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The projects displayed the wide range and yet tight focus of the city’s DRI investments.
On Tuesday, officials met to cut the ribbon at the Fulton Medical Center campus. There, Oswego Health demolished an empty building at the entrance of the city—an abandoned and dangerous eye sore. Today, that property has been transformed into a parking lot with signage and gardens. It provides functional space for Oswego Health’s patients and offers a beautiful sight for folks driving into the city on 481.
Above: the former site of an abandoned building, the site is now a functional parking lot for the Fulton Medical Center campus.
This project was supported by both DRI funding and a grant from Restore NY. In terms of DRI goals, the construction has turned abandoned or vacant property into useful, aesthetically-pleasing space; it also helps build capacity for critical services.
Billy Barlow of Oswego Health praised the many partners and stakeholders who helped bring the project to fruition. In particular, he had special words for the person who had “possibly more commitment to the project than us,” he said with a laugh. “Mayor Jim Rice is a can-do mayor with the passion and drive to keep Fulton moving forward.” He spoke of the mayor, expediting paperwork and moving procedural mountains to make this project come to life.
Then, on Friday, city officials again gathered to celebrate another DRI project having crossed the finish line: LorBird Restaurant.
“What we celebrate today is more than bricks, mortar, and investment - it is a commitment to building a more vibrant Fulton,” said Mayor Jim Rice ahead of the ribbon cutting. “Lorbird enhances the cultural experience, strengthens our quality of life, and will serve as a catalyst for continued growth and development in our community.”
Above: inside and out, LorBird is one of a kind in Fulton.
Owner Laurie O’Brien spoke of how grateful she was for her spouse and business partner Will, her loyal staff, and for the dedication of the mayor to helping bring her vision to life. “I like to occupy a niche,” said O’Brien, who also owns Port City Cafe and Bakery and Red Sun Roasting Company in Oswego. “It’s so fulfilling to offer something a little different than you can get anywhere else.”
With its tastefully decorated interior, lovely outdoor seating, and well-curated menu, LorBird is uniquely positioned to occupy a niche for Fulton residents looking for sit-down dining.
A Bit of History on the DRI in Fulton
Fulton was the recipient of $10 million in DRI funding in 2019. To put that into perspective, these projects have been in the works since before the Covid-19 pandemic, when Andrew Cuomo was still governor of New York.
The city’s careful, methodical approach to this once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity is now paying off. Investments are filling long-standing gaps in Fulton‘s needs and helping construct a brighter future that moves Fulton forward.
