Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

The City of Syracuse held an online training session on March 11, 2026, to introduce the new online application portal (branded as Camino/Clarity) for permitting and licensing. The session covered account creation, application submission, file uploads, payment, and status tracking. Staff members Jessica, Sarah Paolo, and Paul presented the system features and conducted a live demonstration. Discussion Items - Introduction and System Overview: Jessica explained that the city partnered with Clarity several years ago because the platform is cloud-based, constantly updated, and scalable for future needs. She noted the system is designed to improve accessibility for applicants and internal efficiency. - Portal Access and Naming: Sarah Paolo clarified that the software behind the portal is called Camino, but the public-facing name is "Online Application Portal". The portal is accessible at SYR.gov/onlineapplications. It includes a zoning discovery tool, meeting registration forms for commercial projects, permit applications, business licensing, periodic inspections, vacant land purchase applications, and zoning applications. - Account Creation and Sharing: Paul demonstrated how to create a Camino account using an email and password. Applicants can share access with contractors or architects using the "share" button, granting them equal ability to upload documents and pay. All shared users must have their own Camino accounts. - Notifications and Comments: The system sends email notifications for permit updates (e.g., reviewer comments, issuance). Users cannot reply directly to the email but must log into Camino. Comments placed within an application are visible to all parties (applicants, reviewers) and serve as a time-stamped historical record. - Application Statuses: Paul explained key statuses: unsubmitted (missing documentation), in review (plan examiners reviewing), on hold, ready for issue, approved, and finaled (work complete). He noted that rejections or cancellations only occur for completely wrong application types (e.g., applying for a fence instead of an elevator). - File Uploads and Requirements: All construction drawings must be uploaded as PDFs; screenshots, PNGs, or photos are not accepted because the review software only supports PDFs. For surveys, applicants must provide both a blank copy and a highlighted copy showing proposed work. - Insurance and CE200: The system asks for workers' compensation/disability insurance (CE200). Solo workers can obtain an exemption from the state and upload it via Camino. Insurance is requested toward the end of the process to avoid delaying permit review. - Payment: Payments can be made by credit card (with a 3% non-refundable vendor fee) or by check (must be brought in person with the permit/application number). Checks cannot be mailed. - Issued Documents: Once a permit is approved, all placards and documents are downloadable from the portal; applicants no longer need to pick up physical copies. - Live Demonstration: Paul walked through a fence permit application, showing conditional questions (e.g., license numbers for trades, start/end dates, construction cost minus MEP costs). He also demonstrated a right-of-way permit, noting that the City requires insurance certificates list "233 East Washington Street" as an additional insured. - Historical Permits and GoPost: Paul confirmed that permits previously submitted through GoPost will not be migrated to Camino. Paper copies remain valid; unfinished GoPost applications will be brought over to Camino. Historical comments are visible to newly added secondary applicants. Key Outcomes - The online application portal is now live for all permitting and licensing applications (as of early March 2026). - Attendees were directed to email Camino@SYR.gov for further questions or troubleshooting, including issues with parks permits. - The presentation slides and an online application portal guide will be sent to registered participants and posted on the website. - Staff will continue to develop additional resources and guides.

