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First Reads: Why We Oppose The Downtown Utica Hospital Concept. Then consider All The Advantages Of The 64-acre St. Luke's Campus. Next, hear four years and hundreds of Community Voices Of Opposition.

December 18, 2023 - Letter sent to our group and posted, shared over 600 hundred time (as of 12/28/23)... Letter Regarding Conditions At Utica's New Wynn Hospital

November 1, 2023 - As the new hospital concept opens, more and more of Utica's former Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood is being erased...

However, the day after opening and with all paitents transfered, residents hear the entire "brand new" second floor of the Wynn Hospital - all surgical rooms, can't be occuplied! EMS teams to transfer patients to other regional hospitals...

Perhaps due to faulty construction, bad timing and weather, failed roof and lots of wet sheetrock...

Started with corruption and plenty of false information (Fraudulent #SEQR), is Wynn Hospital now moving toward patient lawsuit(s)?

April 4, 2023 - Utica eminent domain, by OCIDA hits another snag (as does Wynn Hospital), as Syracuse-based Bowers completes purchase of O’Brien’s Plumbing at 411 Columbia Street...

Look back at Utica's Multiple Tales Of Eminent Domain For Wynn Hospital, sad it wasn't really about improving hospital healthcare.

March 10, 2023 - Yet another Utica Hospital Study... this one comes eight years, four month since residents first heard words "new hospital": Mohawk Valley Health CEO: New Hospital 'Worth Exploring'...

July 28, 2022 - With most (but not all) of their Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood demolition complete, track the Utica elite's increasingly expensive Utica Parking Garage saga.

Also on Facebook, a story titled As Upstate and Crouse secretly plan merger, hospitals aim to avoid federal oversight, as we predict Utica's Wynn Hospital will become a state own hospital, due to massive MVHS debt.

July 4, 2022 - Their urban renewal boondoggle continues erasing Downtown Utica's historic past...

Absolute shame they've destroyed Downtown Utica's Boiler-maker Past!

March 15, 2022 - We could not agree more! Thomas and Gorsuch Say Kelo Eminent Domain Ruling 'Was Wrong the Day It Was Decided' and 'Remains Wrong Today'. We are also reading, Economic Development, Eminent Domain and the Property Rights Movement.

March 9, 2022 - Ms. Darlene tells sad story of MVHS, but not the full story...

Download a copy, Lighter Covid-19 Caseload Brings Little Relief to One New York Hospital

January 6, 2022 - Group update after six years and four months, listen to the interview on SoundCloud, Brett Truett & Jeremy Zogby discuss Legacy of Downtown Hospital Fight & Eminent Domain.

June 17, 2021 - Why destroy Utica's boiler-making history and heritage? Modify the large parking garage for The Wynn Hospital and see a Better Utica Downtown emerge.

June 15, 2021 - #TheWynnHospital parking garage has funding issues...

June 9, 2021 - More planned funding for parking garage before land is owned...

May 19, 2021 - News on Oneida County Eminent Domain Challenger...

We're now tracking #TheWynnHospital saga.

May 16, 2021 - Another Legal challenge to the Downtown Utica Hospital Concept, this time their proposed Parking Garage- read the Challenge to Oneida County Eminent Domain.

January 23, 2021 - MVHS is constructing #thewynnhospital building without owning the project site. A reduced site plan was approved by the Utica Planning Board- without staff or visitor Parking! Eminent Domain is said to be split between Oneida County and City of Utica to try and obtain more land. Follow Better Utica Downtown as they try to save businesses and historic buildings. Oneida County states a public need to build a municipal parking garage for; the hospital, the AUD, the Nexus Center, and the City Courts (why don’t they name the Utica Police station?

October 22, 2020 - Oneida County Supreme Court Judge Clark renders her Decision & Order (PDF), read a Text version and our Legal page.

October 17, 2020 - Still waiting for justice...

A 2014 promise of healthcare funding, 5-years and 10 monthh after first hearing "new hospital," area has zero improvements to Utica health care. SEQRA laws ignored and a downtown neigborhood Largely Erased (Video, via Facebook).

October 6, 2020 - Nine months, twelve days, waiting for justice...

September 15, 2020 - Thirteen days since oral arguements "round two" and 320 since "round one", as we recall Three Hospital Comparables in MVHS's fraudently SEQR Review...

None were comparable! Seems Utica will be the only city building their only hospital in a Evacuation Zone... what a very sad distinction!

September 8, 2020 - At least five places to build a Parking garage...

Utica should pick historic Preservation, significant Erie Canal Heritage to protect.

September 1, 2020 - In today's mail a #NoospitalDowntown member hears again from the government...

Which, when taken with past statements years ago, appears very strange...

Tomorrow, the first lawsuit that challenged MVHS's SEQR Review is to be heard in Oneida County Supreme Court. This Legal saga as been tracked.

August 22, 2020 - "They missed the memo..."

And everyone in Utica and Oneida County missed the study! Where is their study of Utica's hospital assets and system that determined a new hospital was necessary? Troubling, as Nobody Has Ever Seen One!

August 13, 2020 - The Utica-based judge takes a step in the "No Hospital Downtown case...

Will Judge Clark also be touring the St. Luke's Campus within Utica's current Oneida County Medical District?

July 24, 2020 - Finally, Oneida County Supreme Court has assigned a judge to our lawsuit, Read More... Yet it's criminal the Downtown Destruction they've wrought.

June 24, 2020 - Email update from attorney Tom West, see the #NoHospitalDowntown Legal page. And we have recently updated our "990" page with three 2018 IRS 990's of MVHS and Utica two Hospitals... FSLH and SEMC

Plus regular updates on Twitter...

And our conversation continues on Facebook, as it has ever since August 22, 2015.

April 17, 2020 - MVHS and City of Utica go back on their word, do not allow an Albany ruling on the merits, no they continued shopping for a judge...

Get to know 5th JD - Oneida County County Supreme Court & Judges.

April 7, 2020 - Update on the lawsuit from Tom West, received at 3:20 PM today...

"I wanted to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on developments with the New York State Court system. Several weeks ago, the Chief Administrative Judge of the New York Courts issued an order suspending all filings and activities on non-essential matters due to the coronavirus pandemic. This case falls into that category. However, today, the Chief Administrative Judge issued a revised order urging Justices to move forward with rendering decisions on all matters that have been fully submitted. This would include your case. We are hopeful that this clears the way for Justice Mackey to finally render a decision concerning this matter."

More on the lawsuit on our Legal page.

March 24, 2020 - Read another investigation of MVHS's new hospital concept titled, Downtown Hospital Project to be Built Upon Lies. Where you'll read...

