UTICA, N.Y. -- An update on the Mohawk Valley Health System's new Utica hospital project.

Seven-property owners in the project's footprint either have or are in the process of completing a purchase-option agreement.

There are 35 property owners representing 72 parcels of land, not including the City of Utica, in the proposed downtown site.

Five of them haven't discussed the agreements, and three others are not interested in an agreement.

Leaders say if owners won't sell, then options like condemnation and eminent domain will be explored.

Deadlines had been set and extended for property owners because many still had questions.

None of the properties can be secured until October.

"We can't obtain any properties, even if all 35 of them were ready to sign today. We can't secure any of them until the SEQR process is completed. SEQR is the state required environmental review of all of the properties. It's a rather involved process," said Robert Scholefield, the Mohawk Valley Health System Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has hired a project coordinator to help affected property owners.