A Stronger Future for Cornhill
Community Revitalization Takes Root at the Newly Relaunched Cornhill Empowerment Center
At the heart of Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood, a powerful transformation is underway. The Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation (MUNPC), in partnership with the Community Foundation, is leading a powerful new chapter in Cornhill with the reopening of the Cornhill Empowerment Center at 230 James Street. This collaboration is the first of many steps in a long-term vision to reinvest in Cornhill from the inside out.
Part of the $77 million Cornhill Revitalization Project, the Empowerment Center is just one piece of a much larger vision. Future developments include two major Impact Centers on West and James Streets that will bring over 100 new apartments, community gathering spaces, a grocery store, wellness and media studios, and a business incubator to the neighborhood.
The goal? To restore access to resources and opportunities that Cornhill residents have lacked for far too long—through a plan driven by equity, collaboration, and community voice.
“Every neighborhood deserves the resources and spaces to thrive,” said City of Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime. “We are incredibly grateful for the Community Foundation’s vision in reawakening the Cornhill Empowerment Center, which will serve as a vital resource for the neighborhood for generations to come.”
The first event under the Community Foundation’s leadership took place on February 25, hosted by MUNPC to celebrate Black History Month and honor the legacy of African Americans in labor.
The event also marked the public introduction of Leslie Pasco, MUNPC’s new Executive Director, who brings fresh leadership and energy to the organization. Leslie shares that MUNPC will “continue to have programing for the Bessie Hicks Senior Ladies group, youth programming starting with a Saturday brunch and home economics classes (weekly from 10-1), Family Fun Nights taking place the 2nd and last Thursday of each month from 5-7. All services will be free for the community members.” For more information visit MUNPC’s website HERE.
And, Don’t Forget to Save the Date!
Annual Harvest Hill Event
Sunday, September 7 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Monarch Club
Join MUNPC for their annual fundraiser in support of their mission and community initiatives.
Tickets available starting in July — stay tuned for more details!
“There’s so much hope in that neighborhood now,” said Kayla Ellis of the Community Foundation. From hosting celebrations to inspiring new leadership, the Cornhill Empowerment Center is just the beginning of Cornhill’s revitalization.
As Tyler Hutchinson, Business Process Manager at the Community Foundation, noted: “This center is a beautiful space with tremendous potential to serve the community. Our goal is to maximize its impact and strengthen its role as a vibrant hub—one that celebrates Cornhill’s rich history and helps shape its future.”
Learn more about the Cornhill Empowerment Center in the July issue of Mohawk Valley Living—on newsstands this week.
