Syracuse Transportation Committee Meeting - March 17, 2026

On March 17, 2026, the Syracuse Common Council's Transportation Committee, joined by Council President Rita Paniagua, Second District Councilor Donna Moore, and Councilor Aaron Reich, convened to discuss the Regional Transportation Center and Regional Market Area Mobility Improvements Project. The meeting focused on preliminary design plans, public input, and next steps for a $3.5 million streetscape project aimed at improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Park Street, Hiawatha Boulevard, MVP Parkway, and Taxamone Drive.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sean Meyer, a resident of 1504 Park Street and neighborhood activist with the Washington Square neighborhood watch and task force, expressed concern that the project does not include a crosswalk across Park Street near Hiawatha Boulevard. He noted that New Americans and residents without cars rely on walking to the Regional Market and NBT Bank Stadium, and described three pedestrian deaths in the last three years. He urged the city to install a simple crosswalk and sidewalk to connect existing paths to the market entrance. He also criticized the lack of community outreach, stating neighbors were surprised to learn of the project from the newspaper.

Discussion Items

• Mirza Malkoch, from the engineering department, presented the project overview. The project is in preliminary design, with $3.5 million in federal and state funds. The preliminary phase is expected to complete in one to two months, followed by detailed design, with construction likely starting in spring 2027 (subject to state DOT delays). Public comments are due by Friday, March 21, 2026, and can be submitted via the city website.
• Project scope: The improvements cover Park Street from Hiawatha Boulevard to MVP Parkway, MVP Parkway from Park Street to Taxamone Drive, Taxamone Drive from MVP Parkway to Hiawatha Boulevard, and Hiawatha Boulevard from Taxamone Drive to Park Street. The project includes:
  • Installation of an 8-foot-wide shared-use path (expanding to 10 feet where right-of-way allows) along Park Street.
  • New crosswalks, curb ramps, and push buttons at all corners.
  • A mid-block crossing near the Regional Transportation Center.
  • Traffic calming on Taxamone Drive.
  • A refuge island with flashing beacons at the Farmers Market and MVP Parkway intersection.
  • Sidewalk repairs and new 5-foot sidewalks where space is limited.
  • No vehicular improvements allowed under the funding source (TAP project).
• Councilor concerns:
  • Councilor Paniagua asked about crosswalk placement at Carbon Street and Hiawatha Boulevard; Malkoch noted that a traffic light there is not funded or allowed under TAP, but flashing beacons may be added during design.
  • Councilor Moore raised questions about snow removal, green infrastructure, and snow storage. Malkoch agreed to coordinate with DPW and Parks Department on tree planting and snow management.
  • Councilor Reich commended the public engagement efforts and noted the need for bike racks and bus shelters. Malkoch said these would be evaluated during design.
• Byrnderi store proposal: Mentioned as a potential new development near Park Street and MVP Parkway, which could increase traffic and driveways. Malkoch stated the city would evaluate any submitted plans before construction.
• Public meeting feedback: Malkoch reported that some attendees requested improvements to the Hiawatha Boulevard and Park Street intersection (e.g., roundabouts), but these are not feasible due to funding constraints and DOT standards.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; the committee received the presentation and public comment.
• The public comment period remains open until Friday, March 21, 2026. Comments can be submitted via the city's project website.
• The engineering department will email copies of the plans to council members.
• The project will proceed to detailed design, with coordination with DPW, Parks Department, and other agencies on snow removal, green infrastructure, and street furniture.
• The meeting was adjourned by motion.