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The "Yes Businesses"
The following Tweet sums it up, but scroll down to review those who're yelling, others whispering, and other only thinking, "Yes!"...
What #MohawkValley & city leaders say behind close doors, stuffing a @MVHealthSystem #Hospital into #DowntownUtica pic.twitter.com/WbSgvqJWoN
— #NoHospitalDowntown (@NoHospitalDwtn) June 1, 2016
On April 19, 2018, an event was held at Hotel Utica that touted, "Businesses In Support Of The Hospital" per the Rome Sentinel, and per; the UticaOD, Spectrum News, and finally WIBX950.
The hospital offered this News Release.
We've collected some images of the event... One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven. It was estimated that if one subtracts; (A) 50+ union members, (B) the media, (C) the
#NoHospitalDowntown group members are in No Way Anti-Labor, yet why were 50+ union members there and what does it mean? Probably just to bolster the crowd no doubt, but who called-in the union workers and why? Lastly, why isn't the Carpenters 277 & Local #747 listed as one of the "companies" in support, especially if they made-up most of those in the hotel lobby?
Additionally, the Utica Mayor was spotted too. Word has it the mayor was mixing-in and chatting-up those in attendance, and was overheard repeating, "Tonight is a great night, tonight is a great night..." Okay to suggest, especially since none of the businesses/property owners being threatened with bulldozers were there.
So, the hospital's big night netted 21 businesses, we list them below, and will add commentary as we gather it. Mostly to reveal their possible connections, but also to parse the names and investigate the motives. We know some have been in downtown a long time, and are good people. However, we also believe this was a staged event, like others, whereby politicians and a few others hope to show "community support" for a hospital concept that has very little.
Art & Vine / Human Electronics
A great wife and husband team, both business owners that were early believers in downtown...
Bonacci Architects
We're told, related to Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, member of #Emailgate, and a couple who redeveloped a downtown building/residence with the help of a $500,000 state grant...
Bowers Development Group
An out-of-town developer; purchasing buildings in downtown and around hospital site; Security Building at 120-126 Bleecker St. and the New Century Club building at 253 Genesee Street, and receiving NYS Grants and City of Utica PILOT deals.
As an FYI, and per a Utica Meeting Regarding Bowers Development, and Offer By Bowers, and
Brian A. Gaetano Co
Has the non-profit RCIL departed the hospital footprint and relocated into this firm's property? We are investigating...
Lofts at 502
Owner sits on the MVHS Board Of Directors, a developer of lofts at husband's business (Brodock Press building), which boarders the targeted downtown hospital site.
Charles A. Gaetano Construction Corporation
Color Craft Interiors
Delta by Marriott
Gerber’s 1933 Tavern
Has business before the City of Utica and New York State, seeking millions in grant dollars to develop properties just outside the proposed hospital footprint...
Griffin’s Pub
GSCB Inc
They're all for this hospital project as they have real estate in just the proper location, impartial? Have a look 600 State Street For Sale, Longley Jones, Syracuse, NY
Business and building owned by Jack R Reale. Former home Empire Bath & Kitchens, remainder of building at 600 State Street is used for vehicle and boat storage; lies on western edge of targeted downtown hospital site.
From the web, "We are truly excited to be a part of the revitalization of downtown Utica,” said Chelsea Grillo, GSCB Inc. co-owner. “And we're looking forward to the advancements in healthcare that this new, state-of-the-art facility will help to bring to our region.” Yes they say this, as Their Property sits ring side and would not be bulldozed!
IMG Electromark of Utica, Inc
The Doyle Lofts
Out-of-town, Syracuse, developer Jeff Foster. Thank you Jeff, but we don't want like buildings on the other side of Utica bulldozed! As an FYI, and per a Utica Meeting Regarding The Doyle.
Jimmy John’s
Pending downtown location, August 2018 with one now in New Hartford...
Mohawk Valley Garden
Rob Esche and others, who would net a $43M parking garage at the taxpayers' expense...
Northland Communications
Recently left Downtown Utica, and now located
Pezzolanella Construction//Landmarc Building/Primo
Also see: Utica 1st Ward Councilwoman, Maria Pezzolanella-McNiel.
This indicates a "double-dip", a "construction firm" and a "building"; meet the Pezzolanella family... a father, son, and daughter team (others?). One of them is also a representative of District 1 on the City of Utica Common Council, another is one-half of a great business development team who's on the record for seeking a management team to buy into their roof top Ocean Blue restaurant, and a father who has tight ties - and some unsavory dealings - with the City of Utica.
Note: Maria Pezzolanella McNiel's husband filed a challenge to a gentleman who opposed her. Mr McNiel's challenged his wife's candidate's signatures, but it was ineffective in this 2017 election bid. While Lou did not win a Common Council seat, when someone can place a phone call (or send-out a message) to "show-up" (in a hotel lobby, or a voting booth), it's not hard to understand the odds. More later...
We love this building and want more of what it represents. However the fact that this family suggests bulldozing their neighborhood is very alarming. Is it not fair of us to be critical as this family - who owns a roof-top bar - believes its okay to bulldoze a bar just down the street? Might this family construction company hope to garner favor for future contracts surrounding a new hospital... and in doing so, they support bulldozing other companies?
December 14, 2014 - Primo Property Management, LLC - $800,000 Utica Landmarc Project 2nd phase of rehabilitation of a vacant 3-story building in downtown Utica
July 21, 2015 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced nearly $17 million will be... Primo Property Management (Mohawk Valley Region)...
"Primo Property Management (Mohawk Valley Region – Oneida County) – $1,200,000. Primo Property Management LLC, a privately–owned property management and rehabilitation company, will use grants totaling up to $1.2 million to assist with building renovations and construction costs associated with the rehabilitation of the former HSBC building on Genesee Street in downtown Utica, which will include a fourth floor addition to an 80,000–square–foot, three–story building."
Note" See that Francis J. Pezzolanella, Page 54 signed-on earlier to the proposed MVHS SITE ASSEMBLY AND ACQUISITION, Page 38 (PDF)...
Primo Property Management LLC
520 Seneca Street # 401
Utica, NY 13502
December 31, 2016 - Annual Report for City of Utica Industrial Development Agency
Fiscal Year Ending:12/31/2016
Project Tax Exemptions & PILOT Payment Information
Total Exemptions: $224,688.00
S. DeLia Corp
Owned by a gentleman who has the same last name, sits on many boards, and pretty much steers the chamber and its resolutions, so we have been told. More connections to follow, but this business and his home is in New Hartford...
Symeon’s
Owner sits on the MVHS Board Of Directors, business is located out on 4941 Commercial Drive, in Yorkville, NY, and
Visions Hotel
Out-of-town developers of; DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Utica, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn
Please return, as we'll be adding information, links, and more research to this page.
Such a small number of businesses and people, many with "business before" the City of Utica and or New York State. Please consider the almost 4,000 Members on Facebook and Three Years Of Voices that don't agree with these 21 businesses.
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