Syracuse City Board of Assessment Review Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Syracuse City Board of Assessment Review convened on February 10, 2026, at 1:25 PM (13:25:49 UTC) to hear petitions from property owners challenging their tentative assessments. The meeting, chaired by Joe Saya, included three hearings, one of which was adjourned due to the petitioner's absence. No formal decisions were announced; notices will be mailed in early April. The board also reminded petitioners about potential exemptions and directed concerns about city service fees to the Common Council.

Discussion Items (Individual Hearings)

2020-22 Bellevue Avenue – Two-Family Residence

• Petitioner (owner-occupant of the first floor) argued that the second-floor apartment is not habitable (no kitchen, no electric meter, disconnected furnace) and that the property should be assessed as a single-family home. He also disputed a sidewalk fee, stating he has no public sidewalk.
• Assessor (Mike Small) defended the current tentative assessment of $90,000 (full market value $173,077), noting the property was purchased for $58,500 in 1997 and has had a new $8,000 driveway. He provided comparable sales showing similar properties selling for well over $100,000. He stated the non-use of the second floor is the owner's choice and does not warrant revaluation.
• Board discussion: The board considered reclassifying the property to single-family but the petitioner declined, fearing it would reduce marketability. No change in classification was made during the hearing. The board requested additional comparables from the assessor but noted the current assessment stands.

134-136 West Ostrander Avenue – Two-Family Residence

• Petitioner (retired pastor, age 62) explained that his son, who suffers from mental illness, lives on the second floor and cannot live with others. The first-floor apartment is vacant due to past tenant conflicts and damage; utilities (gas, electric) are turned off. He requested a lower assessment because he receives no rental income.
• Assessor stated the tentative assessment increased from $41,000 to $47,000 as part of a neighborhood adjustment. Comparables supported a market value in line with the assessment.
• Board response: The board acknowledged the difficult personal situation but noted that personal circumstances, including income or health, are not criteria for adjusting assessed value. The petitioner mentioned recent roof and electrical work. No decision was reached.

51-05 Skyline Drive (Attached Parcel) – No Show

• Petitioner did not appear. The board read in the property: tentative assessed value of $300 (land only), full market value $577. The petitioner had claimed a fair market value of $174. The assessor provided comparables supporting the current assessment as appropriate. The hearing was closed in the petitioner's absence.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions were rendered during the open session. The board will deliberate in executive session and mail notices to petitioners during the first week of April 2026.
• Suggestions: The board advised the first petitioner to contact his Common Councilor regarding sidewalk and street-sweeping fees, and to check with the assessor’s office about additional exemptions (senior, military, enhanced STAR). The second petitioner was similarly encouraged to explore exemptions.
• Future proceedings: The board announced it will reconvene the following morning (February 11, 2026) for additional hearings.