The Mid Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation, previously known as the Leisure Time Activity Center, celebrated its 45th anniversary at Club Monarch. This organization was originally founded by Rev. Franklin J Upthegrove and established as a 501c entity under St. Paul’s Baptist Church. The Leisure Time Activity Center first opened its doors in 1979 at 1115 West Street and has since been a beacon of community service in Utica.
Among its pioneering efforts was the establishment of one of Utica’s first adult daycare centers. The organization also provided essential services such as Meals on Wheels, delivering food to community shut ins. Additionally, they hosted community events including fish fries, fundraisers, and music appreciation programs. The Bessie Hicks Senior Program, which began at the Cosmopolitan Center, offered adult social programs featuring physical fitness, arts and crafts, Bible studies, and other activities.
Under the guidance of board member Robbie Dancy, the organization successfully hosted a
Juneteenth event that celebrated cultural heritage with music and vendors, commemorating the end of slavery.
Currently, some ambitious projects are underway in collaboration with People’s First and the Community Foundation of Oneida County and Herkimer. Alicia Dicks, the Executive Director, highlighted the vision and partnership during her speech. The Community Foundation has committed to providing a $300,000 capacity building grant. This funding will support the construction of the West Street Impact Center. Here, the Midtown Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corps will work alongside People's First and the Community Foundation. The center will feature 80 housing units and a community center, which will also offer flexible office space.
This project has been made possible through the collaboration of members from the collective, including Tiffany Davis, Nicole Wells, former Cornhill Councilman, Delvin Moody and the Honorable Judge Jawaad Rasheed who formerly practiced in Rome.
An interesting note shared by Jill Voss, one of the members, revealed that the Salvation Army and the Rescue Mission were initially part of the Midtown Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corps before deciding to operate independently.
The impact of this new 25,000 square foot building in West Utica on the community and its
stakeholders is significant and continues to build on the legacy of service and community enhancement.
