Morning Utica! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Walk and talk and 3 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Construction starts on $33 million Utica public housing project (fingerlakes1.com) — Construction is underway on Parkway Gardens, a $33 million project replacing three aging public housing buildings in Utica with 71 modern, all-electric affordable apartments. Current tenants from the N.D. Peters complex are guaranteed new units at no extra cost, while city, state, and federal funding—plus People First and private partners—are combining to support more accessible, energy-efficient housing in the neighborhood.
2. Picente announces synthetic cannabinoids ban in Oneida County (oneidadispatch.com) — Oneida County officials in Utica have enacted a new public health order targeting pre-packaged synthetic cannabinoids like K2 and Spice, which account for a significant share of local overdoses. The order allows health and law enforcement agencies to seize mislabeled products, fine violators, and temporarily shut down repeat offenders, with specific concern for hard‑hit neighborhoods such as Oneida Square in Utica.
3. Federal court: Nyah Mway civil rights lawsuit to proceed (cnyhomepage.com) — A federal judge has ruled that key parts of the civil rights lawsuits over the 2024 police shooting of 13-year-old Nyah Mway in Utica can move forward against both the city and Officer Patrick Husnay. While some claims were dismissed, allegations of excessive force, assault, battery, and negligent training and supervision will now proceed, as Mway's family continues seeking accountability and damages.
4. Two Utica businesses shut down after warrant execution (cnyhomepage.com subscription) — Two neighborhood convenience stores in Utica were shut down Thursday morning after authorities executed warrants and seized suspected synthetic cannabis, flavored vapes, kratom, untaxed cigarettes, and cash. Oneida County and Utica agencies led the coordinated operation, and while both businesses were sanctioned and one had its power cut, officials say no criminal charges have been filed yet as the investigation continues.
5. Bat and raccoon test positive for rabies in Oneida County (uticaod.com) — Oneida County health officials report a bat in Chadwicks and a raccoon in Westmoreland have tested positive for rabies, exposing two people and two dogs now receiving treatment. Alongside this warning, the county flags new construction at Utica's Parkway Gardens and notes that a lawsuit against the City of Utica is moving ahead, underscoring several local issues to watch.
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Ok Utica! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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