "Senseless"...

We fully agree! So what do our Politicians, Hospital Administration & Civic "Leaders" advocating for it, say to that?

August 4, 2017 - Next Week Will Be Downtown Hospital News Week! Keyword, "No!"

The very ill-conceived downtown hospital concept (and the events and characters behind it) are faltering! We are just getting started, killing the concept was not easy, however this new phase will be fun: BetterUticaDowntown

July 26, 2017 - Utica faces a threat of extortion, build downtown parking or lose hospital?

Yes, our leading economic development agency (MV EDGE) has pretty much restored to extorting Utica officials, Warning to city: No garage, no new hospital. Great! As we don't want the Downtown Utica hospital anyway, and proposed parking facilities would be very damaging to our urban setting.

Just watch the video and read the post on parking (via our recent Battle For Our City! guest) Strongtowns: Parking Has Dramatically Shaped Our Cities (And Not In a Good Way). Submitted to #NoHospitalDowntown by way of our good friend Joseph Peter Drennan...

Extortion, maybe some blackmail behind the scenes(?), just a matter of time until this Utica story becomes a national story. How embarrassed will our leaders be? How silly do they wish to look? Just pull the plug on the Downtown Utica hospital concept already!

Assemblyman and aspiring Congressman, did you hear us? "Mr. Brindisi we don't want your White Elephant!"

July 20, 2017 - You'll soon hear more voices in the media

What's that you say, more voices talking about the Downtown Utica Hospital concept? Odd, didn't someone recently say The Debate Is Over? Do not listen to such nonsense! Why? One new voice says "It's Wrong!", Mike Galime, Utica Common Council President

July 19, 2017 - We found a letter on the floor of the Utica Common Council tonight!

What a bully! Who does MV EDGE work for?

We don't believe this is anyway to build a city, and this guy at EDGE is missing a big opportunity.

July 10, 2017 - WIBX950's Bill Keeler: Last Week's Show Notes

Flooding - Mr. Joe Piccola from NYS DOT (listen at minute 4:35) on Arterial Drianage relative to Hospital. We stated that last week's flooding shows why hospitals are better located on higher ground - especially when the hospital system owns 64-acres on a hill, less than two miles away!

MV EDGE - Steve DiMeo of Mohawk Valley EDGE (listen at minute 4:45) on the Proposed Downtown Utica Hospital. Steve uses bad information; the Brookings Institution never suggested moving a huge hospital into a small downtown, Read More. Also the hospital will not have 4,000 employees in Downtown Utica, as they operate 40 different healthcare locations and the Faxton Hospital site is not closing. So the number touted for downtown is considerably less. And Steve, the New Orleans hospital that you reference is not located in downtown New Orleans...

Also note, small Downtown Utica is NOT, the MUCH larger Downtown Buffalo...

Buffalo- Population: 261,310 | Area: 52.5 Sq. Miles | Downtown: 465 Acres
Utica- Population: 60,600 | Area: 17.2 Sq. Miles | Downtown: 200 Acres

Battle For Our City - Bill posts interviews with the #NoHospitalDowntown guests...

Direct link to John Minicozzi & Chuck Marohn interview with Bill Keeler.

All this said, #NoHospitalDowntown started out our week talking with lawyers.

July 1, 2017 - Utica NY: A Huge Hospital Crime Scene

We are watching our politicians work hard to create a HUGE, 10-year, demolition and construction project. This while hospital care is given a backseat, for three years and counting...

As one politician plans his escape route, he leads Utica's White Elephant into Downtown...

Join on group in tracking public sentiment and comment with over 2,000 members at #NoHospitalDowntown

June 28, 2017 - Kleptocratic Leadership Force A Downtown Utica Hospital Concept

Orin Domenico writes to us on June 26th, his essay begins "America's current form of government might quite accurately be called kleptocracy..." Read More

June 27, 2017 - Thank you to Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns and Joe Minicozzi of Urban3 for traveling to Utica for Battle For Our City!

June 21, 2017 - Old Dylan Song Updated...

We've revised the lyrics of a Bob Dylan and Jane Jacobs song, titled "Listen, Robert Moses" to fit the pending doom facing the City of Utica. It's now called "Listen, Scott Perra"

June 16, 2017 - #NoHospitalDowntown To Hold Press Conference

This Monday #NoHospitalDowntown will hold a press conference, and one week later two guests will be in Utica to add to the hospital conversation...

The public is encouraged to attend Monday's press conference as well as the events planned for the following Monday June 26th - event details posted here "Battle For Our City!"

June 14, 2017 - Wilcor Owner Address the Oneida County Legislators

Read a public address by Karen Corrigan, of a long-standing Utica business Wilcor International

June 10, 2017 - Bill Morris Speaks Out On Downtown Hospital Concept

The owner of the New Hartford Shopping Center, and former Hospital Foundation Board President, says the Downtown Utica Hospital Concept Makes No Sense

In two weeks residents and taxpayers can hear from others, learn the best ways to redevelop a downtown during "Battle For Our City!" In the meantime you may join the conversion on Facebook

If you do not act, here's their next step for Utica's Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood - it will be Bulldozed Beyond Recognition!

