Reflections In Downtown Utica

I was walking back to my car after a less than satisfying lunch at an oriental restaurant. The taste of cheap Bancha tea still in my taste buds. When the dark reflection in the dark store window a few doors down caught me by surprise. The reflection looked like a stranger. Someone else, not me. Someone who was much older than me. I looked once, then twice, and even a third time, ultimately confirming the "older" man was not someone hiding behind me it was me. I glanced back at the dark abyss one last time, and then headed towards my car parked just past the gold-domed bank.

I looked around as I started up my car. I looked around and thought that this was an older and different Utica than the one I remembered seeing for the first time in
1972. Much has changed. No more vibrancy or bustling activity as shoppers came and went from the Boston Store, Woolworths or Neisners. I drive past the "busy corner" where the buildings which housed Ball's and Mellos and several other thriving businesses, was torn down and replaced with an empty park and a curious liberty bell replica. A fading sunrise is painted and peeling on the adjoining brick building.
Next door the architecturally and historically important entrance to downtown Utica; the Devereaux Bldg was torn down and replaced with another small park.







Uticans decided that it was important to give up their past and to look ahead to a bright "new" future. The past was the past. Heritage and history had become a chapter in the history books for our children to learn about in school, and for old people to reminisce about as they sit around the senior centers or historical society meetings. Utica and it's suburbs are pockmarked with attempts to hide and disguise the past. Old was ugly, so we tore down the old city hall designed by famous architect Francis Upjohn and build a "beautiful new" Sheraton. Main Street and Utica was hacked into quarters and left isolated and devoid of character as a massive bridge was built on Genesee Street. Baggs Tavern and the Children's Museum sit in the shadow of this attempt to cover up and to start anew because of the "old" was bad, new is good syndrome. Beautiful old churches deteriorate and decay. Old Main sits vacant, and the buildings and neighborhoods around her are weathered by neglect... more to come

Saranac - Matt Brewing Company - Time flies..when you're enjoying your favorite beer!

After running 25 Boilermakers I still have to say this is my favorite part even at
9:30 AM!!! Cheers! click below...

Saranac - Matt Brewing Company - Time flies..when you're enjoying your favorite beer!

Utica on A Hot Summer Evening

Went to the sidewalk artshow at Munson WIlliams last night and it was a great evening
to walk around and take some images of downtown since there were very people and not much traffic...

The Universal Language of Soccer...

My colorful U12 team includes: 2 Somali-Bantus, 1 Thai, 7 Bosnians and 5 home-grown Utica boys. Oh yeh, I was born in Japan (the Japanese are said to be the earliest players of soccer know as "Kemari" in Japan)

I coach youth soccer in Utica, and I can also be found playing pick up soccer with "the boys" at Proctor or at the field on Middle Settlement Rd., when I can find the time and the energy.

Whether I am coaching or playing, whether the players are homegrown Americans or recent refugees from Bosnia, Somalia, Thailand or Burma, there is one thing in common we all have; a pure love and joy for the sport of football-soccer. Ask any of these players about the outcome of recent World Cup matches, and they'll know not only the score, but most details of the game as well. This love of sport transcends our language barriers as I will often be approached at Proctor Park by Burmese boys who want to share a soccer field with them, or have Somali-Bantu boys wanting to "spar" with me and my soccer ball. They will play until there is no one left to play with, and only go home when there is no more light on the field.

When my teams practice they want to practice and scrimmage with our teams and when we have games they often come to watch. As a soccer purist, it is a delight for me to see the amount of activity there is on any given night at Proctor and South Parks in Utica. Refugee families are often out on weekends or evenings with their players, sharing in their favorite past-time. They enjoy the comraderie, the fun, and the beauty of being outdoors in the park on a beautiful summer day or evening.

You don't have to understand or love soccer to appreciate all that soccer does to help bridge people from all over the world and especially here in Utica. Some lovely summer evening head down to Proctor Park and catch a game under the lights, look around and listen, and experience soccer like millions of people around the world do every day.

Is Rt 840 Destroying A Sensitive Wildlife Area?

The heavy usage by hundreds of residents daily, is a testament to the success of the DOT's Rt 840's recreational trail system. It affords the opportunity for many who normally would not have the opportunity, to get close to nature and all if affords.

It is not unusual to have families of geese or ducks resting in the grass with joggers or walkers passing closely by. Turtles often cross the walkways as they leave the marshes to find nesting sites, and deer often can be seen at waters edge at dawn or dusk.

Unfortutely, the irony is that many of these same animals that seek tranquility and safety, soon meet their demise as they cross or fly-over Rt 840. The 840 roadway was built right next to a section of treeless and exposed trails, and is only a 100 feet or so, from the edges of the marshes where you can often see ducks and geese swimming or resting in the grassy areas next to the road. These same animals find that the tranquility and peace they seek in this formerly secluded marsh, are threatened in much the same way the animals that once occupied the marshes between Sangertown and Commercial Drive were. Although the DEC tried to maintain duck nesting sites and to encourage certain species of wildlife at Sangertown, most have moved on or were hit by cars, as they tried to fly in to the marsh areas. And the same thing happens every week along 840. Next to the marsh area, hundreds of small birds, ducks, geese, turtles, fox, woodchucks and occassionally deer are run over as they attempt to cross or fly over to enter or leave the marsh area.

