🌱 New Apartment Complex + Super Powered Saturday + Man Identified

Good morning, Utica. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: An afternoon t-storm or two. High: 83 Low: 62.
• Saturday: Humid with clouds and sun. High: 83 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories in Utica today:

1. A new apartment complex called Johnson Park Green Community Apartments is being built in Utica, adding 62 affordable units to address the city's housing shortage. The complex, developed by the Johnson Park Center and Rockabill Development, will include one-bedroom and two-to-three-bedroom apartments, with half of them offering supportive services for elderly or previously homeless tenants with mental illnesses. The energy-efficient apartments, expected to be completed in March 2024, aim to meet Passive House standards and are funded by various sources, including government initiatives and subsidies from the City of Utica and the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties. (Utica Observe-Dispatch)
2. The New York Power Authority's John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone will host Super-Powered Saturday, a free community event on Jul. 22. The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New York Energy Zone near the Utica Zoo and will offer family-friendly activities. Attendees can explore 40 interactive exhibits, watch a 3D movie, engage in arts and crafts, enjoy bounce houses, and experience a touch-a-truck exhibit with various vehicles on display, including those from the local police, fire, construction, military, and first responder departments. More information can be found here. (WKTV)
3. The Utica Police Department has identified the senior citizen who died from natural causes on the Rayhill Memorial Trail. The man's name was not disclosed, but he lived alone in New York Mills and was frequently seen walking the trail. The police successfully reached out to the public through local media and social media to identify him, and his family has been notified of his passing. The death is considered a result of a medical incident and is not considered suspicious. (Rome Sentinel)

Calling Utica business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.

Today and tomorrow in Utica:

Friday, July 7

• Health & Wellness Expo At MVCC Utica (12:00 PM)
• Utica Blue Sox Vs. Watertown Rapids At Donovan Stadium (6:45 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Kids Run At MVCC Utica (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• REMINDER: Utica Uptown Theatre hosts Open Mic Comedy Night on Wednesdays! Sign-ups begin at 7:00 p.m. and a $5 donation is appreciated. (Syracuse Newtimes)
• The Utica Police Department is currently recruiting and looking to hire individuals who have the potential to become excellent police officers. The Civil Service Examination for prospective candidates will take place on Sep. 9. Interested applicants are required to submit their applications to City Hall by Aug. 10. More information can be found here. (City of Utica, NY Police Department via Facebook)
• Join Centerpoint down the road in Barneveld on Jul. 14 at 6:00 p.m. for a peaceful evening around the fire, complete with a cookout, trail walks, s'mores and a variety of outdoor games for the whole family to enjoy. For additional information, feel free to contact (315) 896-5111 or send an email to centerpointcf@gmail.com. (Centerpoint)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Free Online Journaling Workshop with Hospital for Special Surgery! (July 11)
• De-Stress & Express Yourself with a Free Online Art Workshop! (July 12)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward live in Syracuse! (July 15)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all soon for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Utica Patch newsletter? Contact me at utica-ny@patch.com