In case you missed, Senator Griffo wrote, Thank you for sharing your concerns with my office...

June 8, 2017 - Strong Towns Knows Development, What Works & Can Be Afforded!

Please join Us, June 25-27th "Battle For Our City!", Utica NY

June 6, 2017 - Twenty Days Until Landmark's Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood Walk

If you love history and Downtown Utica, here is an event for you! Join Landmarks of Greater Utica for a Narrated Walk of Downtown Utica's Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood First, save the date: 6pm, June 26, 2017...

Hear the history, walk the streets and alleys, as you tour buildings operating since the days of the Eire Canal. Much more to be announced around this date...

Please download a PDF version of the flyer, also invite your friends for this Narrated Walk of Downtown Utica's Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood! If you're on Facebook, then consider helping us save this same neighborhood from being bulldozed at #NoHospitalDowntown?

June 4, 2017 - As Utica Residents Dream Of Days & Headlines To Come...

Perra states, "I was beyond sick of walking the politician's blank anyway!"

What others said: Maureen Fitzgerald Murray (M.S., R. N.), Board President of Bassett Health Network, stated "We're extremely excited to make Albany's $300 Million gift all about healthcare! Frankly, we're dumbfounded as to why the St. Luke's Campus doesn't have construction underway today."

From Albany, Governor Cuomo stated, "Trust me, had I heard of the situation in Utica earlier, I would have killed the dastardly downtown concept on my own - much, much sooner."

On the condition of anonymity, multiple former MVHS Board Members (the entire board was released), suggested "All questions be directed to Bassett President & CEO, Vance M. Brown." However calls to Bassett were not returned by press time.

Meanwhile, after repeated attempts to contact New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker, it was reported "Mr. Zucker has been on an extended vacation, and has no way of being reached."

June 2, 2017 - A New Political Cycle & The Politician's Hospital

From: Frank Vescera
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 9:28 AM
To: Joe Marino; Joe Marino
Cc: Frank Meolas; Lori Washburn; Lori Washburn; Lucretia Hunt; Jack LoMedico; John Jacon

Subject: Chairman Marino's Economic Development Committee Minutes - Downtown Hospital Legislation

Councilman Marino,

At your screening for the nomination for the Democratic endorsement, in your re-election bid, you agreed to provide a timely copy of the minutes for the economic development committee meeting you claim was held prior to the passing of your legislation to support the downtown Utica hospital proposal.

Then at the City Democratic endorsement meeting at the Polish Community Center you once again agreed to provide those minutes.

However, several weeks have now passed and the minutes for that committee meeting have yet to be received. Is it still your intention to keep that commitment?

Respectfully, Frank Vescera

#NoHospitalDowntown Replies...

Frank, Thank you for copying us with this request for public information. This request has now been posted on #NoHospitalDowntown Group on Facebook. It will go on our website as well. Transparency and accountability is paramount in the fight to save our downtown from urban renewal and destruction. Jim G. Brock, Jr., NPA Financial, Inc.

May 27, 2017 - Hospital Architects Descend On Downtown Utica, More PR, More Flimsy Headlines

This week the architects for the new downtown hospital visited Utica, they even Tweeted From Their Hotel Utica Perch. Our media was treated to more PR firm-scripted press releases as the public was fed more disingenuous news stories. For example, today the Utica Observer-Dispatch Prints Another False Map NOT Revealing True Study Area...

New York State offers The True Map, but one the media just doesn't wish to print, why? The Utica Observer-Dispatch keeps assigning different reporters, and hiding costs from the public, why?

We asked someone today, "Is it bad our group is so concerned about the huge unknowns of the proposed downtown hospital concept?" They replied, "Well if you see a dog at close range, isn't it okay to question the owner about their dog's temperament? Or do you wait until after it bites you?" Exactly! The Utica and Oneida County region should be VERY careful, as this hospital has a billion-dollar bite that's not being reported! The hospital price tag is certainly not $480 million, It's Much Closer To A Billion. And the impact area, as well as the number of businesses being threatened, is greater than is being reported.

Worried about the bite of a new hospital? If so, please join our Facebook Groups: #NoHospitalDowntown and BetterUticaDowntown

May 22, 2017 - MVHS Hospital Spends Bigger: TV Ads Seek To Change Public Opinion

Healthcare dollars tossed-out, spending on media ramps-up! New 30-second commercial spots seek to influence and change public opinion on the Evil urban renewal bearing-down on Downtown Utica...

Stay tuned, we'll offer more satire and perhaps even "SNL" a few others taking part in these Paige Group Inspired Rebuttals to the "MVHS Hospital Needs A BandAid" community brainwashing TV spots.

May 20, 2017 - THE BIG URBAN MISTAKE: BUILDING FOR TOURISM VS. LIVABILITY

A must read for Utica! Rochester native Arian Horbovetz, took a trip to Utica in January 2015. Looking to take a break from his Upstate photography business, his two-day Utica trip changed his life. What he did, and what he found, in Utica supercharged his "photo blogging" experience - and his readership! After seeing lots of Upstate towns and cities, at the street level, through his camera lens, and talking to lots of locals", Arian has penned a very important essay, its called "THE BIG URBAN MISTAKE: BUILDING FOR TOURISM VS. LIVABILITY". Go there and have a read, if you do you will understand why the downtown hospital concept is not a direction Utica should take. [Spoiler Alert: You will love the photographs!]

