UTICA — Utica continues to be the recipient of significant financial investments as more than $500,000 has been allocated to 21 downtown businesses.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri announced the recipients of funding at 238 Genesee St., one of the 21 downtown locations where funds will be allocated to. Funding for the businesses are coming from Utica’s Business Assistance Fund, part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

According to city officials, a number of public forums and meetings were announced last year to inform potential businesses who would be eligible for the allocation of funds.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and play an integral role in ongoing efforts to revitalize the region,” said State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome. “As a former mayor, I understand the importance of ensuring that these enterprises have the resources that they need to be successful. This funding will enhance small businesses in downtown Utica and help them to grow and flourish.”

Out of the total $538,000, the 21 downtown locations will be allocated funds as follows:

• $56,709 for 165 Genesee St. to enhance commercial and residential spaces.
• $50,855 for 104 Genesee St. for commercial renovations and building upgrades.
• $26,700 for 238 Genesee St. for a complete rehabilitation.
• $56,709 for 310 Broad St. to renovate their last two commercial spaces.
• $48,059 for 64-73 Genesee St. for a building renovation.
• $12,602 for 131 Genesee St. for the creation of a common corridor to link residential units.
• $48,059 for 600 State St. to assist the completion of renovations.
• $31,924 for 108-116 Bleecker St. for upgrades to residential units.
• $27,632 for 266 Genesee St. to renovate the basement into an office space.
• $26,700 for 315-317 Court St. to replace the window glass.
• $23,362 for 200 Genesee St. to upgrade signage and revamp the interior.
• $26,700 for 13 Hopper Street to turn the second floor into a usable commercial space.
• $26,700 for 15-17 Hopper St. to add vinyl siding, replace windows and add signage.
• $12,816 for 216 Genesee St. for a front door restoration with a custom gate.
• $6,000 for 98 Genesee St. to add a HEPA filter system.
• $15,000 for 106 Genesee St. for upgrades and expanded outdoor seating.
• $15,000 for 94 Genesee St. for a new all-season awning and additional upgrades.
• $10,000 for 106 Genesee St. for a new awning and to repair the brick exterior.
• $15,000 for 108 First St. for masonry restoration.
• $14,000 for 201 Bleecker St. for an upgrade to agency computers.
• $15,000 for 1301-1305 Oneida Street for gym equipment, paint and HVAC.

With continued investments in Utica and the downtown region, Palmieri believes that these opportunities will continue the city’s financial success and the expansion of the city’s small businesses.

“What we have seen over the last decade is our growth in our city and the growth is due to small businesses,” Palmieri said. “That is the foundation of the growth of our city and we’re very optimistic as we continue to grow that this is going to be a catalyst for future development.”