Oneonta was awarded a $10 million grant in the state’s competitive Downtown Revitalization Initiative, funding which officials said will benefit not only the city but the entire region for years to come. “Congratulations,” said Howard Zemsky, head of Empire State Development, in announcing the award to thunderous applause at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center on Tuesday afternoon. State, county and town politicians, along with community and business leaders, joined Oneonta’s mayor, Common Council and city staff for the announcement at the Foothills production center on Market Street downtown. Organizers said 200 people attended the event. “The importance of … Read More

ONEONTA – Rapid-fire, “food-hub superstar” Karen Karp this morning presented a full menu of new ideas for the “Food & Beverage Innovation District” planned along Oneonta’s Market Street: Renovate the downtown parking deck to include shops and maybe even apartments. Collaborate with SUNY Oneonta’s Sodexo catering service on a restaurant and food-service management training center in a “food hub” in the former Ford dealership at Chestnut and Market streets. Create an Ommegang “off-site research and development brewery” at the same site. (And/or a “modest-size place for contract brewing,” 15-20 barrels at a time, for the Garrattsville-based Butternut Beer & Ale … Read More