Syracuse Board of Assessment Review Hearings – February 6, 2026

The Syracuse Board of Assessment Review held its first day of hearings on Friday, February 6, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM. The board, chaired by Joe Saya with members Paul, William Apollito, and Bill Ryan, heard several property assessment grievances and one exemption denial appeal. The meeting opened with a roll call and a reminder that proceedings were recorded.

Discussion Items

• 161 Ridgewood Drive – Melanie Martin (Owner-Occupied)

  • The property is a single-family home currently assessed at $80,000, with a proposed increase to $91,000 (a 13.75% rise). Ms. Martin argued for a lower assessment of $85,000, citing deferred maintenance (driveway repair, lead abatement for water line, and a garage with only one operating door and foundation issues). She provided three comparable sales (Zillow data) near $165,000–$175,000. The city’s full market value estimate was $175,000. The board noted the purchase in 2019 for $74,200 (cash, from parents’ estate) and last assessment increase in 2018. The assessor stated $175,000 is on the low end for similar Eastwood homes. The board decided to deliberate and notify the petitioner by early April.

• 145 Homecroft Road – Petitioner (Owner-Occupied)

  • Property assessed at $112,000 (city’s full market value $215,385). Petitioner argued for a fair market value of $173,000 (assessed $89,960), based on a 2024 purchase of $172,000 (estate sale, but on MLS). He stated only cosmetic updates were done, and the home has original kitchens/baths, one bathroom, three bedrooms. The assessor noted the median selling price for similar homes is in the low $200s, and that estate sales are considered non-arms-length under NYS guidelines, though board members acknowledged the MLS listing made it arms-length. Petitioner emphasized that major renovations would be needed to reach the city’s value. The board decided to consider the evidence and notify petitioner by early April.

• 606 Thurber Street – Petitioner (Two-Family, Owner to Occupy)

  • Current assessed value $120,000 (land $22,600); petitioner claims fair market value $70,000 (assessed $36,400). Property was purchased for $82,000 cash in May 2024 and is in poor condition, currently undergoing rehabilitation. The petitioner has a contractor under contract and permits are in process. The assessor (Joe) recommended a walkthrough to assess current condition and proposed a reduction for the current year, with a review next year once improvements are complete. The board agreed to reduce the assessment based on condition and directed the petitioner to keep the assessor informed of progress. No formal decision was made; the petitioner was told to contact the assessor to schedule an inspection.

• 2527 Bellevue Ave – Charles Herman (Owner-Occupied)

  • Mr. Herman grieved the denial of a senior citizen exemption (RP-467). The denial was based on 2023 income exceeding the limit. However, he presented a 2024 tax return showing income below the $58,400 threshold. The assessor confirmed the 2024 return makes him eligible for a 50% exemption. The board directed Mr. Herman to take the application and 2024 return downstairs to the assessment office immediately to correct the denial. This hearing also covered two adjacent vacant lots at 2533 and 2539 Bellevue Ave.

• 2533 and 2539 Bellevue Ave – Charles Herman (Vacant Lots)

  • Both lots are wooded, each assessed at $10,000 (land only). Mr. Herman argued they are worth much less (he suggested $1,900 for 2533 and $2,000 for 2539, later revised to $2,200). He noted they are on a 30–40 degree slope, have no utilities, and he purchased 2533 for $1,700. The assessor stated that buildable lots in the city are valued at $40,000–$50,000, and the current assessment of $19,000 (full market value) is appropriate. The board took the petitioner’s valuation under advisement and will issue notices in early April.

• No-Show Cases

  • 240 Boston Street: Petitioner did not appear; the assessor reported a conversation suggesting withdrawal (no letter received). The board read the property into the record and will hold it pending confirmation.
  • 141 Shotwell Park: Petitioner did not appear. The property was purchased in June 2025 for $185,000 in a non-arms-length, off-MLS sale. The assessor submitted comps supporting the current assessment of $114,000. The board directed staff to contact the petitioner to reschedule.

Key Outcomes

• 161 Ridgewood Drive: Under advisement; notice to be sent by early April.
• 145 Homecroft Road: Under advisement; notice to be sent by early April.
• 606 Thurber Street: Assessor to conduct a walkthrough; assessment will be reduced for current year based on condition, with a review next year; petitioner to contact assessor.
• 2527 Bellevue Ave (Exemption): Mr. Herman was directed to submit his 2024 tax return to the assessment office immediately; the exemption is approved for 2026.
• 2533 and 2539 Bellevue Ave (Vacant Lots): Under advisement; notices to be sent by early April.
• 240 Boston Street: Held pending petitioner’s confirmation of withdrawal.
• 141 Shotwell Park: Staff to contact petitioner to reschedule.
• The board adjourned and will reconvene on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM.