Revitalizing Utica

[rodwilson]

"Our group mission is to work with other groups to help revitalize Utica in all aspects. Grassroots movement and effort leading to a better way of life in Utica."

www.facebook.com/revitalizingutica

Update: Appears to have no access without Facebook account. I will post info on other avenues of communication as I get them.

[rodwilson]

We are looking for volunteers, you can devote as little or as much time as you desire.

Duties needed:

Attend neighborhood watch meeting(s) in your area and take notes/distribute flyers or newsletters

Strong, confident public speaker

Newsletter proofreader (must have good grammar and spelling skills)

Flyer distributors (hand out flyers/place at businesses etc)

Event organizers (help organize small events)

Meeting secretary (take notes of importance at meetings)

Awareness Helpers (help spread the word about our group online and offline)

Help with various research and surveys


Serious Inquiries Only Please. Contact us on Facebook or

[e-mail]

[rodwilson]

You can also find us at:

mohawk-valley.cybervillage.com/profile/RevitalizingUtica

[Clipper]

I wish I lived where I could participate in some of your activity Rod. While I don't agree 100% with ALL of your politics, I agree with much of your agenda, and damn sure back ANY effort to revitalize my favorite city in the whole damn world.

While I don't have the "courage" to be a strict and loyal libertarian, I do agree somewhat with some of the libertarian doctrine. I guess I consider myself an independent, adamantly opposed to many of the present administrations policies and goals, and also very disenchanted with the track record of the Republicans.

It is not that I "ride the fence." On most issues I have very set opinions and am not afraid to speak out. I simply have issues with both of the major parties and I am disgusted with the horribly rabid and adversarial tone that has come to our legislative branch in Washington.

Reaching across the aisle in the name of common good has become a thing of the past. The "aisle" has become a "river of fire", across which neither party dares to stretch out a hand. It is simply an unbreachable wall or a bottomless chasm which seems to widen every day. The only thing that seems successful in crossing that river of fire, is daily salvos of venom and condemnation. My only question becomes this: Who is the ally and who is the enemy?

I wish you the best of luck in your every endeavor and hope that your business, your political apsirations and your agenda are all very successful.

It is refreshing to find someone that has the balls and the spine to stand up for what they believe in. I applaud you and appreciate you efforts to bring positive change to my hometown.

[rodwilson]

Thanks Clipper. I don't know if you're referring to something I posted or my "inferred" relationship with the 912ers. I'm not an active member but I do respect Will and freinds and that they have stood up to be counted. I lie somewhere in between with prob a little more emphasis on the human ecology and otherwise sit in a similar saddle to your own.

[Clipper]

I guess I made an assumption when Will made you the moderator on his forum section at the beginning of the Utica 912ers group. I partially agree with much of Will's agenda, but I guess I am not as enthusiastic and aggressive in promoting things. I have to respect his enthusiasm and his desire to do something, whether I always agree with the principles put out there or not. He does seem to be a dedicated and charismatic young man, and I respect that attribute.

I know little about the group other than what I am able to read online, but Frankcor is a member and he is a man with excellent judgement whom I respect very much. If he is involved, the group has merit in it's existence. Bobbiez also is a member, and she also is a great contributor to any effort to revitalize the neighborhoods and to beat down crime.

[rodwilson]

You're not alone Clipper. Will made me a moderator because he thought I brought something interesting to the table, NOT because of my political affiliation I told you, I'm not one of "those".

[concerned]

Ever since I moved back to Utica in 1986 all I hear and read is revitalize Utica or downtown Utica. Syracuse has come a long way and St. Louis, MO and area are charming. I saw what was done with replacing Route 66 and that area around the old entrance into Eureka, MO ,is fantastic. ANd Eureka only had a population of about 5 or 6 thousand. Of course Six Flag's helped a bundle in the next town down the road from Eureka which was called Pacific, MO.

[rodwilson]

Sept 11, 2009 9:09:51 GMT -5 @concerned said:

Ever since I moved back to Utica in 1986 all I hear and read is revitalize Utica or downtown Utica. Syracuse has come a long way and St. Louis, MO and area are charming. I saw what was done with replacing Route 66 and that area around the old entrance into Eureka, MO ,is fantastic. ANd Eureka only had a population of about 5 or 6 thousand. Of course Six Flag's helped a bundle in the next town down the road from Eureka which was called Pacific, MO.

I hear your concern .

Schenectady is another great example right down the road, operating in the same economic hell hole that is NY. There are opportunities to make this happen, really happen. It's about the right people in the right places. We haven't had them here in a LOOONG time. It's about a new generation, new ideas.

Unfortunately I understand all too well what you express. It's an all too common sentiment here and in reality our BIGGEST obstacle. There are REAL answers to our problems. I've got some, I know some other people that have some. I ABSOLUTELY believe that the people that can turn this thing around are here. We just need to help. AND I ABSOLUTELY don't believe that local government is going to get this done until they're held accountable, pushed and replaced. While there's no denying the self serving actions of many of locals, I think they just don't really know and unfortunately not the types to go get answers.

