The Movie Field of Dreams deals with the question," If you build it will they come", in a dramatic fashion. In the real world unlike Hollywood, most decisions are based upon analytical data, surveys, and investors and other interests willing to take calculated risks.
The City of Utica and developer Rob Esche are calculating that the building of a multimillion-dollar Nexus sports complex is the answer and right mix for them, in revitalizing the city and downtown.
The Village of Ilion and Herkimer county ought to look at and take note of the multiple successes of the City of Rome, Utica, and Oneida County in their collective vision, planning and strategies for a better quality of life, public services and future. Just like downtown Utica and the former Griffiss Air Force Base, Ilion and Herkimer County have unique assets that include property for redevelopment. The County has been successful at their business parks in the Towns of Schuyler and Frankfort, now the Village's including Frankfort and Ilion must be equally successful.
Frankfort has many acres of prime real estate located at the former Union Fork and Hoe facility, Ilion 10 plus acres at their Duofold site. Both have excellent marketing and developing value, such as low-cost utilities, central location to Major roadways including Routes 5, 5s, and the New York State Thruway. Minutes away from the City of Utica, and centrally located between Syracuse and Albany, and sitting in the foothills of the Adirondacks.
What Herkimer County and these two villages don't have that has proven to be the essential components of making dreams a reality are vision, comprehensive planning, and knowledgeable and skilled elected officials including a County Executive that can bring all the components together. But first, we the people, must have a vision a desire to move forward. We (the people) must set forth in motion a vision, supporting and electing those who will work to implement the collective public interests and not self-interests.
Are you ready to move forward!?
David Murray
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