ROME, N.Y. — More than 80 citizens representing a range of organizations, including MVILR, AAHA, the Rome NAACP, and the Oneida County NAACP, gathered in Rome to hear Anthony Picente Jr. outline economic development priorities, infrastructure investments, and ongoing challenges facing Oneida County.
Among those in attendance were Rome City School District Superintendent Nerlande Anselme, Oneida County Legislator Cynthia Rogers-Witt, and Kevin White, Commissioner of Public Safety for the City of Rome, New York.
Speaking in Rome, Picente emphasized that Oneida County’s growth is being driven by strong education systems, expanding healthcare access, and strategic economic development efforts. Key growth sectors include advanced manufacturing, tourism, Griffiss Business and Technology Park innovation, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and sports tourism initiatives designed to attract visitors and generate local revenue.
He highlighted major investments transforming the region, including the Chobani project,
expected to bring approximately 1,000 jobs and billions in economic investment to the area, along with continued expansion at Griffiss and increased tourism activity positioning Oneida County as a leading destination outside New York City.
Picente also addressed ongoing challenges, particularly the urgent need for housing. The county projects a demand for approximately 6,000 new housing units over the next five years, including single-family homes, apartments, senior housing, and mixed-use developments.
Utility costs were another major concern. Picente shared a personal example of rising expenses, noting that his National Grid bill reached $900 in a single month for a two-person household, underscoring the financial strain on residents and the need for state-level solutions to rising energy rates and surcharges.
Additional topics included workforce recruitment, healthcare access, infrastructure upgrades, and maintaining strong public safety services across the county. Questions were also raised regarding ICE enforcement; Picente stated the county will cooperate with law enforcement when required but does not intend to proactively engage in federal immigration enforcement programs. He further addressed challenges within the corrections system, noting the county is short more than 80 correction officers, citing the demanding and high-stress nature of the job, recruitment difficulties, and competition with higher state salaries. “We are looking ahead,” Picente said, “to continued growth, new jobs, and a stronger future for Oneida County.”
Next Week: Rob Maciol will present on public safety and avoiding scams on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at MVCC Rome Campus. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit: www.mvilr.org
