For Immediate Release: September 28, 2005
Media Advisory – Photo Opportunity
Canal Connections Tour Stopping in Utica
New York State Canal Corporation seeking community input
in shaping the Erie Canal Greenway
Ribbon-cutting ceremony on new section of Erie Canalway
Trail linking Utica and Rome
What:
The Canal Connections Tour will be arriving in Utica, Oneida County. New York
State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello will gather input and
ideas from Federal, State and local officials, community and business leaders,
as well as other groups interested in the Canal's future and Governor Pataki's
proposal for an Erie Canal Greenway and Empire State Greenway. The meeting will
be followed by the official opening of a new six-mile segment of the Erie
Canalway Trail between Utica and Rome.
When:
Thursday, September 29, 2005 (Media is invited to attend all events.)
10:00 a.m.- CANAL CONNECTIONS TOUR meeting
Noon - RIBBON CUTTING at Erie Canal Lock 20
Where:
Canal Connections Tour meeting:
Hotel Utica, 102 Lafayette St., Utica, NY
Ribbon Cutting:
Erie Canal Lock 20, River Road, Marcy, NY
Who:
Carmella R. Mantello, Director of New York State Canal Corporation
Mayor Timothy J. Julian, City of Utica
Assemblymember RoAnn M. Destito
Mayor James F. Brown, City of Rome
County Executive Joseph A. Griffo, Oneida County
Federal, State and local officials have been invited to attend.
Directions:
To the Hotel Utica
From the NYS Thruway:
Take Exit 31 for Utica. When you exit the Thruway follow the ramp around and
follow signs for Genesee Street South - downtown Utica. At the stop sign make a
right turn onto Genesee Street. Once you are on Genesee Street you will continue
southbound (follow signs for Genesee Street) driving over the Barge Canal and
Mohawk River Bridges. You will then drive over the railroad bridge - go straight
passing Oriskany Street (water fountain on your right), stay right until you
reach Lafayette Street (you'll see a liberty bell in a park on your right) -
turn right onto Lafayette Street.
From the South:
Take Rt. 12 Northbound into Utica onto the Downtown Utica/Rt. 5S/5A exit -
stay to the left on the ramp - follow signs for downtown Utica. At the traffic
light turn left, which takes you onto Oriskany Street. Continue on 4/10 miles
until the flashing light at the intersection of Oriskany and Seneca Streets.
Turn right onto Seneca Street and you will see the Hotel.
From the North:
Take Route 12 South to Utica. Exit at Rt. 5S East/ Downtown Utica exit
staying in left lane. Merge onto Oriskany Blvd continue on for 3/10 of a mile
until you see the flashing light at the corner of Oriskany and Seneca Streets -
turn right onto Seneca Street.
To Lock 20
From the Hotel Utica:
Turn right Lafayette St. At 4th traffic signal, turn right State St. Follow
sign for route 12 North. Take 49 West for Rome. Exit at Cavanaugh Rd –
Whitesboro. Turn right at the stop sign. Turn right at traffic signal onto River
Road. Turn left into Lock 20 entrance, which is across from Jim’s Custom
Woodwork.
From Thruway Exit 31 To Lock 20:
Take right ramp onto North Genesee Street. Follow signs for 49 West. Go to
first light and turn right. Take ramp on right and follow signs for 49 West.
Exit at Cavanaugh Rd – Whitesboro. Turn right at the stop sign. Turn right at
traffic signal onto River Road. Turn left into Lock 20 entrance, which is across
from Jim’s Custom Woodwork.
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