Syracuse Common Council Regular Meeting – September 28, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council held a regular meeting on September 28, 2026, beginning at approximately 4:55 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on a proposed six-month extension of a moratorium on battery energy storage systems, committee reports, and votes on numerous agenda items. The most notable action was the unanimous revocation of the special use permit for the Westcott Theater following a public hearing and committee review.

Public Hearing – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Moratorium

• Agenda Item 40: A public hearing was held on a proposal to amend Ordinance 587 (adopted August 3, 2026) to extend a citywide six-month moratorium on permits and approvals for BESS facilities through August 22, 2026, allowing the city time to assess public concerns. The amendment also added language allowing small-scale accessory commercial BESS (600 kWh or less) to obtain a development permit with inspection by the Code Enforcement and Permitting Offices. No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition.

Committee Reports

• Public Transportation Committee (September 22, 2026): Discussed VO and a bicycle firm.
• Parks and Recreation Committee (September 24, 2026): Discussed the Deer and Tick Management Program.
• AHR Committee (September 16, 2026): Discussed AHR and employment in Syracuse.
• Economic Development Committee (September 21, 2026): Discussed revocation of the special use permit for the Westcott Theater.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 and 11: Item 10 was withdrawn; Item 11 was held pending a letter not yet received.
• Item 41 – Westcott Theater Special Use Permit Revocation: Councilors debated revoking SP-08-08 for 524-532 Westcott Street. The district councilor cited the right to safe neighborhoods. The council president noted the court case is separate from zoning responsibilities. A councilor stated the decision was not against the arts but about ensuring the venue meets community responsibilities. The permit was revoked unanimously.
• Item 45 – Smoking Establishment Permit: The district councilor opposed the permit, stating it would be the third smoking establishment on North Salina Street in an area of poverty and addiction. The councilor voted no out of respect for constituents. The item passed 8–1.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Minutes from September 14, 19, 2026 were approved.
• Items 12–23 (sponsored by Councilor Montook): All passed unanimously except Item 18, which passed 8–1 (Councilor Erin Rick opposed).
• Items 24–29 (sponsored by Councilor Erin Rick): All passed unanimously.
• Items 30–33 (sponsored by Councilor Moore): Item 30 withdrawn; Items 31–33 passed unanimously.
• Items 34–38 (sponsored by Councilor Williams): All passed unanimously.
• Items 39–46 (sponsored by Councilor Monto): Items 39–40, 42–44 passed unanimously. Item 41 (Westcott Theater) unanimously revoked. Item 45 passed 8–1. Item 46 was held for further deliberation.
• Supplemental Agenda: Items 47 and 48 passed unanimously after a motion to waive rules. Item 49 was held.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after the final votes.