In one of Assemblyman Brindisi’s emails he said of the downtown location: "I don’t want public opinion derailing this.” Both he and DiMeo expressed regret that the public was able to see their emails. The emails revealed their private agendas regarding the downtown location.

The community's legal challenge awats a ruling on the merits in Albany Supreme Cuort.

March 22, 2020 - Governor Cuomo heralded for CONVID-19 stance, yet he wants to place Utica's only hospital beside downtown's CSX tracks? This while he warned and labeled tracks an Upstate danger?

February 25, 2020 - In 2015 the $300M prize was intended to help reduce Oneida County's hospital costs by 25% over five years. To be accomplished by "...transition health care from emergency rooms to more efficient community-based care in neighborhood facilities." Sadly, and corruptly, all Utica has recieved is a flattened historical downtown neighborhood...

And their backwards #MVHSDOWNTOWN concept would only increase emergency room use!

February 16, 2020 - Last Friday fourteen documents (597 pages) were dropped on Albany Supreme Court by the Respondents-Defendants. We'll share them soon. Important to note, MVHS does not own the land for this hospital concept, and they intend to keep knocking down historical assets in Utica's downtown CoLa Nieghborhood.

In the meantime. read the MVHS/Onieda County Bond Offering [404 pages, 2.47 MB], or just Appendix A: MVHS Business Overview [98 pages, 4.58 MB]. MVHS sold bonds, read Oneida County-endoresed "Muni Bonds". MVHS reveals huge budget increases, plus read Oneida County Bonding: MVHS Debt & Other Notes.

Oddly, MVHS stated they'd save $15M to $17M per year with a single integrated facility. However, without a new hospital today, they've only acquired a $15M annual debt payment (starting in 2020 and running until 2049), and $52.7M has been wasted on plans for a new hospital - Utica's only acute care hospital - that would be in a CSX Railroad Red Zone!

February 10, 2020 - Legal update, 7 months and 16 days since MVHS CEO stated case would be quickly dismissed...

Learn more at: Legal

February 7, 2020 - MVHS sent more documents to Albany Supreme Court on the 5th, we've responded; see our side's Legal Page.

Visit our #NoHospitalDowntown Facebook page as we log video and photogrpahs of MVHS's illegal demolition of Downtown Utica's CoLa Neighborhood.

A tragedy when Utica is already home to Oneida County's largest Medical District.

January 23, 2020 - Albany Supreme Court Releases Schedule for upcoming motions and pleadings.

This follows our rejection of a "settlement" offer on Sunday... please see our #NoHospitalDowntown Legal page for more.

January 12, 2020 - Tomorrow may spell end of this property...

Looking back Utica ignored the former owner... “This is the heart of Wilcor (International),” said Shawn Corrigan, head of the purchasing department for Wilcor International.

December 31, 2019 - Wishing New York journalists a Happy New Year...

As we continue to wonder why this $300M in Funding was so "unique", a "special gift", one which no one seems to have the story on. However, many months ago an informant very clearly alluded to a Smoking Gun.

Utica, NY, December 27, 2019 - Albany Supreme Court Has Ruled, Claims Opposing MVHS SEQR Have Merit, Case To Advance Read Full Release...

Lots of history, buildings, streets, and memories yet to be saved! #NoHospitalDowntown!

December 12, 2019 - MVHS contractor, Hammes, publishes a press release, Hammes Company celebrates groundbreaking of Mohawk Valley Health System replacement hospital

An older press release from March 15, 2018, reads Hammes Company and Mohawk Valley Health System making strides toward new downtown hospital.

December 6, 2019 - Read an essay, "Death of Nobility in Oneida County", by Oneida County Historian Joseph P. Bottini, Continue Reading...

November 26, 2019 - As MVHS pushes forward on a Groundbreaking, our side submits a Letter to Judge Mackey.

November 21, 2019 - Today writer states, "New Hospital Building Not Solution..."

And either way, the downtown hospital concept would Kill Street Grid, Downtown Utica Walkability. And tomorrow MVHS is scheduled to answer Albany Supreme Court Judge in our Lawsuit: #NoHospitalDowntown Vs. #MVHSDOWNTOWN.

November 9, 2019 - More voices say no, this one yesterday stated "... instead of being spent on an unnecessay hospital"...

The lawsuit continues as the other side requests more time. What will MVHS knockdown in their non-site controlled CoLa Neighborhood as they continue to ignore NYS's SEQRA laws?

October 19, 2019 - As we head to the capital, we'd love to share "our" vision for CoLa with the governor's staff...

Bulldozers and wrecking balls, an acute care hospital with 3,000+ parked cars, is no way to develop/replace a historic downtown!

October 10, 2019 - Site not yet owned, MVHS now focuses on two-block area (7.3 acres) where hospital building is proposed...

And today in lawsuit news...

September 9, 2019 - Tonight, by Amy Neff Roth of the UticaOD, Local politicians speak to South Utica residents...

August 26, 2019 - MVHS CEO Darlene Stromstad cannot say It, so we will...

Learn more about Risks and Downtown Utica's Railroad Infrastructure.

August 18, 2019 - Critical healthcare assets, especially the city's only hospital, should be placed onto Higher Ground. Yesterday in Utica, Storm leaves some motorists stranded in Utica...

See drone Footage of Utica's August 17, 2019 Flood Waters, as media reports, New York State DOT to partner with City of Utica to prevent flooding on the arterial.

Per MVHS, and their SEQR documents, this roadway was projected to carry the Greatest Traffic Loads To And From Proposed Downtown Hospital site.

Also, since Utica is very near a floodplain, downtown carries additional Risks for our Downtown Utica CSX Railroad Tracks.

August 17, 2019 - News story on hospital funding picture titled, County economic development agency OK’s bond issue for MVHS hospital in Utica.

We track the funding story, see the New Utica Hospital Funding Timeline.

July 28, 2019 - This past Friday a SINGLE media outlet told of a public viewing of the New Proposed Utica Downtown Hospital model. However, the model was removed after only a few hours. Why such limited hours and poor publicity? Maybe becuase it's a poor model, a deceptive model...

The lies of the MV500 ignore the critical historical assets of the CoLa Neighborhood. That's why we've joined a Lawsuit!

July 13, 2019 - Good Luck Runners!

A new hospital is looking to wipe-out an entire Downtown Utica Neighborhood and its the loaction where the Boilermaker Road Race Got Its Name!

If you see these Posters then you need to Read This. Please help, learn more...

(1) There's a Lawsuit to place our new hospital onto the St. Luke's campus at the OCMD.

(2) Join Us on Facebook today!

