City of Rome growing, looking toward future with new opportunities, new legacy

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City of Rome growing, looking toward future with new opportunities, new legacy

Though Rome has had a tough year after a tornado ripped through its heart, its future is looking bright as new projects and strong foundations are being laid for the future.

From a successful cleanup and continued work on damaged or destroyed properties, to the reveal of the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center, Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan went over all the strides and future projects at the 2025 State of the City, held at the Griffiss Institute and

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“Just a year ago, our city was tested by an EF2 tornado,” Lanigan said on the livestream. “It could have broken our spirit, but it didn’t. We came together. We rebuilt. And today, we look forward with hope, with confidence, and with purpose.”

City of Rome Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan speaks about the tornado that touched down in Rome, NY on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

A tornado and its aftermath

On July 16, 2024, an EF2 tornado struck the city of Rome, carving a path of destruction that irrevocably damaged many lives in an instant.

Lanigan said over 400 properties were damaged and 82 were deemed unsafe or unfit to live in. Some people were trying to clean up the day after, with trees still lodged in their homes.

“To date, 31 properties were unable to be saved and have now been demolished, either publicly or privately,” Lanigan said. “And, unfortunately, there are still another 13 to come down.”

City officials estimated damages to city property, the loss of infrastructure, and the loss of trees totaled around $23.6 million. County damages were estimated at approximately $8 million, just short of the FEMA threshold.

Clean up was quick and efficient, with the city spending over $800,000 in payroll and just over $500,000 in other expenses. The cost was offset by a $1 million New York State emergency operating expenses grant.

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A view of the aftermath of a tornado in Rome, NY on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

“Our emergency crews were truly the unsung heroes in this disaster. They worked tirelessly, logging over 17,000 hours to clear nearly 30,000 cubic yards of debris- much of it downed trees,” Lanigan said. “Our city streets were clear in just under five days, which is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our DPW crews, working alongside multiple agencies who came to assist. We cannot thank them enough for their efforts.”

The Rome Victim Recovery Fund, in partnership with Oneida County and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, provided $1.3 million in emergency assistance to 500 residents.

Additionally, Rome, Oneida County, and the Rome Chamber of Commerce partnered to create the Rome Emergency Business Fund, assisting 50 local businesses in their recovery, totaling $231,301.76.

And through all the municipal work distributing funds and assistance, Lanigan said the most powerful force was the people of Rome.

“We can never fully recognize the number of people, businesses, and organizations that stepped up to help this community,” Lanigan said. “It was difficult, and it was emotional. But Rome was strong. Rome is strong, and we proved it together. And I’d like to thank the residents for their patience during a very difficult time.”

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Road to recovery

Thanks to a $1 million grant in emergency funding from the New York State Assembly, Lanigan said the city of Rome is launching a recovery strategy at the site where the tornado first touched down.

Step one is the Erie Boulevard Brownfield Opportunity Plan, which extends from south Rome to Erie Boulevard.

A comprehensive flood and drainage strategy will be implemented for South Rome and a new streetscape project is in the works on South Madison Street.

Trees are also expected to be removed and replaced to create a new “urban canopy” as the city starts its sidewalk repairs and expansion.

“This will be a significant targeted investment to improve and transform that corridor into a vibrant and walkable neighborhood,” Lanigan said.

Oneida County has provided $500,000 of recovery funds to the project.

And this is only one part of the major plans the city has in store.

“For industrial recovery, we applied for a $3.5 million New York State RESTORE grant to help rehabilitate the buildings at 220 South Madison Street and 522 Henry Street, both tornado-damaged properties,” Lanigan said. “We are very happy that we just received notice last week that our application for funding was approved.”

Once rehabilitated, 220 South Madison will be, according to the mayor, the largest available industrial property in the Utica-Rome area at 180,000 square feet.

Creating a new legacy

Among the new announcements was what would happen to the YMCA property on Floyd Avenue. Lanigan said the new facility was “abandoned” and its absence left a major gap in services and opportunities for residents.

And so, Lanigan has revealed that the city is moving forward with The Legacy Center, the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center.”

“Named in honor of Michael E. Jensen, a Rome native and heroic Syracuse Police Officer who gave his life in the line of duty, the Legacy Center will serve as a lasting tribute to those who have shaped and served our city,” Lanigan said. “At its heart will be Legacy Hall, where community members will have the opportunity to honor individuals whose knowledge, talent, and service have left an enduring mark on the city of Rome.”

Lanigan said the Legacy Center will feature the region’s largest single indoor turf field — capable of supporting 11×11 soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and other field sports in all four seasons.

“The Legacy Center will feature many amenities requested by residents, including an indoor walking track, fitness center, and community space for public use,” the mayor said.

Rome is looking at a new future

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its intention to build a $1 billion facility at the Griffiss Triangle Site in Rome.

“A few weeks ago, I had the incredible honor, alongside my good friend County Executive Picente, of officially welcoming Chobani to our great city,” Lanigan said. “What an amazing time to be a Roman.”

The mayor said this will bring jobs, growth, and new opportunities for families, Rome’s workforce, and local businesses.

“This is more than a single investment — it’s a spark. A transformational force that has the power to shape the future of Rome for the next 50 years,” Lanigan said.

The city of Rome is working closely with Chobani’s engineering team to ensure infrastructure is ready and in place to support operations.

“With an aggressive construction timeline already in motion, we anticipate seeing shovels in the ground within months and the completion of this significant project in 2026,” Lanigan said.

From dark days to a new hope

On a dark day in July last year, Rome’s skyline was changed forever as the EF2 tornado tore down buildings and broke many a spirit.

But now, Lanigan said the city isn’t just imagining a better future, it’s building it.

“This is a proud moment, but it is also a defining responsibility. We understand that this project will reshape Rome’s economy, our skyline, and our story. And we are more than ready to lead that transformation,” he said. “Here at City Hall, we’re energized by what’s ahead. We’re focused. We’re united. We’re determined.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch:

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