Arian offers many other great stories and photographic splendors - you may want to grab a drink, and get comfortable. Spend sometime on his website, and you will realize that Upstate New York cities have a lot to offer. We know there are many who have departed (you know that you know a bunch) who would love to return. Let's make sure the RIGHT paths to development are taken, so when they return, they'll find livable cities and towns... oh, and ones that they will still recognize!

May 19, 2017 - What's Wrong With The St. Luke's Campus Location?

Well, the easier question, and one that has lots of obvious answers is, "What Is So Great About The St. Luke's Campus Location?"

May 18, 2017 - Downtown Hospital Budget Is The Bogey!

Last week Mohawk Valley Health Ssystem CEO Scott Perra and Oneida County Legislature wanted to think about a financially, "In the black", downtown hospital. However the CEO dropped a bomb saying "There Are A Couple Of Bogey's Out There". Did anyone here it, or think of the implications of a hospital without a computer or medical records system? Well the news is much worse, and the true "bogey" is Scott Perra's budget...

This is very scary as the hospital has no cash, their fake budget is all "debt" and "gifts', and is largely on the backs of the taxpayer. We have our eye on each move; that our hospital, our government and the establishment trying to drive a hospital downtown is making. We are calculating the costs and impact of their concepts.

Now this week we are hearing about the Oneida County Executive's; three new buildings, a playground, walking trails, hops farm, and an ice skating rink concept opposite the targeted hospital site. However no budget, no timeline and no parking for the AUD was offered. Thus we have more concepts to consider and we are tying them directly to Fiasco General that seeks to wipe out downtown Utica first...

May 14, 2017 - Health System CEO "Big Bogies Haunt New Hospital Budget"

This past Wednesday, CEO Perra disclosed; not only are the City & County looking for taxpayers to pay for a $41,000,000 parking garage, MVHS Has The Added Cost Of A New I.T. System At The HUGE Price Of $70,000,000 To $75,000,000!

Many costs are not in the $450 million budget. And Perra added, the downtown hospital would need to budget a million dollars per year just to maintain the proposed parking garage!

More reasons to "Kill the downtown concept", and also worrisome is Turner Construction MVHS's selected builder, as they had a BIG hand in another Maligned Hospital Project.

May 10, 2017 - MVHS's CEO Perra Goes To Oneida County Legislature

More was learned about the ever-changing story. Sadly this is the first time the County Legislators have heard from the hospital, in-spite of having already spent between $250,000 and $500,000 of Oneida County taxpayer funds.

Newly emerging from the background of the "Downtown Hospital Concept Caper", the law firm who lobbied to place NYS taxpayers $300 million into debt - how much did that cost Oneida County taxpayers? - yes, none other than Former Oneida County Executive, Raymond A. Meier Ray was there today too...

So there was a lawyer present, but still no answers to our Burning Questions. Maybe they'll talk about them over dinner tonight? Oh well, #NoHospitalDowntown will present audio of today's presentation, and continue to document the falsehoods that continue to flow - please check back!

May 7, 2017 - Senator Griffo writes #NoHospitalDowntown Co-founder

Senator Griffo is first with a response He's Busy, But We'll Be Expeditious... Meanwhile we await a reply from three other Utica-area Politicians as we try to understand who's making expensive and critical healthcare decisions that will impact the region for the next 50-75 years.

Join #NoHospitalDowntown as we gain momentum in turning -back the very ill-conceived hospital concept. Let's place hospital improvements onto the Large 64-acres Site At St. Luke's

The mail took some time, but the Senator's letter arrives Thank you for sharing your concerns with my office...

May 3, 2017 - A professional executive, MVHS's Scholefield writes to Group Co-founder

Mr Scholefield's email, and the response, can be found here Robert Scholefield's West Utica Citizens Meeting Meanwhile we await the reply from Utica-area politicians; letters sent seeking clarification; for example Assemblyman Brindisi (Image) or (PDF)

April 28, 2017 - MVHS's Mr. Scholefield, Video #1: "Politicians Said Money Is For Downtown Only"

Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mohawk Valley Health System, Mr Robert Scholefield spoke this past Wednesday at the West Utica Citizens Forum. A loud audience demanded, "Why downtown? We don't want you to build downtown, build at St. Luke's 64-acre campus!"

However, Mr. Scholefield confirmed" "Assemblyman Brindisi & Senator Griffo Told Us The Money Is Only For A Downtown Utica Hospital"

You may also listen to Mohawk Valley Health System CEO Scott Perra On The Joe Kelly Show, where he confirms the same thing.

However, this conflicts with what taxpayers and residents have been told for almost two years now. It was widely reported The Hospital Searched Within A 10-mile Radius Of Utica, found 12 sites fitting their requirements, then it was narrowed to three, and finally two sites were unanimously voted on by the MVHS Board of Directors. To great fanfare, it was proclaimed, "Hospital Picks Downtown"

Brindisi Confirms To #NoHospitalDowntown The Hospital Picked Downtown...

