Anthony Picente said there has never been a better time to think big in Oneida County, so the county executive is proposing a dramatic renovation of the empty hangar space at Griffiss International Airport in Rome.
Picente is planning to renovate the 400,000 square-foot space into a multi-purpose indoor sports and recreation facility for tournament play.
The county plans to add lodging and restaurants, making the facility the biggest of its kind in New York state and the second biggest in the country.
"All aspects of tourism are a gigantic and vital part of our economy,” Picente said. “We've seen that. We know that, over the years. We're in the place that has stimulated that. We already know we can bring people here from all over the country and all over the world."
Picente spoke about the county’s recent successes, including a historic agreement with the Oneida Indian Nation, and Chobani’s announcement it will be investing $1.2 billion into the community for a new food production facility that is expected to create 1,000 full-time jobs.
But he also spoke of challenges, including the need for more affordable housing. Picente said the county has developed a multifaceted action plan.
"We will create through the Oneida County IDA, a new housing tax exemption policy based on developing new housing. We will create a county-wide infrastructure development program. Build Ready Oneida County will make housing sites shovel-ready," he said.
Picente also talked about efforts to combat substance abuse and homelessness.
"We will strengthen our system,” Picente said. “We need more emergency housing, more transitional housing and more permanent affordable housing, and a commitment to providing services at these locations to ensure that people thrive."
Looking forward, Picente spoke about the potential value of artificial intelligence. He plans to create the Oneida County AI Task Force to explore how emerging technologies affect government operations, private industries, and citizens.