(3) Learn and share story of the Boilermaker's Name.

July 2, 2019 - We're reading...

"So many of our downtowns have a few blocks of old historic buildings that could easily become the most financially productive area in town if they just got a little love. So why is Utica, NY considering ripping down theirs down make way for a new hospital?"

Read: Sacrifice a Historic Downtown Neighborhood for a Hospital? There's a Better Option.

June 13, 2019 - A terribly sad story follows, one the community was told would not happen. Numerous community groups and governments stated they were going to make their new hospital concept smooth, but that was just another lie...

* * * * * *

I went down to the Salvation Army yesterday and spoke with workers there first hand.

All of them have lost their jobs. None have been transferred - not even managers. One gentleman had been working their for 25 years. He has no pension. He has no retirement fund. He planned to continue working their till he was physical unable to. He loved his job. His job put food on his table for his family. And his job was giving back to the community. Soon he will be unemployed in a saturated unemployment market of unskilled workers. Not ONE community organization reached out to them to help find them a job, offer them job training, or offer any assistance.

I am man enough to admit I left teary eyed in hearing their stories. Stories of heartbreak, stories that will never reach the ears of The Community Foundation (as they promised) or local leaders. Why? They do not care.

When they do engage in these communities it is merely tokenism. Remember that.

Paul W. Kohan

June 13, 2019 - Joe Bottini writes, "If Anyone Buys Into this Smoke Screen" Continue Reading...

June 4, 2019 - First a quick hint, Wilcor News Later Today, and then...

"Nothing changed, our first thought was we have to save Utica, save all these businesses and the taxbase, but nobody was listening. Then we said we have to save Wilcor, saving ourselves.", stated Shawn Corrigan co-owner of Wilcor International.

May 14, 2019 - MVHS offers Just The Facts, and #NoHospitalDowntown replies with Just The True Facts. And speaking of facts, peel-away the politician's words and discover the Largest Population Center Of Oneida County.

May 9, 2019 - In the news today, #NoHospitalDowntown to sue Utica hospital project

You may download the case files here: Executed Pleadings - Hospital Litigation.

Build the hospital where it belongs, within the current Oneida County Medical Dustrict at the St. Luke's Campus. The concept drawing was on hand in June of 2015, New St. Luke's Hiospital Concept (DEIS).

News Coverage of Lawsuit

TalkFM 100.7: No Hospital Downtown Announces Lawsuit To Stop MVHS Hospital

WKTV2 (a): No Hospital Downtown Files Lawsuit Against MVHS Others In Albany

WKTV2 (b): No Hospital Downtown Files Lawsuit Against MVHS Others In Albany
WIBX 950: No Hospital Downtown Files Lawsuit Against MVHS Hospital Project

WUTR: 'No Hospital Downtown' Sues MVHS and Others

Utica Observer-Dispatch: UPDATE: #NoHospitalDowntown sues Utica hospital project

April 19, 2019 - Interview (Facebook Live) with #NoHospitalDowntown Cofounder Jim Brock on news that MVHS believes their SEQR process is complete.

April 16, 2019 - Never before released, the complete Downtown Hospital Interview With Common Council President, Michael Galime...

This will be helpful in our upcoming court battles, as for the 1,334th day (3.6 years!), we remain: #NoHospitalDowntown!

February 17, 2019 - We're investigating the Oneida County Legislature, why did they vote on this?

We believe they've been misled, so we'll be working to bring them up to speed.

February 12, 2019 - City of Utica Planning Board's SEQR DEIS response is now 22-days late...

Next board meeting is Feb 21, 2019, no agenda posted yet. Meanwhile BUD is defining a better future for the historic CoLa Neighborhood.

January 15, 2019 - A potential Utica Observer-Dispatch headline...

Following the growing history of Upstate Train Derailments. See a 10-year running list of Utica Observer-Dispatch Hospital Headlines, and from Governor Cuomo's microphone: News on Downtown Utica's Nexus Center, which renders the MVHS SEQR DEIS... "Defective"!

January 7, 2019 - Mr Robert Scholefield drafts letter to hospital staff, but forgets its 2019...

The new hospital talk became public on November 19, 2014, see Mohawk Valley Health CEO: New Hospital 'Worth Exploring', and we know insiders started talked much earlier. So it is hard to believe, "It remains too early to tell."

Consider, the C.O.N. has long been submitted, committing in excess of $8M to buy properties by MVHS, and a new hospital design "from inside out" (with architectural floor plans and outside renderings) complete! Yet it's still too earlier to be honest with the hospital staff?

January 4, 2019 - A welcome and an introduction...

Place the $300M into the City of Utica's Oneida County Medical District!

December 26, 2018 - Does this interview build confidence that #MVHSDowntown was well thought-out? Have a listen, as Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Talks #MVHSDowntown Hospital & Parking...

You'll also hear comments regarding; a Utica #Nexus Center, the Utica #AUD, and proposed Utica U-District.

December 10, 2018 - Officials deny rigging hospital site study, but who accused them?

Their emails make it pretty clear, Steve DiMeo and a few politicians (Brindisi & Picente) rigged hospital siting, no accusing required!

Plus, MVHS CEO Scott Perra already confirmed it in April of 2017, "Our Politicians Are The Ones, Mr Tony Picente, Anthony Brindisi and Mayor Palimeir...". This was repeated a few days later by MVHS COO Robert Scholefield, have a listen as Mr. Scholefield states, It Was Made Clear To Us...

November 20, 2018 - Folks are reading the latest and massive hospital SERQ DEIS document! Reveals new Risks beyond the Regular Upstate Train Derailments.

Seems their ill-conceived downtown hospital would have a shaky foundation, read Geotechnical Problems with Pyritic Rock and Soil....

Would their proposed "floating foundation" and no basement solve this?

November 15, 2018 - SEQR DEIS for the *proposed* downtown hospital...

Public hearing December 6th and comments due by December 27, you can explore it here: MVHS DEIS.

November 8, 2018 - Scott Perra exiting sooner Than Planned as new MVHS president/CEO announced...

Story reveals, incoming CEO... "Stromstad said she’ll be willing to sit down and talk to members of the group #NoHospitalDowntown who oppose the downtown location for the hospital." Wow, that sounds great!!

November 7, 2018 - Elected News' Luke Radel offers another Video...

Why so much parking? What other city bulldozes historic buildings, streets, alleys, and businesses for surface Parking?

November 6, 2018 - Today marks one year anniversary since CEO Scott Perra signed the MVHS C.O.N. more here on the MVHS C.O.N.

October 22, 2018 - Today in #MVHSdowntown Hospital Concept news, former Utica mayor Tim Julian and SEQR/SEQRA...