So I say this. For months I debated between Colorado Springs and Saratoga. If I wasn't confident that there were answers, I'd have packed. And I understand that we'll face criticism and eye rolling for a period. I also that understand that with success will come more help, then more.

And just a note. The folks we're involving ourselves with are the "right" people. While we certainly are reaching out to public officials, this is a COMMUNITY based group. We're going to start solving the problems that we can and push hard on those at the government level.

[fiona]

How can I help? I, have a lot going on and can only do one ,mabye two projects at a time, but I can do something. My personal ballywick is Clinton Place. Is is dying, one house at a time. It's like watching gangrene spread. I used to love walking there, now, I won't go there for the world. I even hate the energy. Since the cameras went up on James Street and before that, but even more so now, if you are a dirtbag it is the place to "hang", walk your pit bull, to see and be seen. There was a huge burned out house there that finally came down after TWO years, and only then because the top was literally " falling into the street." Now I understand that two more houses are in foreclosure, the Fleming House, a beautiful brick turn of the century Tudor and that the tenants are all being evicted, as well as the brick house next door. This house is totally empty. Both are owned by the same person. Just what we need, two more empty houses on Clinton place for drug dealers to squat in. Somedays I just want to cry.

[rodwilson]

Sept 11, 2009 18:20:36 GMT -5 fiona said:

How can I help? I, have a lot going on and can only do one ,mabye two projects at a time, but I can do something. My personal ballywick is Clinton Place. Is is dying, one house at a time. It's like watching gangrene spread. I used to love walking there, now, I won't go there for the world. I even hate the energy. Since the cameras went up on James Street and before that, but even more so now, if you are a dirtbag it is the place to "hang", walk your pit bull, to see and be seen. There was a huge burned out house there that finally came down after TWO years, and only then because the top was literally " falling into the street." Now I understand that two more houses are in foreclosure, the Fleming House, a beautiful brick turn of the century Tudor and that the tenants are all being evicted, as well as the brick house next door. This house is totally empty. Both are owned by the same person. Just what we need, two more empty houses on Clinton place for drug dealers to squat in. Somedays I just want to cry.

Thank you Fiona, that's outstanding. We're in the very early stages of putting together a course of action but getting out to talk to folks like you is first on the list. The biggest help you can offer is spreading the word. We will also be out to speak with your local "Community Power" meeting group. Coming along to the meeting if possible will help. I can even offer a ride. I'm not certain where you fall on the "Community Power" map. So clarification would be great until I can learn where they draw the lines.

We're also going to start spending some time at City Hall in Common Council meetings, please do come along. I'm surprised ;D that the meeting schedule isn't posted on the city's website. If anyone knows and cares to share it please let us know. I'm also curious about the Citizen's Advisory Committee if anybody know anything about it. The city's page had read 'To be updated" for months.

If you or anyone else choose to contact me outside of the forums, my email address is [e-mail]. We're working on a "true" website out of the realm of Facebook that will be accessible to all.

Thanks again and let's take our city back!

[Ralph]

Common Council meetings are the first and third Wednesday of the month unless otherwise noted.
If I recall they start at 7pm, and caucus starts at either 6 or 6:30.

Call Joan Brennon at the City Clerks office and she can tell you for certain.

[Just The Facts]

Hi everyone

This will be our group user name on this forum.... we are still looking for volunteers. In the works is:

Our website

Newsletter

Flyers

[rodwilson]

Sept 12, 2009 10:23:29 GMT -5 Just The Facts said:

Hi everyone

This will be our group user name on this forum.... we are still looking for volunteers. In the works is:

Our website

Newsletter

Flyers

Fellow Clippers, please note that I am NOT posting under the login. I choose to keep my independence from the group here while being recognized as a member of the group. Mostly for the sake of the group .

[Deleted]

Sept 10, 2009 9:48:24 GMT -5 @rodwilson said:

We are looking for volunteers, you can devote as little or as much time as you desire.

Duties needed:

Attend neighborhood watch meeting(s) in your area and take notes/distribute flyers or newsletters

Strong, confident public speaker

Newsletter proofreader (must have good grammar and spelling skills)

Flyer distributors (hand out flyers/place at businesses etc)

Event organizers (help organize small events)

Meeting secretary (take notes of importance at meetings)

Awareness Helpers (help spread the word about our group online and offline)

Help with various research and surveys


Serious Inquiries Only Please. Contact us on Facebook or

[e-mail]

How are you going to revitalize Utica when there isn't a decent job to be found besides in the public sector? It's a joke. This area will never improve until there are economic oppurtunities & that means jobs. Period. All the feel good talk means shit when people can't find a decent job to support their families. I'm not questioning your motives, but you are wasting your time. This county has become the asshole of N.Y.S. & will remain so. That's how the chosen few want it. They have theirs, & the hell with everyone else.