Syracuse Common Council Meeting - January 26, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council met on January 26, 2026, at 5:58 PM (UTC) to consider a full agenda of resolutions, including a resolution supporting the New York for All Act, tributes to community leaders, routine approvals, and a significant discussion on battery energy storage system regulations. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, invocation, roll call (all present), and approval of prior minutes.

Petitions & Public Hearings

• A public hearing was announced for 5:30 PM that same evening in the council chambers regarding the battery energy storage system.

Committee Reports

• The Economic Development Committee met on January 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM to discuss the Parkside Commons renovation and redevelopment.

Communications

• No communications were presented.

Discussion Items

• Item 11 – Resolution Supporting the New York for All Act: Councilor Majok introduced the resolution, emphasizing the dignity of all residents and the contributions of immigrants to the economy, culture, and civic life. He stated that the act would prohibit state and local resources from supporting federal immigration enforcement, preventing collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE, and strengthening trust with immigrant communities. Another councilor condemned recent actions by ICE, including the murder of two American citizens, and expressed support for the resolution. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Item 14 – Tribute to Al Turner: Councilor Majok shared a personal story of how Al Turner helped him as a refugee, driving him to college and to a citizenship interview in Buffalo, which Majok credited with enabling him to become a U.S. citizen and later a councilor. The resolution honoring Al Turner was passed as part of a consent group (items 12-16, with Councilor Jones Rowser abstaining on items 13, 15, and 16).
• Item 34 – Street Naming for Donna Reese: Councilor Jones Rowser read a resolution to designate the intersection of West Brighton and Webster Avenues as "Miss Donna Reese Way" in honor of the late civil rights and disability rights advocate. Family member Dwayne Reese spoke, thanking the council and noting connections to the late Van Robinson. The street sign will be installed on February 27, 2026 (time TBD). Passed unanimously.
• Item 44 – Battery Energy Storage System Zoning: Councilor Monto moved to return item 44 to the Syracuse Planning Commission (CPC). He cited three reasons: (1) the land use classification for the special use permit application was incorrect ("utility major" is not appropriate); (2) a new use type for battery energy storage systems is needed in the zoning code; (3) the proposed facility poses threats requiring further regulatory action to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Another councilor expressed support for transitioning to renewable energy but echoed concerns. The motion passed unanimously, sending the item back to the CPC.
• Item 46 – Vote and Abstention: Councilor Wright opposed item 46; the final vote was 7 in favor, 1 opposed, with Councilor Wright opposing.
• Item 49 – Late Introduction: Councilor Williams moved to waive the rules to introduce item 49, which was then passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approvals for items 9-12, 19-23, 25-26, 28-32, 35-42, 47-48, and 49.
• Items held for committee: 17 (held for February 4, 2026, committee meeting at 10:00 AM), 18, 24, 33, 43, and 45.
• Item 44 sent back to Planning Commission via unanimous vote to correct zoning classifications and address safety concerns.
• Request for information: A councilor requested revenue data from the firefighters training center; staff will follow up with the chief.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following the completion of all agenda items.