October 4, 2018 - A 12-year medical professional, and former MVHS employee, speaks out...

Full story at Rome Sentinel. In case you missed it, so too had a very prominent Utica doctor, Christopher Max, MD, Denounces Downtown Hospital.

September 17, 2018 - Better Oneida County healthcare and a streamlined City of Utica hospital effort has become a political boondoggle. A city Democratic voter is calling it Brindisiemailgate...

Now a #NoHospitalDowntown group member says, #WriteInHeath, DO NOT promote Brindisi to Congress, and starts a new Write-in Heath Phillips Facebook Group

September 14, 2018 - Rolling out our advertising wave number one, their concept is far from a "done deal". Is this Oneida County's, Utica's, Hospital of the Future?

Two weeks since COO Scholefield said they'd announce the bank for their $180M loan. Is it proving hard to insure a "red zone" hospital?

September 12, 2018 - We are encouraged by new words from Assemblyman Brindisi...

Historic preservation, and Downtown Utica, hear Assemblyman Brindisi's Own Words

A #NoHospitalDowntown member commits funds to oppose downtown hospital concept...

As we await overdue word on the $180M Mohawk Valley Health System Loan...

August 25, 2018 - "A Hospital Is Coming, A Hospital Is Coming!!!" No, it's just another politically motivated real estate scam, born out of another Financial Boondoggle. Consider an exchange prompted by this post...

You can read the exchange in the following link, as a tale of Real Estate Corruption Is Exposed. Shame multiplied many times over as individuals and politicians seeking financial gains, would place a regional hospital beside this... Investigate Upstate NY Train Derailments, how tragic!

August 16, 2018 - We've alerted our leaders, the media, and many others, and try one more time with the Utica Observer-Dispatch.

Use our guide to Investigate Upstate NY Train Derailments

July 27, 2018 - Last week, Brindisi states that his constituents can decide where new hospital is built...

This after "experts" and politicians in #emailgate and here in this video, told the hospital board money is only good downtown.

July 19, 2018 - Watch and discover, "Politicians decided the location of the new Oneida County hospital seven months prior to hospital board's decision..."

A single resident starts a Facebook Project to oppose the political decision after hearing from concerned doctors/board members. Group grows to over 4,000 and now, three years later, is this debacle almost over?

July 10, 2018 - Assemblyman Brindisi tries to explain the political temple called #MVHSDOWNTOWN and #Emailgate...

Or read the Brindisi Interview Transcript. Soon we will create a version that offers the honest answers to the questions posed by Elected News.

July 6, 2018 - Welcome Boilermaker Runners and Fans! We offer a Boilermaker History Lesson, oh, did you hear our politicians want to bulldoze Downtown Utica?

June 25, 2018 - What happen to the senior leaders of Mohawk Valley Health System? The following interview does not help build a case for better healthcare...

... nor for #mvhsdowntown's chances for developing downtown. In fact, their Hospital Concept would do both terrible and irreparable harm to downtown. Which would be a tragedy, as we already have the VERY well-established Oneida County Medical District (OCMD).

June 19, 2018 - We know Politicians placed the new hospital concept into Downtown Utica. We also have evidence suggesting State funding wasn't intended for a "NEW" hospital. To make matters even worse, the concept as proposed is located in a Federal Evacuation Zone...

Thus, can we have any confidence that their New Oneida County Hospital concept is what our regional healthcare requires? No, we can not! Especially after reading, "We should be investing in people and processes, not hospitals", says David Feinberg, president and chief executive of Geisinger Health System. [Ref: PDF]

June 10, 2018 - Today the #SharpeHollister2018 team, Larry Sharpe and Andrew Hollister, passed through the Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood. They seek seats of Governor and Lieutenant Governor and stated, "Eminent Domain is Theft"...

Learn more about #SharpeHollister2018, and track the SEQR Process that the Perverse MVHS Hospital Concept is moving through.

June 5, 2018 - City of Utica finally offers first "Public Input" session, almost three years after headlines started swirling about a new Oneida County hospital! If you're still reading, part of the few who have not already tuned it out, please consider this...

Link to indicate your interest in attending: Pre-SEQR Rally, or just stop by at 4:45 this Thursday. For directions and map, please click this link: 207 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501!

June 3, 2018 - Who came up with the idea for the Utica newspaper to dive into the Hospital Debate? Do they truly believe they are able to add a neutral perspective?

Today it is reported that "MergerWatch" calls for more Public Input On Hospital C.O.N. Applications, meanwhile MVHS CEO Scott Perra Responds. For other reporting, see videos from a high school freshman at Elected News: Downtown Utica Hospital Miniseries - Episode 1

May 28, 2018 - Happy Memorial Day from 442 Lafayette Street...

You may learn much more about this property's neighborhood and history here, Spotlight on a Landmark: History of 442 Lafayette Street, first written by Michael Lehman, AIA . Oh, we would be remiss if we did not ask for your input. So if you see necessary edits; typos, name misspellings, etc., just let us know at editor@nohospitaldowntown.com. Certainly let us know if you have historical content we can add... thank you!

Meanwhile, on May 23, 2018 the NYS DEC listed: ENB - Region 6 Notices, Positive Declaration and Public Scoping (Oneida County).

It was stated, "The City of Utica Planning Board, as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Integrated Health Campus may have a significant adverse impact on the environment and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared. The time and location of the public scoping session is to be determined."

May 18, 2018 - We are a bit behind, but this April 30th Radio Interview explains very well our position on the MVHS proposal...

Mentioned in the interview, thanks again to all who attended a special event, featuring James Howard Kunstler. Event was open to all, but unlike MVHS events we did not have armed guards watching the doors! Hundreds of City of Utica, County of Oneida, and media were invited. However the only elected leaders, Mike Galime and Congresswomen Tenney, made an appearance.

May 15, 2018 - Letter supporting the #NoHospitalDowntown position by a Utica resident and architect Patrica J. Knobloch...

This letter is just one of our many Voices. Meanwhile the "Yes People" are making fact-less, feel good, video ads, and we saw a rare "letter to the editor" as well. However, the letter and videos offer the same, worn out, talking points that cannot be substantiated. Last month twenty Yes Businesses appeared. That's where the Letter Writer and one Video Star came from. These actions do nothing to offset the 60% of property owners not selling their Parcels.

May 9, 2018 - "Open Letter to Mr. Scholefield", by Joseph P. Bottini, Oneida County Historian: "Mr. Scholefield, you said, 'with the primary mission of delivering state-of-the-art healthcare to our region...' Continue Reading

April 29, 2018 - This week offers another special event, please attend and offer your RSVP To Continue The Downtown Utica Conversation...

