Utica Chamber Of Commerce Supports Downtown Utica Hospital Project

The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce is endorsing Mohawk Valley Health System's downtown Utica hospital project.

The Chamber's Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution in support of the $480 million healthcare facility.

The Chamber resolution says the new hospital would support and enhance the revitalization of Downtown Utica and the entire Mohawk Valley Region.

MVHS officials will be holding a forum with Chamber members to further discuss the hospital project.

A small group of people opposed to the new hospital gathered outside the Chamber of Commerce's Office in the Landmarc Building to protest.

Local business owner Brett Truett is with the group No Hospital Downtown. Truett says while getting the money for a new hospital is great, putting it downtown is totally wrong, with the downtown area just starting to make a comeback.

Mohawk Valley Health System was recently awarded $300 million from the state for the hospital project.

Elected officials who attended today's announcement included Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri.