There is a proposal that was recently presented to build a nonprofit winter sports complex in Fulton County. The concept was unveiled but it has two major hurdles to overcome. Many hope it will become a reality.

What Has Been Proposed?

Town of Johnstown resident, Tim Rizzo presented a concept last week to build a nonprofit winter sports complex that would house three ice rinks. These rinks would be used for ice skating, curling, and ice hockey. The complex would also have a daycare center, fitness center, and emergency services center according to the Daily Gazette.

https://upstateiceplex.org/
https://upstateiceplex.org/
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https://upstateiceplex.org/
https://upstateiceplex.org/
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https://upstateiceplex.org/
https://upstateiceplex.org/
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What Has to Happen to Get it Approved?

It is an uphill battle but hopefully one that can be accomplished. Plainly stated, for the winter sports complex to be built, thirty-five million dollars and a parcel of land to build it is needed. However, the funds may be attainable. Rizzo has created a nonprofit corporation called UIP which stands for Upstate Ice Plex Inc. In doing so, it allows him to apply for state and federal grant money to build.

https://upstateiceplex.org/
https://upstateiceplex.org/
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Are There Others Who Are Backing The Project?

In his forty-page proposal and slide show, Rizzo told the panel that he has support in Congress from both .S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga, and U.S. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-NY. This will help push federal funding. In fact, Gillibrand already requested six million dollars for the project through Fulton County economic development.

https://upstateiceplex.org
https://upstateiceplex.org
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Rizzo's mission as he said to the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth

It’s going to be an all-use multipurpose facility, for kids and families to use year-round.

He also hopes that the more publicity it is given the project will have better chance of making it happen.

Kevin Capobianco, who is on the Upstate Ice Plex Inc board of directors hopes to gain approval from others,

Hopefully, everyone who wants to get involved with this will take a look at it and come back with ideas. Right now, it’s our concept, and we’re looking for Montgomery County, Fulton County, and all of (the different local economic development entities) to say ‘here’s what we think, and as a board, we’ll collectively determine what makes the most sense. Where is the best infrastructure? Where can we make this easy, accessible traffic-wise, and for people to get to?

LOOK! Abandoned Orange County Chopper HQs in Newburgh-TLC's 'American Chopper'

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.
In 2003, a father-son business reality show hit the Discovery Channel. It was called American Chopper and it followed the custom motorcycle-building business of the Teutul family out of Newburgh, NY. Paul Sr. owned the shop with sons Paul Jr. and Mikey working in the business. There was a slew of cast and characters. The center of the show wasn't just the amazing custom motorcycles built for celebrities and others, it was the volatile relationship between Sr. and Jr. The show ran for 12 seasons before the two could no longer get along. It ended up in lawsuits and the two not talking for ten-plus years. In the past few years, the business moved to Florida. This left the 61,000-square-foot headquarters for sale and abandoned. Take a look at what remains of Orange County Choppers.

Gallery Credit: © 2020 CBRE, Inc., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDpnZClZfkA, chrissy cavotta-Townsquare Media

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