Map your way to the Fort Schuyler Club in Downtown Utica.

April 25, 2018 - Finally a critical, investigative eye, looks into the Oneida County hospital saga. Please meet a young man from New Hartford, founder (Producer, Editor, & Host) of "Elected News", Mr. Luke P Radel: Episode 1, Episode 2, and...

Also from Elected News on April 17, 2018, FULL INTERVIEW with Jim Brock, Founder with #NoHospitalDowntown

April 12, 2018 - Pure politics - NOT healthcare - continue to drive the "Urban Renewal Hospital" bulldozers forward. This as MVHS receives certificate of need for downtown hospital, in spite of so many missing pieces and a TOTALLY broken process. However, without their "Forced CON" - and the "promise" of $300M - the Tiny MVHS Hospital Admin Group was sliding towards bankruptcy ...STAT, someone call BOA!

We've waited years, but now all we need are those eminent domain letters, then watch their #HospitalOfCards begin to...

April 11, 2018 - Excellent news! Finally we know, Eminent domain settled for new Utica hospital. Now the #NoHospitalDowntown story can become a larger state and national story, as the more than three-year old "Politician's Urban Renewal Hospital" will face the scrutiny it so deserves.

Additional coverage of this news; WIBX, WKTV... and catch ten years of Utica related Hospital Stories Via The Observer-Dispatch.

April 6, 2018 - Download this (355 MB) PDF, and read the MVHS Certificate Of Need (CON); 600+ pages of information costing the hospital over $2M- just in the application fees alone! That cost is on top of $8M in vendor expenses to date. Sad only a few people made the location decision (read "politicians") and they've fully ignored the many Citizens Opposing The Downtown Location.

Much of the development work is portable and much expense can be avoided, simply Move The Downtown Hospital Concept To St. Luke's!

March 29, 2018 - The local Utica newspaper runs a bunch of hospital articles in a reporting spurt. However, we at #NoHospitalDowntown see gaps in their reporting and can only speculate - too little investigative reporting - and too much reliance on MVHS and their $7M+ Worth of New Hospital Vendor Relationships! We're tracking their articles here Utica Observer-Dispatch

Our premise remains, Downtown Utica Is Better without a huge hospital district that would wipe-away small businesses, historic buildings, and a neighborhood that holds great promise for becoming a vibrant and integrating section of downtown. Read the Many Who Agree with our message, "NoHospitalDowntown!"

March 23, 2018 - The vast majority of property owners have no interest in selling. So as hospital administration, and government leaders, turn their backs on residents the community's mood will only continue to disintegrate...

Meanwhile another supporter wants this message to be seen, A New Downtown Utica, #Skyline. This follows a radio show where the host Advocates Violence... While Discussing Topic Of Bullying! ... at minute 11:50.

March 22, 2018 - Today's the big C.O.N. meeting by the New York State Public Health & Health Planning Council...

Please take a seat, years of courtrooms and politics ahead.

* * * * PM Updated * * * * contingent approval for MVHS’s construction application, but the facts remain:

1) NO SITE CONTROL

2) NO C.O.N.

3) NO SEQR PROCESS TRULY STARTED

4) NO BANK COMMITMENT FOR MVHS’s $150M

5) NO $300M FROM NYS GRANT

6) VIRTUALLY ZERO COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Are the politicians working back channels to get partial funding? This game of charades must have Mohawk Valley Health System near bankruptcy.

March 19, 2018 - On heels of news that 95% of property owners DID NOT sign their MVHS Offer Agreements, a new business #enterprise moves closer to opening in footprint of the MVHS hospital concept...

As we have said, the new hospital should be placed at St. Luke's! There are 64-acres there, and downtown's Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood will be just fine!

March 17, 2018 - Two days ago on March 15, 95% of property owners said no to a downtown hospital. Not to be deterred the political "Yes People" released a statement yesterday containing nothing but very old news; Read / Listen Here. Why? Just the Rome paper reporting? We're talking about this Here

While the Rome paper printed old news, the Utica Observer-Dispatch printed true news, MVHS ending outpatient surgery at Faxton Campus, which followed this news, Health system moving outpatient medical imaging services . Between MVHS closing and laying off staff, and property owners not selling, one can understand why the old news about the unpopular downtown concept was republished.

March 16, 2018 - Yesterday 95% of Downtown Utica property owners said: "No Hospital Downtown!" Listen Now!

For a quick translation, please Click Here!

March 14, 2018 - Is MVHS seeking funds for Healthcare or Urban Renewal?

From all indications, MVHS's operations must be seeking cash too, Assets Are Plummeting and this, MVHS Selling Recently Purchased Healthcare Operations. As we've look at this fiasco for three years, we know Mr. Forbes will need the skills he learned in #Theater, #HamiltonCollege

March 13, 2018 - Utica hospital history, today's concept nothing like the past...

March 12, 2018 - In the news, opposition to Utica's downtown hospital concept...

Our prediction for this week's MVHS "press effort" is posted here Marching onward, later this week, MVHS will...

March 11, 2018 - For well over two years the Mohawk Valley Health System has heavily promoted a huge real estate concept for land they do not own, on property Occupied By 40 Businesses on 80 Different Downtown Utica Parcels.

Essentially MVHS has been attempting to brainwash Oneida County residents with a...

Marching onward, later this week, MVHS will; 1) release One More Business from their proposed "Hospital Footprint", 2) they'll announce that the Utica Paint Building will be saved and restored, 3) state that "MVHS is listening and working with the community", and 4) their "Once in a lifetime concept is gaining traction."

Will our predictions prove correct? Time will tell as March 15th quickly approaches; According to an email from MVHS, the purchase option agreement has been extended to March 15.

In reality their downtown hospital concept continues to fail, on many levels, and their brainwashing techniques will continue.

March 4, 2018 - In Utica City Hall, a Planning Board meeting changed its format and plenty of people took notice (more on that later). However it took the hospital debate into a new phase, and today the newspaper responds...

What is a bully? Who was the first bully, and what are the stories behind the faces? We will lay it all out at Faces of "Yes", "No", and all the others

February 22, 2018 - We are tracking the implications and greater risk of Moving Oneida County's new hospital within 2,000 feet of the CSX railroad tracks in Downtown Utica

Why place a critical community asset into an area of greater risk? "It's a small risk", or "A derailment will never happen"...

Too many reasons not to move a huge hospital into a small Downtown Utica, and many great reasons to Build IT at St. Luke's!

February 17, 2018 - Last night someone placed threatening posts on our Facebook Group page. We issued a statement as soon as we were made aware, see this Tweet and below. Tonight one Local Media Is Covering the story, and you may join our conversation Here.

