Syracuse Common Council Meeting - February 23, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council met on February 23, 2026, at 5:55 PM. The meeting included a pledge, invocation, roll call (all present), approval of previous minutes, a committee report on good cause eviction, a communication from Bill Magnum Raleigh, and then the main agenda items. The most significant action was the defeat of a local law to opt into Good Cause Eviction on a 4-4 tie vote. The council also appointed Helen Hudson to an at-large seat, passed numerous resolutions, and recognized Officer Jamie Pastorelli for his compassionate actions.

Committee Reports

• On February 19, 2026, at 5 PM, the Neighborhood Preservation Committee held a town hall-style meeting regarding Good Cause Eviction.

Communications

• A letter from the Honorable Bill Magnum Raleigh acknowledging receipt of resolution number three.

Discussion Items

• Good Cause Eviction Local Law (Item 8A): Councilor Aaron Wright moved to hold the item, but after parliamentary procedure, a motion to introduce and vote on the local law was made. The vote resulted in a 4-4 tie: Councilors Cartwell (No), Machok (Yes), Aaron Wright (Yes), Nave (No), Moore (No with statement), Williams (Yes), Jones Rousser (No with statement), Mato (Yes). Council President Paniagua explained she could not break the tie on a local law per the Municipal Home Rule Law. The item failed.

  • Councilor Moore explained her no vote: she supports tenant stability but cited concerns about the expansion to landlords owning two or more properties, lack of enforcement capacity for existing rental registration and housing codes, unanswered questions about code enforcement staffing, housing court caseload, and impact on small landlords.

  • Councilor Jones Rousser provided extensive data: He claimed that only 17 municipalities enacted GCE, eviction rates declined less than 5% from 2023-2025, only about 8,000-9,000 of Syracuse's 34,575 rental units would be protected, and that GCE would not cover public housing, Section 8 (3,600+), buildings built after 2009, luxury units, owner-occupied multifamily, etc. He argued that GCE would harm residents more than help and that the city should focus on new development, funding for housing stock, and tenant education.

  • Councilor Aaron Wright asked those in the audience who know someone who would have been protected by GCE to raise their hands.

  • Councilor Mato stated he voted yes because he believes in protecting the bottom and that GCE would bring the pendulum back to center.

  • Councilor Cartwell (voted no) noted that her family lived in public housing and that GCE does not address poor housing conditions. She called for a Syracuse-specific legislation developed collaboratively.

• Appointment of Helen Hudson as Councilor At-Large (New Business): Councilor Mato made a motion to appoint Helen Hudson. Councilor Aaron Wright attempted to abstain citing lack of discussion, but was required to vote; he voted no. The vote was 6-2 in favor (Cardwell yes, Machok yes, Aaron Wright no, Nave yes, Moore yes, Williams yes, Jones Rousser yes, Mato no). The motion passed.

• Items 9-46: Most were routine approvals, adopted unanimously. Notable items:

  • Item 27: Resolution honoring Carmelita SAP Walker for 30 years of service to the Common Council and city. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 28: Proclamation recognizing Officer Jamie Pastorelli for his compassion in helping Ms. Rhea Holmes, who was homeless and sleeping at her husband's grave, into permanent housing. Councilor Moore read the resolution and a letter from Chief of Police Mark Russin. Officer Pastorelli and Ms. Holmes were present. Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 37: Resolution for a public hearing on March 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM regarding the CDBG block grant. Adopted unanimously.
  • Items 42-45: Included a street naming for Dr. Linda Lemura (adopted), and a moratorium on energy storage facilities (adopted with comment from Councilor Jones Rousser about not missing opportunities for energy efficiency and that most public hearing attendees were in favor).
  • Item 46: Waiver of rules and adoption of a resolution to install two level-3 EV charging stations in Progress Park. Councilor Majok expressed concern about ensuring small local businesses have fair opportunity. Councilor Aaron Wright noted he previously held the item because he believes in open bidding. Councilor Nave thanked for collaboration. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Good Cause Eviction local law defeated (tie vote 4-4, did not pass).
• Helen Hudson appointed as at-large councilor (6-2).
• Routine resolutions and appointments approved.
• Recognition of Carmelita Walker and Officer Jamie Pastorelli.
• Public hearing set for March 9, 2026 on CDBG.
• Items 38, 39, 40, 41 held; item 36 withdrawn.