Stewart’s Auto Zone Overlay Voted Down in East Utica

Legislation that would allow Stewart's Shops to change a portion of a residential neighborhood in East Utica to commercial has been defeated in the Utica Common Council.

The Common Council chambers were packed in anticipation of the vote as residents on both sides of the argument wanted their voices to be heard.

The vote was 7-to-2.

Second District Councilman David Testa says he wanted Stewart's to be able to convert the property in an effort to bring financial growth and more jobs to Utica.

Stewart's representative Chuck Marshall told WIBX that the company still plans to open a store in West Utica, but the East Utica location is currently on hold.