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An impact center is an anchor facility focused on creating significant positive change in a specific area. This could involve improving educational outcomes, addressing social issues, stimulating economic development, or working on environmental wellbeing of a community. The main intent is to make a meaningful difference in a specific neighborhood, city or region, that aligns with the direct feedback of community residents.

Through community engagement sessions, conversations with area partners, as well as assessment of key quality of life indicators it was determined that this approach could solve many of the obstacles that Cornhill is faced with.

All over the country, there are some great examples of centers being strategically built to address the needs of a particular focus area - education, childcare, workforce development, etc. The Cornhill Revitalization Project is the first of its kind, aiming to address a whole spectrum of needs in a particular neighborhood, including housing. The Community Foundation and project partners have leaned into examples from near and far to help shape best practices for this unique project. 

Residents have been the guiding voices of this project from the very beginning. This is their neighborhood, and we believe they should feel a sense of pride and ownership over the outputs of the project. In 2023, the Community Foundation hired two Community Project Strategists to engage with the community, identifying the needs of the neighborhood and seeking input on how to best serve the residents.

To ensure these new impact centers have a lasting impact, we are involving local residents in the planning, will utilize sustainable and durable materials, and will design them to be adaptable to future needs. In addition, we are looking ahead, securing diverse funding sources, planning for ongoing maintenance, and are planning to offer relevant programs that will keep the centers valuable to the community. Together, these steps will help ensure both of the centers remain a vital resource for years to come.

Beyond this, the Community Foundation has a 30-year commitment to support operations, programming and the overall fulfillment of space and success of the impact centers. We are excited to essentially pilot the co-working model here in Utica.

To honor the history of Cornhill through the project, we intend to incorporate elements that reflect the heritage, rich culture and diversity of the neighborhood. This might include preserving or integrating historic architectural features, displaying local history through exhibits, murals or interactive streetscapes. The intent is to engage with community members and local historians to ensure the project respects and highlights Cornhill's cultural and historical significance. Additionally, collaborating with local heritage organizations can help ensure that the project's design and programming acknowledge and celebrate the area's past.

The project's Community Project Strategist has been and will continue to meet with individuals within diverse populations to share information about the project. Marketing materials will also be translated into native languages to broaden outreach.

We love feedback and this is what will drive the project to be the best that it can be! If you have thoughts or ideas about the project or are a nonprofit organization interested in getting involved, please reach out to our team at communityprojects@foundationhoc.org. 

Youth have expressed the need for a safe space to congregate and engage with their peers, with an emphasis on recreation, physical fitness, and education including after-school activities. Educational, recreational, life-skills and financial literacy courses will be offered.

This starts with engaging the community and its residents to understand their needs, wants and preferences. It’s important to preserve the area's character, including relevant assets, architecture and cultural elements. The focus is not gentrification, rather equity and inclusivity to prevent displacement and recognize diversity within the neighborhood. Commitment to identifying potential impacts while creating feedback mechanisms to address issues is a key element.