The pastor of Turning Point Church in Utica had big plans for the property at 438 Columbia Street, plans that have been placed on hold for about two years.

Since the church began six years ago, Pastor Chris Tringali's mission has been to serve and minister to the people of West Utica. But since the Mohawk Valley Health System announced their plans to build a hospital on top of their current property, any dreams of expanding were interrupted.

"The plan was to finish the exterior of the building and maybe stucco it or keep it with a more historical look. The plan was to buy the building next door and put a coffee house or a restaurant in ... My vision was to man a restaurant with people who can not get work," said Tringali.

The church received a purchase offer of about $85,000 from MVHS, and say they've been in communication with the hospital's attorneys to try and find a compromise. While Tringali agrees the appraised value of the church could be close to that number, finding another comparable location at that price is impossible.

"For the first time in Utica, maybe in decades, the prices have gone through the roof. What I could have bought four years ago for $50,000 is now going for $200,000," Tringali said. "I can't buy anything in this city that is suitable in the West Utica area, for this congregation, this size where we are right now, for less than $200,000."

The Executive Vice President of MVHS, Robert Scholefield, released a statement earlier this week, reading:

"The properties whose appraisals were completed and approved by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) received offers from the law firm handling the property acquisition process for MVHS, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC (BSK), in December 2017. Since that time, BSK has been in communication with the owners of those properties and/or their representatives, answering questions and addressing concerns. The initial due date for the signed offers, January 15, 2018, has been extended to Wednesday, February 28, 2018, in order to ensure the property owners have sufficient time to review their offer, do research, ask questions and make an informed decision.

"In the meantime, MVHS has been meeting with representatives from New York State, Oneida County, the City of Utica, Mohawk Valley EDGE and The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties to discuss what assistance is available for the property owners. Discussions have covered how to help the business owners interested in relocating find a new location, how to keep as many of these relocated businesses in the City of Utica and what relocation assistance can be provided to these businesses. We are hopeful an announcement of the plan to help these business owners can happen within the next week or two.”

UPDATE: Deborah Fasser, spokeswoman for the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, contacted Spectrum News to correct part of the statement above that we received from Mohawk Valley Health System. Fasser said “DASNY does not set the price or complete appraisals. DASNY has reviewed some of the independent appraisals that were submitted. Not all have been approved at this time. DASNY’s review process includes a thorough examination for compliance with state law.”