We have just sent letters to area politicians seeking clarification; One Copy (Image) was Hand Delivered Earlier Today (PDF), more as we have it.

April 27, 2017 - "No Hospital Downtown" Citizen's Battle Cry

One news outlet covered the hospital "town hall"...

Where was our leading newspaper?

April 25, 2017 - Did You Miss Sunday's Joe Kelly Show? MVHS Vs. #NoHospitalDowntown

Joe Kelly offers listeners an Introduction, MVHS CEO Scott Perra goes first and explains the Hospital's Views On Downtown Location. Then in Part 3, our group follows-up with #NoHospitalDowntown Views...

Thank you Joe Kelly! To watch other great shows on community topics, please go to The Joe Kelly Show

April 24, 2017 - How Much Land Does A Hospital Need?

For two years the hospital has been unable to answer basic questions. Strong Opposition forced the hospital to Hire A Public Relations Firm simply to talk with residents and taxpayers, and the only two sessions held with the public showed a Downtown Utica Hospital Lacks Public Support - see another view of the Faces Of The Hospital PR Firm's Efforts.

Still the hospital and politicians march along; they hoped a Utica Chamber of Commerce Endorsement would help, it did not, and the bad information keeps turning up...

Why are your Utica-area Politicians Playing Games With The Mohawk Valley's Healthcare?

Join #NoHospitalDowntown as we gain momentum in turning -back the very ill-conceived hospital concept. Let's place hospital improvements onto the Large 64-acres Site At St. Luke's

April 23, 2017 - Today's The Joe Kelly Show, CEO Perra Pegs Politicians

What was so wrong with the large 64-acre plot at the current St. Luke's Campus, right across from the symbiotic Utica College? Politicians say the Hospital Board wanted downtown, yet today CEO Perra blames top location pick on "area politicians"...

We'd be very delighted if everyone stopped supporting the downtown concept and started focusing on another location. That way our new friends at Better Utica Downtown and 40+ businesses within Historic Downtown Utica's Columbia-Lafayette Neighborhood could get back to focusing on their businesses.

April 22, 2017 - Utica's Fiasco General On Display in NYC

Great visit to NYC, poked around Greenwhich Village, then to film, conversations on sidewalks and in theater...

Can Utica's "Fiasco General" withstand much more? Listen to the growing Voices of Dissent on Utica’s Proposed Downtown Hospital Location Next up, national embarrassment...

April 20, 2017 - Ghost of Robert Moses Haunts Utica, NY

After nearly two years of investigations and protest, Utica-based Group #NoHospitalDowntown will picket the sidewalks around New York City’s Lincoln Center... Read More

Press Release (PDF), please join us at New York City’s Lincoln Center

April 19, 2017 - A Connected, Inside Team, Politicians Living In Bubbles

The Utica-area economy has fallen so far... people wanted good jobs, yet many had to leave as they had no choice. This as the world changed, but politicians did not address the problems at their roots. They created new agencies, tried endless business attraction schemes; added prisons, dangled BIG carrots at some firms (most never materialized, some did, but didn't last), buildings were torn down to make way "for the future", a distribution center added, and other businesses shuffled around and hailed as great progress... all while small local firms just chugged along.

Some local entrepreneurs took chances on old buildings, various store fronts, using modern themes and trends, they gave downtown Utica a new upswing. Then a few years ago, as Nano still wasn't materializing and Cuomo was thinking VERY BIG, huge sums were offered to Upstate cities. Teams went to work trying to find ways to make big splashes. The local Mohawk Valley team (heavily Utica-weighted) dreamed-up a modern downtown and wove-in themes of "technology", "research", and "students". To make it even better - they planned to fix a downtown area (picked by Hammes Company), one they called "functionally obsolete"and "blighted" - this location was so central to the passer-by's eyes, WOW! - what an impact it would make!

However the concept ran into trouble, many calculations were not made, and many details overlooked. Somebody outside "the team" was paying attention! Worse the "inside team" was using an old playbook, and also just assumed any companies and or people "in the way" could be dealt with. However, the "inside team's" concept, to use "better healthcare" and "great new shiny buildings", didn't impress nor fool everyone.

#NoHospitalDowntown was born, but politicians just ignored us. To this day, their plans grow ever bigger and concepts added; a beer museum, a second incubator, meeting spaces, two large parking garages, a casino, new roadways, ball fields, and a connected harbor. Yes, it's getting bigger and better in their eyes. Unfortunately in the public's eyes too, as our area media just prints the "inside team's" stories without deep questioning. Sadly the details for the short and longer costs, who's paying for it all, and what it all looks like is missing?

Yesterday we watched a business group support the inside team, but no new facts, no new insights, just the same old lines politicians have been using for over two years. This as they appear to live in comfortable insulated bubbles; one doesn't drive his taxpayer-financed black SUV, he's got two drivers who sit inside as he chats outside on the cell out of earshot; press conference over, time to call to pass the inside team's update "On up the ladder".

We feel it is time to expose the "inside team" and the politicians within it and or just playing along. Eventually they'll drop their big smelly mess...