The Downtown Utica hospital story has always had a dark underside. Perhaps now the truths of Their Downtown Hospital Concept will come to light? As a result, the $300 million grant will be properly applied to healthcare improvements on the property that Mohawk Valley Health System owns today, without destroying a Downtown Utica Neighborhood!

We are tracking coverage of this story, read City of Utica Planning Board & MVHS's SEQR Review as the Utica Observer-Dispatch does as well. A serious matter so we will add additional information as and if it develops.

February 14, 2018 - Happy Valentines Day Downtown Utica! Business and property owners love the Historic Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood. One property owner in the hospital footprint continues their expansion today...

We don't see a downtown hospital in our future! Downtown has been on the right Comeback Trail For Years! Sad that better regional healthcare, our $300M investment, has been derailed and postponed by political quests.

February 10, 2018 - Last year MV EDGE president, Steve DiMeo offered Warning To City: No Garage, No New Hospital. Taxpayers then learned about a secret meeting, then a "M.O.U." turned into a "M.O.A.", as #NoHospitalDowntown tracked the M.O.U. / M.O.A. Headlines.

Eventually the Oneida County Executive and City of Utica Mayor signed an agreement. However today we learn the mayor had no authority to place taxpayers into this debt: Palmieri-Picente-MVHS Downtown Utica Hospital Parking Garage Deal Is Meaningless

This means Mohawk Valley Health System's request for a Downtown "Certificate of Need" (C.O.N.) is severvely impaired. Now their financial model is even more tenuous, but taxpayers can cheer along with #NoHospitalDowntown. Happy as we've always known this was a #HospitalOfCards.

January 25, 2018 - Utica, Oneida County, Have No Plan! After three years, our region's $300M "Oneida County Healthcare Facility Transformation" is a finger-pointing mess...

The Responsible Parties tried mixing failed and outdated urban renewal policies with healthcare, betting on endless buckets of Albany's economic development funding. Sadly they've fully ignored the Taxpayers' Voices, but the writing is On The Wall.

January 24, 2018 - Unclear At Highest Levels: Who'd Be Responsible For Initiating/Pursuing Eminent Domain? Who would take-up proceedings against numerous property owners unwilling to sell?

Three years, and the $300,000,000 Oneida County Healthcare Facility Transformation remains only a concept, never-ever had a true plan.

January 23, 2018 - Utica College eyes Dorm Expansion, making way for new hospital at the 64-acre St. Luke's Campus...

January 21, 2018 - Three years ago backers of a downtown hospital concept painted this part of the City of Utica as "crushing blight", and "functionally obsolete". Only today do we learn there are five nonprofits among the 40+ businesses in the Columbia Lafayette Neighborhood...

What city mayor (#Palmieri), what state governor (#Cuomo), sits by as 1960's and 1970's decends onto an urban neighborhood?

Don't worry private businesses, private land ownership and voters are working to turn back the wicked hospital concept. Then we'll get onto the court systems, and perhaps by then MVHS will be entering bankruptcy...

Need more clues? See these people speaking-out over the downtown hospital concept

January 17, 2018 - Thank you for posting #NoHospitalDowntown Member, Mr. Joseph Peter Drennan...

We know others that will join the eminent domain battle as well!

January 13, 2018 - We've found so much! It's exciting to have many sets of eyes corroborating the evidence. While not terrible important, we'd like to thank Governor Cuomo for being cautious!

We believe leaders within Oneida County failed as public servants, and that our Opportunity to improve regional healthcare with $300M has been a debacle. Yes, Oneida County's email dump was very helpful, but we'll surly be testing the withholding of information and their shield of relevance. Please stay tuned to Mohawk Valley Health System's #Emailgate

January 11, 2018 - Read the Michael Vass' article, Backroom wheeling and dealing in Utica may affect NY-22 and other elections...

"It was from January 2015 through September 2015, according to documents provided under FOIA regulations [see below attachment] to No Downtown Hospital and given to M V Consulting, that Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, Mowhawk Valley EDGE president Steven Dimeo, Scott Perra president of Mowhawk Valley Health System, and others began to orchestrate their actions. Of note is the fact that planning took place via private emails and in person meetings – which while not illegal is seen as a grey area, denying the public transparency and awareness of what was taking place."

January 10, 2018 - Looking at emails obtained by way of FOIL...

In tweet above, should read "prior to", oh well. Please join our conversation on this at #NoHospitalDowntown.

January 9, 2018 - Three voices in today's Utica Observer-Dispatch, our favorite...

Read, view, and hear Many More Voices. Look for our forthcoming newspaper, the Mohawk Valley Healthcare Herald. Sign the petition too, Place New Hospital At St Luke's!

January 7, 2018 - Did the Utica Observer-Dispatch do any of their own research on Elmhurst Memorial Hospital? This is actually old news and seems a hospital PR piece...

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Today's paper offers a story, Utica Hospital Project Draws Inspiration From Other Hospitals. First, we would like to state that we're very glad that MVHS looked at other hospitals, and not shopping malls, or paper mills, or jails! Our group started Investigating Elmhurst Memorial when it was first mentioned in a MVHS News Release On June 27, 2017.

We'd like to mention that all the modern hospital attributes highlighted would work equally as well - even better - at the 64-acre St. Luke's Campus. And looking further at the newspaper's Gallery Of Hospitals today, it is easy to spot things like; a Starbucks cafe, their restaurant-like cafeteria, a Walgreen's drugstore and other amenities that would keep people "inside" the hospital! That's inside - and NOT - walking the hospital's vast parking lots, to try and visit the parts of Downtown Utica which would have not been Bulldozed!

Join the conversation on Facebook #NoHospitalDowntown

January 4, 2018 - The Utica Observer-Dispatch helps us add to our investigation of St Josephs In Syracuse. Sadly the newspaper misleads the Utica-region with this planted Guest View, where a New-to-Upstate CEO spins a disingenuous tale of his hospital's impact on the surrounding Syracuse neighborhood. We're talking about it here on Facebook. Please Sign Our Petiton(s).

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...

December 30, 2016 - #NoHospitalDowntown Billed As Part of 2016's Top Stories

December 22, 2016 - How EVERYONE has become entangled in Fiasco General

December 20, 2016 - Downtown Utica Would Become Much Less Interesting With Huge Hospital

December 19, 2016 - NYSDOH Posts Q & A From "Oneida County Facilities Healthcare Transformation" Applicants

Read the ten (10) questions and answers submitted in the quest for $300 Million Dollar to build an "Oneida County Healthcare Facilities Transformation"; they're posted here: Grant DOH01-Oneida-2016, Questions & Answers Posting (PDF)

We are sure there would have been many more questions had the NYS DOH truly announced the grant application with a standard media press release. Why all the secrecy? We're talking about $300 million of taxpayers' hard earn wealth!

