Ribbon Cutting Held For Downtown Utica Housing Project

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of Asteri Utica.

The $11 million housing project renovated the former Jeffery Hardware Building on Bleecker Street.

State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas says Asteri Utica is part of the Governor's $20 billion, five-year plan to create 100,000 affordable homes statewide, 6,000 with supportive services.

"The revival of this historic building will help about 100 residents live healthy and productive lives in a stable and comfortable environment while also contributing to the resurgence of Utica's downtown core. Governor Cuomo's investment in Utica has been transformative. Asteri Utica will ensure that success continues."  said Visnauskas.

The affordable and supportive housing development has 49 homes, including 12 for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The building, which was built in 1893, had been vacant since 2010

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente were at the ribbon cutting.