April 18, 2017 - Utica Chamber To Drop 2nd MOAB

Yesterday we heard the Utica Chamber of Commerce would hold a press conference on the downtown hospital concept. Not being born last night, we started preparing to document the Chamber Of No Commerce

April 16, 2017 - New Game In Utica: "He Said, She Said"

This past week we heard Mohawk Valley Health System CEO Mr. Perra say, We were kinda pulled into Downtown, a lot of people thought it was a good idea. However in September 2015, Utica-area Politicians Told Us That The Hospital Made The Call!

One theory, Steve DiMeo hoping to be seen as an overachiever aiding Governor Cuomo, pulled-out all the stops to rebuild a downtown he sees as "obsolete and totally blighted". He's wrong, and his downtown hospital concept will fail.

The good news is that we'll save Utica from joining 20 Failed Projects Involving Eminent Domain Abuse, where we read: "The argument is always the same... tax-hungry bureaucrats and land-hungry developers claim that the use of eminent domain is necessary for economic development. They promise everything from high-rise condominiums to trendy shopping malls, all in the name of more taxes and jobs. There is a strong incentive for cities and developers to over-hype the benefits of individual private development projects involving eminent domain in order to garner political and public support. But it turns out that many of these projects are failures. This report details 20 prominent examples"

April 9, 2017 - New York Has A Budget With $300 Million For Hospital, Local Politicians Are Silent

For over two years the region has heard of a "new and transformative hospital", one which has cast large storm clouds over 34-acres of downtown. Politicians placed it into downtown, yet today not one uses the "H" word...

Good, we're tracking their every move...

From the Utica Observer-Dispatch archives: Years planning changes began in the mid-1960's, on two projects that would change the face of downtown Utica, and its skyline too! This aerial photo, looking west, was taken in April 1967 and shows vacant lots just to the south of Oneida County Court House In The Center Of This Photo. A few months later, construction would begin on the $10 million, 10-story Oneida County Office Building and the $11 million, 16-story State Office Building.

For more stories from the Utica newspaper, pick from the headlines at: Ten Years Of Downtown Utica Development

April 6, 2017 - With Or Without $300M Hospitalgate Sadly Continues

Every time news pops-up about the new Utica hospital concept, emails, text messages, and social media brings more intelligence and questions to our attention. We've looked back in time and tried hard to keep up with the changing headlines, it's not very easy. However, we have mapped-out the ecosystem of players, properties and theories. Our war rooms have lots of information, for example like this...

As new voices come forth, be sure that #NoHospitalDowntown will remain committed to protecting Utica's Downtown Businesses, our Historic Buildings and small-city street grid. It's the right, and only thing to do, and any modern day urban planning firm would agree!

Please join #NoHospitalDowntown On Facebook

April 3, 2017 - No $300M Grant Or Grant Winner, But Cuomo Names MVHS!

Mr. Cuomo failed to deliver an on time budget today. However, the govenor Announced Details of A Fiscal Year 2018 State Budget Extender

In this "Extender" Cuomo proudly announced $300 Million that's been promised for years for a new Downtown Utica hospital. Oddly the grant, by way of a NYS Grants Gateway has not named a winner, nor even informs taxpayers of the Oneida County grant opportunity.

Read about how MVHS wins the day... "$300 Million for Utica Hospital: New York State has awarded $300 million for the Mohawk Valley Health System to build a modern and efficient hospital in downtown Utica. This 392 bed, 750,000 square-foot world-class health care facility will replace the outdated and obsolete St. Luke’s Hospital Campus and St. Elizabeth Medical Center, further integrating the system of care in Oneida County. The new state-of-the-art hospital will offer emergency, acute inpatient, outpatient, primary care and other health care services in a single downtown location, improving the accessibility and quality of health care in the region. Mohawk Valley Health System’s project, awarded via competitive RFA, will strengthen the fiscal stability of the regional health care system, save taxpayer dollars, and bring thousands of jobs into downtown Utica." But where was MVHS named as the grant winner?

"No mind", is likely Mr Cuomo's attitude. What better way to show the local Mohawk Valley politicians lining up behind Cuomo, that Albany "has their backs", by jumping the gun and stating specifics of an undesigned hospital and one without a Certificate of Need (C.O.N.)!

Be it known, most residents do not support a downtown location. Also, a number of the 40+ businesses and property owners plan to fight the takeover of their property.

* * * NOTE * * *

We have tracked what we call #Hospitalgate step-by-step and after the "Question & Answer" period first ended, the NYSDOH posted Two Pages Of Q&A's How is it that today we find Forty Three Pages Of Q&A's? And still, how does Cuomo name the fund recipient today, when we did not even hear about a grant winner?

Lastly, the original NYSDOH website said the winner would be announced at the end of February 2017. That never happened, but we now have Cuomo's message? So Mr. Cuomo, this downtown hospital concept must be all yours!

April 2, 2017 - Donations To Fund Healthcare, Or Bulldozers?

Time is now to begin to tell Mohawk Valley Health System "No" with your wallet! They are currently entering into the "silent phase" of their capital campaign to raise money for the ill-conceived downtown hospital district.

Let's tell them if they go downtown then the community will not support them financially or otherwise. We do have a say! So when they reach out to you, "JUST SAY NO!", no money until they announce they're not going downtown. Afterwhich, we're ready and committed to help raise money.