December 13, 2016 - Mohawk Valley Health Systems Can't Listen

Is Utica's hospital really ready to listen? Their website has a comment interface, but it is turned off. Why? They said they were ready to listen, but hired a Marketing, PR & Crisis communications firm.

The firm The Paige Group says, "there will be no filter". But they'll work around that, and the hospital will get what they need for their politicians, simply by using "selective listening".

Last night County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. displayed his "selective eyesight" to residents at the South Utica Neighborhood Association meeting. He confirmed he's been to St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse and walked around. When told that the area is surrounded by blight, vacant and partially vacant buildings, he replied "I think your looking at the wrong things."

Let's see how this all goes.

December 6, 2016 - Common Council President Speaks About Proposed Hospital Concept On WUTQFM

Per Mr. Michael Galime, Utica Common Council President, regarding targeted Downtown Utica area that the hospital seeks: "That's A Business District That's Alive & Well Now"

We agree! The ill-conceived hospital concept has to be turned-away. Allow the Columbia-Lafayette Neighborhood to developed much more properly. You can help, contact your government representatives and the media Links Here

Talk to your health care providers too, let them know you oppose the Downtown Utica hospital concept. It's not good for health care, and it's also destructive Urban Renewal for a large portion of downtown.

The efforts to build will be derailed by court battles, over the very questionable use of eminent domain. Way behind now, we'll stall their bad concept for many more months, years. Join us now on Facebook at #NoHospitalDowntown

December 3, 2016 - New Oneida County Hospital: Big week for listening, silenced!

This past week we were very encouraged, the hospital had told residents Hospital Officials Ready to Listen. Next a local radio station called and #NoHospitalDowntown Had A Chance To Speak. A TV program in Syracuse called too. It was looking like a great week to debate the topic we’ve advocated against for over a year and a half; the ill-conceived Downtown Utica hospital district.

After nearly three years politicians have planned, and twice granted $300 million, to fund their Oneida County health care transformation – however no one was ready to discuss it on a TV panel? Calls to hospital and politicians revealed no one wanted to appear on WCNY; the show was canceled. Our opportunity to debate, after the hospital said it was ready to listen, and they could not listen and or defend their $300 million 3 year old concept?

One has to wonder, what is wrong with the 64 acres at the St. Luke’s Campus, which the hospital has been accumulating for expansion and is bought and paid for? Why a drive to displace 40 businesses and bulldoze a neighborhood when Downtown Utica is on a new upswing?

We love Downtown Utica; see our discussion on Facebook or track the story on Twitter

why do other want to bulldoze 34-acres for an inner-city hospital district? The other side will not talk, so just when will they get to work on the region's healthcare system? Three years have passed so far...

December 1, 2016 - #NoHospitalDowntown "Utica Activists" Discuss Issues On WIBX Radio Program

Brett Truett and Lynne Mishalanie, advocates against a hospital concept for Downtown Utica, remind WIBX listeners "it's only a concept" and that Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi says, "the downtown location is not in stone..."

#NoHospitalDowntown equals... WE LOVE DOWNTOWN UTICA equals... #YesHospitalStLukes

Take action, join us on Facebook and Twitter

November 30, 2016 - Visions Hotels: You Must Protect Hilton, Doubletree Brands & Your New Neighborhood

The Hotel Utica Getting New Name, Upgrades but new owners will also need to protect the Hilton and Doubletree brands. We also hope that the new management, Visions Hotels will protect the building's heritage and what remains of the next door Historic Columbia-Lafayette Streets Neighborhood.

If one looks at Vision's Website you'll see modern, but almost cookie-cutter hotels - save the Adam's Mark Buffalo Clean and great service, however none look like the Hotel Utica, nor appear to share the character of Hotel Utica. Will Visions Hotels care about this and the surrounding neighborhood?

#NoHospitalDowntown is hoping Visions Hotels "does right" by Downtown Utica and the hotel's new brands We are doing what we can:

November 24, 2016 - Happy Thanksgiving Utica, but please take heed...

Our Facebook Group #NoHospitalDowntown has been tracking the misguided urban renewal concept backed by politicians for over 18 months. Their concept is to buy and bulldoze 34 acres in Downtown Utica for an inner-city hospital. It is in progress now! They are pushing-out 41 businesses, along with the new police and city court campus - all of it gone...

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.

November 19, 2016 - Taxpayers, Residents March Against Hospital

Hospital activist group seeks answers; MVHS offers meetings. This per the Utica Observer-Dispatch as group says We want to talk about the downtown hospital

November 17, 2016 - Did NYSDOH & DASNY really "announce" the availability of HCFTP funds of up to $300 million today?

No news to the public or newswires (we're not surprised), but today we detected New York's $300 million dollar grant- one they've spoke about for 3 years! Learn more at Health Care Facility Transformation Program: Oneida County Request for Applications #1505060325, Grants Gateway ID: DOH01-Oneida-2016

Download Grant (PDF)

The hidden metatag "description" text on the NYS Department of Health's website reads:

"NYSDOH and DASNY announce the availability of HCFTP funds of up to $300 million: Oneida County, as established pursuant to Section 2825-b of the Public Health Law (PHL), for capital project(s) located in the largest population center in Oneida County that will consolidate multiple licensed health care facilities into an integrated system of care (including acute inpatient, outpatient primary and other health care services)."

Keyword metatags used: rfa, 1505060325, grants gateway, DOH01-Oneida-2016, oneida county, licensed health care facility consolidation(s)

We are tracking this and you can join us in the discussion at #NoHospitalDowntown on Facebook.

November 10, 2016 - Hospital Wants To Listen To Community, Yet Hires A Marketing Firm?

Odd, but not surprising, no conversation about why a totally new campus or where it should be located! But today we hear that the Mohawk Valley Health System is now ready to listen to taxpayers, this regarding their Downtown Utica hospital concept. Really? After two years, and three budget cycles, the Mohawk Valley Health System hires a marketing firm. Why hire a marketing/PR company "to listen"?

We've anticipated this "conversation" for 1-1/2 years, but as we suggested, it sounds like taxpayers will only have votes on the number and position of the bike racks and park benches. So #NoHospitalDowntown was right all along - Warning: Politicians At Work!

November 9, 2016 - We've Been Working Hard For Downtown Utica's Future, Is The Utica Observer-Dispatch Ready To Engage Too?

