Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a $33 million project will reshape Utica public housing
Also check out Walk and talk on the Utica Patch calendar
Morning Utica! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How a $33 million project will reshape Utica public housing
- What Oneida County's new K2 crackdown means for Utica neighborhoods
- What a federal judge's ruling means in the Nyah Mway case
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!)
- Friday: Clouds giving way to some sun, with a high of 76 and low of 49 degrees.
- Saturday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 77, low: 54.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 82 and low of 63 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
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.
📸 Around Utica
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Utica
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Walk and talk →
Clinton Arena, 36 Kirkland Ave, Clinton
6:00 pm - Jay Medal Soirée →
Jay Estate, 210 Boston Post Rd, Rye
5:30 pm
Monday August 31
Saturday September 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Utica R.I.S.E. Second Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser →
Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, 2430 Graffenburg Rd, New Hartford
9:00 am - Kindergarten Orientation
Utica City SD Utica, NY 13501
2:00 pm - District V FGCNYS Flower Show →
303 Genesee St, Utica
1:00 pm - Genealogy Workshop: Transatlantic Travel and Your Ancestors' Routes in the 19th Century →
Oneida County History Center
2:00 pm
Sunday August 30
Tuesday September 1
Friday September 11
Saturday September 12
📣 Utica Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Pre-K Meet the Teacher and Bus Ride
Oriskany Csd Oriskany, NY 13424
10:00 am - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher and Bus Ride
Oriskany Csd Oriskany, NY 13424
11:00 am - Staff Development Day
Clinton Csd Clinton, NY 13323 - Superintendent's Conference Day
Sauquoit Valley Csd Sauquoit, NY 13456 - Online Yearbook Sales Begin
Oriskany Csd Oriskany, NY 13424 - Kindergarten Orientation
Utica City SD Utica, NY 13501
2:00 pm - Wellin Kids: Ice Cream and Chalk Party
Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art Hamilton College Wellin Museum Archive Hall, Map #89, Wellin Museum Selch Terr
2:30 pm - Elementary Grades 1-4 Back-to-School Night
Oriskany Csd Oriskany, NY 13424
4:30 pm
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
Found on August 26, 2026 in Utica, NY 13502 near Dawes Ave and Deerfield Dr West Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Deerfield Hill)
- BJ's Wholesale Club posted a job opening for Deli Clerk Part Time in Utica. Apply here.
- McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Team Member Starting at $16.50/hour in Utica. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Utica here.
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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