March 27, 2017 - Dear City Of Utica: Your Hospital District Concept Would Be Another Mistake... Will You Ever Learn?

So many buildings have been torn-down for surface parking, and our Oneida County Executive "exclaims proudly" he has done more; His Announcement and Project Nears Completion This and the Hotel Utica in recent months knocked down its historic parking garage for a surface lot.

Not only do these steps destroy the character of the city, they destroy the tax base. It's like "suburban sprawl" within our city, terrible mistakes...

Learn more from - Rome NY native - Joseph Minicozzi, principal of Urban3 LLC as they exclaim "Dense urban development makes for more economically robust cities". Catch his video at TEDxAsheville

Utica is a small city and land is in very short supply. Utica cannot afford a fifth hospital district. Will Utica learn before it is too late?

March 24, 2017 - West Utica Citizens NOT To Hear From Hospital, #NoHospitalDowntown Will Present

The monthly West Utica Citizens Forum will not host MVHS administration as originally planned. However, #NoHospitalDowntown will be there. Come have your questions answered on Wednesday, March 29 at the West Side Senior Center at 717 Court Street, Utica, NY.

For almost two year #NoHospitalDowntown has followed (and often generated) the much-needed debate over the downtown hospital concept... one that seeks to bulldoze 34 acres of Downtown Utica. We say, why destroy downtown streets, alleys and historic buildings - and displace 40+ businesses!! - when St. Luke's today owns 64-acres across from Utica College?

March 14, 2017 - Eminent Domain Real Threat To Property & Business Owners

This week a Columbia-Lafayette property owner shared a letter sent by a Eminent Domain law firm called Biersdorf & Associates This firm must mine database to find potential clients, in the case of Mohawk Valley Health System's Downtown Utica Hospital, it seems that a NYS Department of Transportation alerted the law firm.

MVHS's St. Luke's Campus today owns 64-acres, yet they just do not seem to care about the 40+ businesses within Historic Downtown Utica's Columbia-Lafayette Neighborhood.

Say hello to Biersdorf & Associates on Twitter @CondemnationLaw, get to know the NYS Eminent Domain Procedure Law and notes on the NYS DOT's website NYS DOT Engineering Division Office of Design: Eminent Domain Procedure Law

March 8, 2017 - Downtown Hospital 2,000 Feet From Busy Northeast CSX Tracks

Utica has three hospitals sites, plus 100-acres largely abandoned at Old Main. At St. Luke's there is already a medical district near Utica College. This district has a "green" $15 million dollar co-generation power plant, lots of room with 64-acres, which is enough space to build a new hospital, medical office building, and allow for future expansion. So why move the hospital into the compact area of downtown? The proposed area is very close to CSX freight tracks, which haul 100-car long oil trains. Read More...

March 3, 2017 - Downtown Hospital Zone = Eminent Domain Court Battles!

Shown here is the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation's CRIS: Utica Hospital Consultation Project area. Will a huge part of Downtown Utica be bulldozed for Utica New York's 5th hospital district?

A question in today's Utica Observer-Dispatch - their story headline - reads: Downtown hospital: Could it come to eminent domain? Yet the answer is in the very article, and it's "Yes", if the hospital board continues to push the ill-conceieved Downtown Utica location...

We say "Make it ALL about health care!", build at the St. Luke's Campus which is the Mohawk Valley Health Systems 2nd Unanimous Site. as they've stated:

"In the event the downtown site proves not to be financially viable, we will move on to our second site option at the St. Luke’s Campus, which the board feels will also serve the community well."

March 1, 2017 - Yes, the cavalry has arrived!

The situation has changed. Politicians and hospital administration called us the "vocal minority", but of course they're wrong and just talking their talk. However over the last weeks, things have changed, momentum has taken hold and new members have arrived...

Prepare for the new "Better Plan", as we defeat "Fiasco General" and as more facts, people's true feelings, and stories are heard. Will anyone catch some heat? Please join us (1,600+ strong!) at #NoHospitalDowntown

February 22, 2017 - "Oneida County History? Furgit Abot It!"

Our Oneida County Historian writes, "One for all, and all for one is not in the DNA of Oneida County/Central New York"

February 16, 2017 - "Downtowners Do Not Want A Hospital District"

Long-time resident and business owner, William Corrigan Speaks Out Against Proposed Downtown Utica Hospital concept...

As does this reader of the Utica Observer-Dispatch, Joanne Sirtoli today...

Recently the founding members of #NoHospitalDowntown spoke with the Utica Observer-Dispatch's Editorial Board. We're looking forward to their take on what we shared and we'll update you here later on (see below Tweet).

February 9, 2017 - "People of the Mohawk Valley vs. New York State Department of Health"

Politicians had hopes, a concept, and yet they we're backed by bad community actors (sound oddly familiar New York?). Now the people are driven to their next step...

You're invited to add to our wealth of documented knowledge as we prepare our case. Use E-mail, click #NoHospitalDowntown You may also join, add your comments, on our Facebook Group: #NoHospitalDowntown and sign-up for Newsletter updates: Get Updates If you're wondering, this is Who We Are

February 7, 2017 - Landmarks Society Very Far From Neutral

Landmarks Society president Steven Grant pens letter to his members regarding Mohawk Valley Health System's concept for a Downtown Utica hospital...

