Utica public commenter urges council to support Harriet Tubman Historic Scenic Byway; council to draft resolution

Utica — Jan D’Amicis, a retired professor and member of area abolitionist organizations, urged the Utica Common Council on Sept. 3 to issue a resolution endorsing the Harriet Tubman Historic Scenic Byway.

D’Amicis, who identified herself as representing the Bridal County Freedom Trail and the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State, said the byway stretches 535 miles across several states and requires resolutions of support from political units along the route to secure formal designation. She said the byway’s rules would prohibit new permanent commercial billboards along the corridor and would highlight historic and cultural sites in Oneida County and Utica.

Council members acknowledged receipt of the packet D’Amicis dropped off and discussed logistics. Council Member Mark Williamson asked whether the mayor’s office would submit any supporting letter on mayoral letterhead; council staff said they would draft a council resolution to mirror the materials D’Amicis provided and place it on a future agenda if no conflicts are identified.

D’Amicis offered to answer follow-up questions and noted local sites and walking tours of Underground Railroad locations that could be promoted through the byway designation. Council members said they had no objections in principle and asked the appropriate departments to review the proposal before the council introduces a resolution at the next meeting.