Oneida County Executive highlights plans for the future

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, in his State of the County address this week, highlighted the recent success of the IIHF Women’s World Championship in Utica.

Picente said more tickets were sold than at any previous women’s world championship and said he was looking forward to the Box Lacrosse World Championships in September.

Picente said it’s time to reinvigorate Fort Stanwix National Monument with new programming and more events. He also wants to create a plan to redevelop the area around it, blending history, entertainment and other opportunities.

Picente also said he would take executive action to place cameras in as many high-crime, high-traffic areas as possible. It will be accompanied by a commitment of $2.5 million.

He hopes to create a $10 million fund over four years to combat youth violence, using the money to fund after-school programs; mentoring and employment opportunities; programs like sports leagues and art classes; and a new gang assessment study.