Bottom line: 1) What do the planners have in mind at this point? 2) What urban fabric will be left if everything is razed? 3) Historic buildings are going to be demolished to create some sort of green space? Too many unanswered questions. Downtown Utica is enjoying a resurgence because of the existing urban fabric - a fabric that includes many, many, historical structures that benefitted from an adaptive reuse. In order for us all to benefit from our area's history, we first have to save it. Click to Read Steven's Letter

Did you miss the MVHS's "public information" sessions? If so, here's the questionnaire that was distributed at the sessions.

February 5, 2017 - Bye-bye Downtown Utica! Hello, Poor, Inner-City Hospital District...

How did it happen? What was wrong with the St. Luke's Campus? They had 64-acres on a green hilltop! Wasn't the new police station and courthouse campus a perfect setting next to the AUD? How on earth did this happen? Yes, so many future questions, but it's just "Too sad, too bad" now...

Are St. Elizabeth's and St. Luke's Campuses still sitting empty? Boarded-up and costing taxpayers money? And what about the tremendous costs over-runs of the hospital in downtown; a new courthouse, new police station and maintenance garage, with Comets fans and hospital visitors paying for parking... and no one feels very safe! Why are all these nefarious people hanging around the hospital district?

Can't something be done? Who's idea was this anyway Mr. Brindisi?

February 1, 2017 - Bye-bye Small Town, Hello Big City!

Want to fix a problem at home? Better to get out-of-town help...

What will people of Utica do, those marching forth with their derelict concept? This, when they must answer to people wholly uninterested in who they know, and impervious to what locals thought they'd receive via our small-city's "Friends & Family" plan?

Perhaps the foolish hospital concept is just what was needed? Just the event to finally (once again) move Utica away from the politics of old?

January 31, 2017 - Best Photo? Certainly The Best Quote of 2017: "We Don't Want You To Dig!"

The Utica Observer-Dispatch Captures Citizen Lou Critelli Yelling, misses audio, but it's caught here..."We don't want you to dig!"

About the only people seeking to bulldoze Downtown Utica are deaf politicians, and tainted community leaders, who seek to grab fame and make a "real estate buck" on the backs of taxpayers and our country's disgustingly expensive and ineffective health care system.

Does Cuomo even care? Or does Cuomo just want billions in construction to show that he can build, regardless if it's good, bad, or just down-right stupid.

January 29, 2017 - What Did Hospital Board Chairman Norm Siegel Say?

On December 11, 2015 Hospital Board Chairman Norm Siegel said they'd "...study the re-use of our old hospitals, before a dime was spent on downtown plans". That has not been the case. We know nothing of repurposing our old hospitals. Will our old hospitals remain open for the poor? Is the new downtown hospital to only be for the rich, those who can afford private rooms?

One day in the sad future of Downtown Utica... might the poor to be placed on buses bound for St. Luke's, Faxton and St. Elizabeth's? While the rich and well-insured stay at "Millionaire's Healthcare"...

Look at the demographics of Utica, we're a poor city. The well-to-do go out of town for their health care, just ask your politician. If they're honest you will hear they do not go to Utica hospitals. This will not change with a new one, and soon - they will not go downtown for entertainment - as nobody goes to inner-city hospital districts for anything but medical attention!

January 27, 2017 - Architects Talk Hospital Design

Today's paper tries to wallpaper over the illegal Downtown Utica hospital concept, read it here in Architects talk about designing hospital for Utica's future

A Utica-area resident responds: "1) Will it keep existing streets and intersections open? Otherwise it will interfere with development and accessing businesses and properties blocks away from the facility. (2) Will it include "mixed use" facilities? Otherwise it will be inconsistent with the official public vision (the Master Plan) for Downtown. (3) Will it conform to the Gateway Historic District's design requirements? Otherwise it would appear to be illegal under our zoning law! (4) Will it preserve the existing businesses in the district? Otherwise there will be a loss of jobs and tax revenues. (5) Will it replicate the Police Maintenance garage? Otherwise taxpayers will have to fund a replacement. The final design can meet all of these requirements -- if MVHS is willing to spend the money needed to meet non-hospital requirements" Frank Montecalvo

And we ask further, "What's so great about the architect's other projects?" What's with Swedish Medical that they offer as a reference? What's also true about their reference hospitals they're not telling us? Don't worry, we're investigating...

January 21, 2017 - #NoHospitalDowntown Faces-off With The Mohawk Valley Health System

MVHS Hospital CEO, Oneida County Health Department Director, and a City of Utica employee make their cases for a Inner-city Hospital District. Followed by founding members of this group...

What do you think? Head over to #NoHospitalDowntown we'd love to gain your support and comments!

January 19, 2017 - Mike Galime, Utica Common Council President Speaks About Hospital Concept

While the Utica Mayor has been largely silent on the hospital concept, Mike Galime Makes A Video Statement. We hope this brings this ill-conceived, and politically-backed, concept out into the light of day.

The above video release was followed-up with Mike Galime Speaking With WUTQ Regarding The Downtown Hospital Concept Lack Of Transparancy...