We have been asking questions, talking, setting and going to meetings, debating (mostly amongst ourselves), making calls, and investigating - for about sixteen months! "Why?", you might ask. We'd reply, "Because Downtown Utica is under attack!"

Just last week the Mohawk Valley EDGE & MVREDC were in Albany seeking $5.5 million to buy land for a downtown hospital, a hospital that is only just a concept, shrinking, and not even fully funded! Additionally, voters, taxpayers and residents have never had a public Q&A on Governor Cuomo's "Transformational Hospital", even though our political leaders have been working on spending $300 million of our money since the fall of 2014!

Is #NoHospitalDowntown starting to catch a break? Is our group's work & conversations paying off? Might we save Downtown Utica from being sold-off to those wishing to make handsome profits off the nation's soaring healthcare costs?

Sorry, we just have to ask since MVHS's (?) "Healthcare Consultants" offer a class called Real Estate 101 for Healthcare Executives In the video, Hammes Company explain how high-wealth individuals can target marquee locations (even if the properties/buildings are not for sale), and make big profits on "MOB" or Medical Office Buildings (Hospitals, doctor offices, etc.)

Today, the Utica Observer-Dispatch reports in their Op-Ed OUR VIEW: Proposed hospital plan still on critical list

We must remain vigilant until the MVHS Board of Directors announces that 1st choice Downtown Utica location has been rejected, and their unanimously agreed on 2nd location adopted at St. Luke's

Your phone call today could make the difference, take action and Make Healthcare The First Priority & Keep Downtown Utica Walkable & Authentic!

November 5, 2016 - Patients' Care Disrupted

A sad, a terribly frightening, story! A Utica doctor's words in today's Observer-Dispatch “Until then, I have to try to keep him alive and keep him from harming himself or anybody around him.”

We've heard of the terrible addiction problems in our region for years now. Today, we hear that Oneida County doesn't have a medical detoxification facility. This, at the same time although licensed for 570 beds, two of our hospitals have empty floors and are staffed for only 400 beds!

The Mohawk Valley region has wasted 3 years as "Albany's Unique $300 Million Gift" for improved healthcare has gone nowhere; this as our misguided politicians have the Mohawk Valley Health System thinking about economic development - not the region's health care!

So let's place this travesty at the feet of our Politicians and the Mohawk Valley EDGE. This as they pursue their ill-conceived, destructive urban renewal-style Downtown Utica hospital district, but not before they bulldoze a major portion of Utica's Central business district

October 17, 2016 - #NoHospitalDowntown is moving into the streets! Join us to protest Fiasco General!

The City of Utica, and ironically a Few Boards Of Directors Of Various Economic Development Agencies & The Hospital System have a plan to Bulldoze Downtown Utica Help us take action to stop this ill-conceived concept...

October 12, 2016 - Has Mohawk Valley Health System CEO Scott Perra Hired An Objective Consultant?

Each time #NoHospitalDowntown looks to find facts, the reasons for supporting the politically-backed downtown hospital, we find troubling information like this. Hammes is the "engineering company" that studied the site selection work done by Mohawk Valley EDGE; they studied the costs of a new hospital at the St. Luke's campus vs. "going downtown", they then confirmed that the downtown site could work as costs were comparable. Continue reading...

October 5, 2016 - City Of Utica NY Displays False Information On City Website

The Common Council unanimously passed legislation on March 16, 2005 that designates a 120-acre portion of downtown as the Gateway Historic Canal District However, today the City of Utica Website shows a false and misleading Scenic & Historic map. Why?

The proper and legal representation of the city's zoning Should Show The Correct Legal Designations!



One has to wonder why the city does not show the correct legal information. Also, what other information is the City of Utica dispensing that is false? The corruption in Albany would appear very much at home here in Utica...

October 5, 2016 - Place Your Thoughts Into A Letter

As The Utica Observer-Dispatch starts to seek questions On The downtown Utica hospital from planners, please keep-up the drumbeat of letters in your local newspaper. Calling the editor(s) first will help. You can even ask for a larger letter, Opinion Page, feature if you have a significant amount of factual information to offer. The future of Downtown Utica is at stake! We cannot allow hospital and suburban sprawl ruin our historic, small-scale, downtown. Grab a pen, the phone and or email (provide your phone number so they can confirm your words are yours).


Mr Ron Johns, Executive Editor
221 Oriskany Plaza
Utica, NY 13502
Phone: (315) 792-5008
Email: Ron Johns

Send two copies, and or make two calls, both Mr Johns and Dudajek will be glad to have your thoughts and opinions...

Mr Dave Dudajek, Opinion & Viewpoints Editor
221 Oriskany Plaza
Utica, NY 13502
Phone: (315) 792-5090
Email: Dave Dudajek

September 27, 2016 - Two Years After, Downtown Hospital Remains An Enigma

This according to the Utica Observer-Disptach in their Editorial "OUR VIEW: Hospital Answers Needed"

What's an enigma? It's defined as Someone Or Something That Is Difficult To Understand Or Explain.

This reminds us of the quote by Chief Joseph "It Does Not Require Many Words To Speak The Truth" Readers comment online, they ask more and have other questions...

Ben Hammer - "The article states the biggest question surrounding this proposed fiasco is paying for it. While that is important, it is not the biggest question. The biggest question is WHY do we need it? Only after a truly identifiable need can discussion of funding begin. Instead, this entire mess has turned into the current shiny object for our band of crooked politicians to chase after. Shame on them."

Rodger Potocki - "The numbers presented already show that the primary funding for the hospital is the taxpayer. At the same time, the project is being controlled and managed by people and groups with no direct ties or accountability to we taxpayers. This is a very questionable approach which, as we've seen all to often, could have significant effects on the public purse, usually negative."

As we look for truth about the ill-conceived downtown hospital, we are confident taxpayers will get and see more of the government that they've been hearing about out of Albany and across Upstate. We agree with Chief Joseph above, and say, "If their concept is so great, why is it so hard for them to explain and finance (without the taxpayers!)?"

September 24, 2016 - Will Upstate Economic Development Scandle Touch Downtown Utica Hospital?

First clue, it's been said the Downtown Utica hospital was an effort to expand economic development in the "downtown region". Second, the MVHS Hospital leadership and the City of Utica seemed not to understand their roles, and that's why taxpayers only had the Mohawk Valley EDGE and government leaders touting their push for downtown.

Give us a few days, will are connecting the local dots in order to answer some questions that need to be asked and answered...

If Utica and or the hospital fiasco escapes the current and ongoing scandal, perhaps those involved will be glad they were not capable of getting their local "ducks in a row" faster?

To view older 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.