It leaves many to wonder why the DEC and it's planners would open up and expose a wildlife area like this, and put thousands of animals at risk without making some provision for this. Perhaps the best solution now might be to build a wall like the one that they put up in NY Mills to help discourage the wildlife from entering or leaving from the roadway area of Rt 840. Also, an added benefit would be that it would help buffer recreational users of the trail from annoying road noise and distraction.

This is especially important with new construction (New Hartford school bus depot, hotel, office bldgs) being proposed on both sides of 840. Wildlife should not be "squeezed" into ever narrowing areas of green areas set aside for them. Especially in a period when the area is not growing, but is diminishing in size. And we certainly cannot afford to subsidize careless and poorly planned suburban sprawl that is destroying not only pristine wildlife areas, but the character of the community. Just like at Sangertown Square, we will soon see fewer and fewer creatures along the 840 corridor, only more cars, paved lots, and resultant noise and pollution. Things which will only diminish the quality of life that we love here in the Mohawk Valley.

Spring At Root Glen, Clinton,NY

Cultural Diversity In the Mohawk Valley

One of the "good" things to happen in the MV is the addition of the ethnically diverse immigrants to arrive here in the last 20 years. I coach soccer and whenever I am at Proctor Park in Utica, there will be dozens of Somali, Sudanese, Burmese, Thai, Bosnian etc. boys and young men looking to play some pick-up soccer. Drive around Utica and you will see many restaurants and shops that reflect this cultural influx. I love to stop in to restaurants like the Pho Mekong Noodle House, the Balkan or the Lotus Garden, and talk to the shop owners, and to try some of their favorite "picks".

Above a couple of soccer players from Proctor Park

Winter Fun

Just some winter fun, adventure, scenery during-after last weeks snowstorm....

Building a snow-fort

View of the Mohawk Valley from Valley View-interesting contrast is that the Boilermaker Road Race goes right down this road in July.

Beautiful view of the city below....time to head for home!

Yes, In My Backyard...

PRISON TOWN, U.S.A. free film screening & discussion
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time: 6pm Location: KUNSELA AUDITORIUM, SUNYIT

What is it like to live in a community where prisons are the largest employer? Join us for a screening of “YES, IN MY BACKYARD” and discussion about the impact of prisons in Oneida County. Have the prisons of Oneida County sparked economic growth or have they destroyed it? What is the economic history of Oneida County and what should its future hold? The discussion will be led by Lauren Melodia, Soros Justice Fellow at the CCA.

YES, IN MY BACKYARD (1999) Directed by Tracy Huling is a documentary about the people of Coxsackie, NY and the prisons they work in. Once a thriving farm community with a solid base of small manufacturing and a busy main street on the banks of the Hudson River, the community of Coxsackie now hosts two state prisons that are the largest employers in the county.

Sponsored by SUNYIT Criminal Justice Program and the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA), Syracuse
For further information, contact: Lauren Melodia
lmelodia@communityalternatives.org
315.422.5638 x308

The Only Way To get through the winter...

although it is subzero today, get off the Wii's and the computers and get out and enjoy
a good x-country-ski or go sledding (before the kids get too old and you look nuts out there sledding by yourself or with your wife) I always enjoy Val Bialas but in Whitestown the town park is good and close by.

Our areas best hope of renewal both physically and mentally is a strong core in Utica and Rome.

Which means careful consideration and agreement in planning and then the careful use of resources. The N Genesee Street bridge creates both a physical and psychological barrier to

downtown. Eliminate the bridge and use the ramp for traffic to Genesse Street and this would go a long way to linking up the Auditorium area, Union Station area, Downtown, North Utica and Harbor Point. I picture visitors that have gotten off the thruway strolling along Genesee Street headed back and forth to restaurants, hotels, boutiques and historic spots from the canal all the way into downtown area.

I'll say. At least the old Genesee Street bridge (1914-68) put you out into Bagg's Square going southbound. A passenger in a car could actually see something off the side of the bridge, there were sidewalks on both sides, and it had weirdness on its side (3 rows of truss girders plus concrete). Clearly the Rockefeller era bridge of today was designed & finalized by the firm of Someone Who Doesn't Live Here. As revenge I am building a replica on my model railroad.

R.B. Phillips, Utica 1954-73

Start the New Year Right...

It is always better to work with nature than to work against her. Whenever I feel winter closing in on me, the best solution I find is to go out into nature, use all of your senses and truly see the subtle beauty of a winter sunset, feel the biting winds on your cheeks, hear the tiny chickadees calling to each other, smell the clean purified air. At times you may be a little uncomfortable, but soon you are excited and warmed by the beauty, the purity and solice.

