NEW HARTFORD - Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today announced progress in development of the New Hartford Office Park that will result in construction of a new building for The Hartford and new office space becoming available that can grow jobs for the region.

Picente said that The Hartford, an investment and insurance company, currently leases facilities in New Hartford and plans to consolidate operations into the new building when construction is completed next year. The New Hartford Office Park is a 120-acre development project located off of Seneca Turnpike.

“The New Hartford Office Park project has the potential to be a major economic development opportunity for our region,” Picente said. “The new building that is being built for The Hartford is a major step forward in bringing the vision of the Office Park into reality. The Hartford is a valuable employer that provides jobs for more than 650 area residents. Helping major employers grow is an integral part of our vision for long-term growth for the region. The financial services sector is a major part of our economy, and I am glad we are able to work with one of the sector’s major employers in this way. We will continue to work with the project’s partners to fully develop this valuable asset.”

"They are talking about future expectations," Reed said. "They are looking nationwide, but because of the great attitude of the workforce and the low absenteeism they are going to stay here in new hartford and expand."

Reed went on to say that nearby Par Technology is expected to play a major role in the business park and more expansion is likely. Reed said that either a Mariot Hotel or Hampton Inn will join "The Hartford" in addition to business, and doctors offices in the near future.

Picente was joined by Congressman Michael Arcuri, Senator Joseph A. Griffo, Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, Assemblyman David Townsend, Oneida County Legislator Michael Damsky, Town of New Hartford Supervisor Earle Reed and other representatives of the Town of New Hartford as well as community and economic development representatives.

“The Town of New Hartford is very excited about the development of the park and the progress being made on The Hartford’s new building,” said New Hartford Town Supervisor Earle Reed. “No project of this size and scope moves forward without collaboration, and I want to thank County Executive Picente, the Oneida County Industrial Development Agency and all of the many people within Town Government who have worked so hard and so well together to create this project.”

Picente said the

New

Hartford

Office Park , when fully completed, will have

·     Approximately 120 acres that can accommodate up to 1,000,000 square feet of development.

• Access from Route 5,
  Woods Highway
  and a new intersection with the new Judd Road Extension (Rt. 840).

   

• A brand new three level 130,000 square feet building for The Hartford on approximately 14 acres.  Approximately 600-800 jobs will stay in New Hartford at this office – occupancy is slated for November 2008.

   

• Further development including a 15,000 square foot medical office complex. Negotiations are under way for a hotel (national flag) of approximately 100 rooms – both expected to break ground in Spring 2008.