The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
James Street gateway improvement
James Street gateway improvement project complete
ONEIDA, N.Y. >> North James Street in the city of Oneida has a new look.
Thanks to a New York Main Street grant for the City Center Revitalization Programthrough the Homes and Community Renewal agency, this project was made possible through a funded application submitted by the Department of Planning and Development in 2016.
Previously, there was just a small island of patchy grass and traffic signs, now a lighted overhead sign welcomes residents to historic downtown Oneida, while benches surrounded by plants to provide a perfect spot to sit and relax for a few minutes. Large flower-and-shrubfilled planters line the west side of James Street and lead you directly to the corner of Madison Street in the heart of the downtown area.
“The new little James Street gateway to Oneida is absolutely beautiful,” said Mayor Leo Matzke. “The flowers add to the beauty and the iron welcoming gate is indicative of how the city of Oneida is entering into a new era. If you get a chance, come in and enjoy.”
Several local firms provided services and expertise for the project: Raulli Iron Works, Inc. fabricated and installed the overhead arched sign; Blocks & Rocks supplied hardscape and landscape materials; Debrucque Greenhouses provided the planters filled with greenery; and John Carrier’s Green Image Landscaping worked to transform it into an aesthetically pleasing site that feels comfortable as well as special.
Oneida’s Engineering Department and Department of Public Works staff assisted in multiple aspects, from ensuring proper site work preparation to adding the solar lights on the signposts. City Hall maintenance staff provided additional support, as did the Office of the Comptroller.
Building rehabilitation activities are also happening at 153155 Madison Street. This is part of a larger project to transform the former Lerman Furniture building into a mixed-use structure that will be a combination of retail space and market-rate apartments.
These are only two of an ongoing series of plannedimprovement projects that will be coming to the downtown.
“The newlittle James Street gateway to Oneida is absolutely beautiful. The flowers add to the beauty and the iron welcoming gate is indicative of howthe city ofOneida is entering intoanewera. If you get a chance, come in and enjoy.”
– Oneida Mayor Leo Matzke