May all of you find peace and happiness in the year ahead!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Barn in Holland Patent

I hope you have enjoyed following my blog this year. I try to focus more on some of the "good" things we enjoy here in the Mohawk Valley. Please pass along any ideas or suggestions you might have for 2010. Have a wonderful Christmas season and a happy, healthy and prospeous 2010!
Pat

A city of contrasts on Thanksgiving Day... A Sleepy Downtown Utica Skyline...Parkway alive and vibrant

Thanksgiving Day is a quiet day in downtown Utica, in contrast I took these images after the "Turkey Trot" at the Parkway which was alive and vibrant with hundreds of runners who chose to get up and out, and to help feed the needy.

Holiday Stroll In New Hartford Friday, 11/20 5-9pm

Photos from last years stroll

While you're out and about next Friday after the Thanksgiving holiday, be sure to check out all the holiday cheer at theNew Hartford Holiday Stroll. Santa arrives at 7:00pm.

"Open Up" Downtown

A Beautiful Evening Walking North on Genesee Street

Genesee Street with it's many historic and beautiful buildings clearly hold the key to the resurgence of Utica and the surrounding areas. Something that needs to be seriously looked into is the removal of the the bridge that creates a four corner divide not only with the downtown area, but also a divide between the North Genesee Street area and downtown. Every year tens of thousands of visitors get off the thruway and stop at hotels, restaurants and gas stations. When they look south all they see is that big "hump" of a bridge. The remedy would be to look into the feasibility of tearing down this bridge and utilizing the little used entrance to Genesee Street that exits to the right before the bridge heading south. Tearing down this bridge would unite all four sections of downtown including Union Station and the Baggs Tavern historic area, and create a more scenic and appealing entrance into Utica. This would really benefit any consideration of developing the Harbor Point area and to stimulate growth on the vacant lot areas next to the Auditorium.

A Proud Past...A Past We Need To Build On...

Every year that which gives Utica it's character and uniqueness crumbles away or torn down and disappears forever, except in our memories or the images we might have captured. You are in denial if you believe that there is any good in this. Utica has nothing without it's past, and any future prosperity will be built on what's left of the solid foundation of Utica's uniqueness and it's history. The old buildings that have survived and served, and been a part of generations of Uticans lives, should be kept alive as a testament and a reminder of a once strong and vibrant Utica. To tear down any more of our past, is only a sad but unfortunate reaffirmation by so many people, that newer and younger is better. There is too much of that going on in our suburbs, where much of the community is void of any character. You move through these communities and they look much like a thousand other communities throughout the US. Through the last few years I have attempted to capture much of the beauty and uniqueness that is the Utica area. I hope by highlighting the jewels of the Mohawk Valley, you've also been inspired to find a way to bring attention to, to protect, and most importantly to appreciate all we have to build on here. If not,

much of it will be gone soon.

Check Out This Painting at the NH Library

If you enjoy local historical artwork you might enjoy checking out this charming painting of the Village of New Hartford from 1791-1984. It was commissioned by Savings Bank of Utica and hung for many years in the lobby of SBU and it's subsequent buyers including M&T Bank who donated the painting to the New Hartford Library. The painting done by Clinton, NY native Alba Scott in 1984, includes several well-known landmarks such as the Presbyterian Church, Sherrill Brook Bandstand, Butler Hall and the Point School. You can view this work at it's new home in the New Hartford Public Library.

Taking In A Classic Movie at The Stanley Theatre....

The last few weeks the Stanley has featured "classic" movies on Tuesday nights.

Last week it was "Ben Hur", this week it was "Pillow Talk". I was a little skeptical when my wife first suggested going, but I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed watching the movie. Plus enjoying an outing into downtown Utica on a balmy summer evening, along with the ambience of the beautiful Stanley Theatre, and you have a winner for an inexpensive and fun outing.

Give it a try...there are 2 more movies coming up. 7Pm on Tuesdays. Cost $5 and the Stanley

is air conditioned and they sell popcorn and drinks which you can take to your seat.

Take a Walk Around New Hartford...

View of the Presbyterian Church from behind Butler Hall


Butler Hall from Presbyterian Church Parking Lot



NH Veterans Park-Utica National In Background




Veterans Park, New Hartford

A beautiful summer morning, and what better way to spend it then walking around in the Village of New Hartford. If you have time, get a window seat and a coffee at Casab's and watch as the world goes by. Then start your walk around the village by crossing Genesee Street and make your way up Oxford Road past the high school, and then enjoy a walk though the shady tree neighborhoods, and enjoy the many beautiful gardens, historic homes and churches along the way. If you're a real glutton for punishment, push your way up Paris Road to enjoy the lovely old homes and gardens. Save a few minutes and stop by to see and to pay tribute to New Hartford Veterans, at the Veteran's Park and the new reflecting pond across from Utica National. The village walk seems to be like stepping back in time, and the Veterans Memorial helps us to reflect on those who helped to make our way of life possible. Enjoy.