January 17, 2017 - Thanks for the coverage, but does the Utica newspaper just want to sell more issues?

The Utica OD editors say "keep moving forward", in spite of facts that make a hospital impossible!

However, right beside the UticaOD's above opinion, an intelligent reader is more rational:

Downtown hospital "IS NOT" a done deal!

The proposed downtown hospital is just that - a proposal. Ask Mohawk Valley Health Systems President Scott Perra and Vice President Robert Scholefield and it's a done-deal. They have admitted though, many steps remain in negotiations with landowners. MVHS believes it WILL purchase this property. What if the landowners don't sell? Somehow it seems this question never occurred to MVHS management. The city and hospital both say no to eminent domain. Therefore this proposal relies on landowner cooperation. What if landowners don't cooperate? The answer? Landowners owe MVHS nothing.

At the Jan. 10 forum, Perra was asked about revenue loss from displaced businesses. He essentially stated a downtown hospital with its "$480 million" price tag would "relatively quickly" outpace current economic activity. He ignores that his numbers are taxpayer dollars funneled into artificial economic "growth" in an area where many did not ask for this project and remain opposed to it.

MVHS is not entitled to downtown simply because they have been given a golden goose by state taxpayers. Perra should speak with folks who have raised their geese downtown, organically. If local leaders continue to build as THEY wish instead of working with residents, I'm afraid all of our eggs may end up scrambled." CRAIG MILES, Clinton

Consider this: Per the reporting of Kim Slowey @kimslowey of Construction Dive, "...the fate of the Affordable Care Act under a new administration is up in the air and has stalled, to some degree, planning for new medical facilities. Under the existing healthcare policy, construction of smaller, community-based clinics has thrived in order to meet the ACA goals of increased patient monitoring."

We believe New York State Governor Cuomo is seeking a very visible "Temple In Downtown Utica" and thus instead of improvements to hospitals we already have, and adding new clinics or urgent/primary care facilities, Utica New York is fighting "Fiasco General"... Cuomo wants BIG:

Consider: Crowd Disasters at Mass Gatherings, The AUD & Downtown Utica

The Utica AUD can attract 6,000 people at musical events, 4,000 for hockey. The AUD management has also said they want to expand, that's great. The Oneida County Executive is also leading a new NYS Authority in the same direction it seems, NYSSEFA

If one reads about mass gatherings, accidents, as well as the increased chance for terrorism-type incidents; why would the region's prime Mohawk Valley Health System hospital district wish to be relocated within 1,000 feet of the AUD? Meanwhile, the DOT is seeking to narrow and slow-down East-to-West traffic flows in downtown.

Attempting to place our hospital into Downtown Utica, next to large-scale public events, when the hospital currently owns 64-acres on a green hilltop - under two miles away! - seems like a terrible mistake, and just asking for unnecessary risks and trouble!

Oh, and there are those "oil trains" too - 100 railcars of flammable oil - going through Utica at 55mph...

January 15, 2017 - Two Faces of Public Relations, A.K.A. Storytelling

The Mohawk Valley Health System COO Bob Scholefield and the head of his hired Marketing/PR firm looking pleased sharing a story with the CNY Business Journal. It's a tall tale about a politically-backed $600M to $1B, Downtown Utica temple - a.k.a. "Fiasco General" - or simply put "their concept for a poor, inner-city, hospital district. One that would become Utica's 5th hospital district. Which might explain the other look on the PR firm's CEO's face as she listens to taxpayers and residents...

January 14, 2017 - This Week The People Of Utica Spoke To Mohawk Valley Health System

Did the hospital administration and board of directors, the politicians backing the concept, and the PR firm (The Paige Group) hired, finally hear the news? If so, or if they had the courage to take a poll, it's very clear a majority of residents and taxpayers are squarely against their Downtown Utica Hospital concept.

An inner-city hospital is far from the best use of Utica's Columbia-Lafayette Neighborhood. Adding to that, there are (today!!) 40 businesses located where the politicians have directed the hospital - making it simply unconscionable!

Downtown Utica has been on a new uptick, and to continue this trend is critical, a 34 or even a 25-acre hospital district would be pure destructive urban renewal. And the people don't want this HUGE, politically-backed, infrastructure project very sadly disguised as "improved health care"!

For months, #NoHospitalDowntown has asked, "Why does the City of Utica display false information on their website?" Mr. Ron Vincent asks it again at the MVHS forum, as he waves his research on zoning, as well his documentation showing Utica is also ignoring the City's Master Plan...

Take action, join us on Facebook and Twitter, spread the word and we can turn-away this silly hospital concept with your help! Together we can seek better health care, keep downtown authentic, walkable and a place that people want to live and tourists will visit.

January 11, 2017 - Mohawk Valley Health System CEO Perra Has Been Asleep!

The Mohawk Valley Health System has made wrong turn, after wrong turn. They started hearing from politicians early on, and then Mohawk Valley EDGE influenced their Board of Directors, did the hospital forget to read the request for funding, or did they plan to just ignore the public?

Public engagement was known to be a requirement since 2014...

To view 2016 posts, click here

No Studies, No Reports, thus we remain #NoHospitalDowntown

Our research is ongoing, please check back. Our research is ongoing, please check back.