On March 9, 2026, the Syracuse Common Council held a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for HUD grants, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $4,795,536, Home Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) of $1,278,624, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) of $431,431. Representatives from community organizations and residents spoke in support of the proposed funding and requested increased allocations for housing, homelessness services, workforce development, and legal aid. A written submission from Sarah LaFay (Blueprint 15) regarding continued funding of their FAITH program was also entered into the record. Public Comments & Testimony - John Tomino (Executive Director, In My Father's Kitchen) reported on the ESG-funded street outreach program: engaged 265 individuals living outdoors, 46 successfully moved indoors, served over 1,150 meals, and noted 16 deaths in the street community. He thanked the Council for support. - Brian Fay (Executive Director, Syracuse Northeast Community Center) stated that CDBG funding allows SNCC and Nita to serve 8,000 neighbors annually, supporting operations from emergency to self-sufficiency. He requested preservation or increase of proposed awards. - Tanya Fry Leonard (Director of Housing Services, Jubilee Homes) thanked the Council for prior funding, reported three of five homes nearly completed, two finishing in 60 days, and collaboration with the land bank to build 40 additional homes (30 single-family, 10 two-family). She requested additional funding. - Carrie Quaglia (Founder/CEO, Home Headquarters) highlighted urgent repair programs (Sharp program) and down payment assistance, noting that the Sharp program funds would evaporate within a week of opening. She urged adoption of proposed funding levels. - Jaquar Sampson (Jubilee Homes program participant) shared his personal story of moving from a homeless shelter to housing through the Housing Authority sweepstakes and Jubilee's heavy machinery operator course, which changed his trajectory. He thanked the Council. - Desi Ray Dixie (Jubilee Homes) noted that Jubilee Homes has been underfunded for housing despite a track record of building over 100 homes and placing 723 people through workforce programs. He requested that funding reflect the work done. - Caroline Brown (Peace Inc.) presented the free tax prep program: served 2,500 Onondaga County households in 2024, average tax return $1,300, average household income $23,000, 70% Syracuse residents, 38% below poverty. She requested continued funding for the summer youth program and tax prep. - Sal Kurren (Executive Director, Volunteer Lawyers Project) requested acceptance of the plan as written for two allocations: ESG for homelessness prevention and CDBG for wills/power of attorney for low-income homeowners to preserve assets. He cited an example of a homeowner securing her home for her children. - Gabriela Hirona (Director, Eviction Defense and Tenants' Rights, Volunteer Lawyers Project) noted that ESG funding makes their legal representation possible. She reported that with rent increases and stagnant incomes, the housing crisis is at a boiling point. She asked the Council to advocate for full right to counsel in eviction cases, prioritize lead issues, and discuss good cause eviction. - Hassan Bloodworth (Jubilee Homes program participant) highlighted the heavy equipment operator training program, noting 33% women participants, ex-cons, and fire victims from Knob Hill. He requested increased funding for Jubilee Homes to train local workers for upcoming projects (Micron, I-81, lead pipe replacement). - Renee Aguayo (Jubilee Homes participant) thanked Jubilee for giving him a second chance, learning heavy machinery, and helping his community. - An unnamed Jubilee Homes participant described learning about housing and construction through the program, working for the state, and the difficulty of buying a home. He requested continued support for the program. - Craig Quarters (Jubilee Homes participant) requested that funding be increased or at least not reduced, highlighting the program's impact on providing training and employment for determined individuals. - Sharon Sherman (Greater Syracuse Tenants Network) discussed the need to preserve existing low-income housing, listed buildings with tenant groups, and criticized the state for focusing on new tax credit projects while neglecting older HUD properties like Parkside Commons, McCarthy Manor, and the “Syracuse 11” buildings. She requested increased funding for the Tenants Network to continue advocacy. - Alice D'Angelo (Executive Director, CNY Fair Housing) described fair housing enforcement, including a case where a landlord removed a Pride flag. She highlighted their work supporting the Knob Hill tenant association after the fire, including attending meetings, helping with 7D petitions, and holding management accountable. She requested continued or increased funding. Key Outcomes No formal votes were taken during the public hearing. The Council heard extensive testimony from community organizations and residents. The meeting was adjourned by motion after the last speaker. The proposed funding plan for 2026-2027 HUD grants will be considered by the Council at a later date.

The Syracuse City Council held its regular meeting on March 9, 2026, beginning at approximately 4:55 PM. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation led by Pastor Darren Jamie. Roll call was taken with all councilors present (Councilors Catwell, Michelle, Air, Hudson, Nave, Moore, William, Joe Browser, Mato, and President Lisp). The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Announcements - Council announced a public meeting at 5:30 PM in the same chambers to discuss Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations. Resolutions Adopted - Item 9 – Resolution approving the appointment of various persons as commissioners of deeds. Adopted with one opposing vote (Councillor Cadwell). - Items 10 and 11 – Introduced by Councillor Cadwell. Item 10 was adopted on a 6‑1 vote; Item 11 also had one opposing vote. - Items 12 through 22 – Introduced by Councillor Majok. All adopted unanimously except for a single opposing vote on item 14 (and possibly others; transcript shows “I oppose” before “Unanimous” for some, but final tally is recorded as unanimous). A full count is not available for each. - Item 23 – Authorization of payment to Sundance Leisure for services related to salt conversion systems at city pools. Adopted unanimously. - Items 24, 25, and 26 – Introduced by Councillor Moore. All adopted unanimously. - Items 28, 29, and 30 – Introduced by Councillor Coltwell on behalf of Councilor John Rabster. All adopted unanimously. - Items 33 and 34 – A motion to waive the rules (for items 33 and 34) was approved. Then items 33 and 34 were each adopted unanimously. Items Held - Item 27 – Held pending the public hearing on CDBG allocations scheduled for 5:30 PM. - Items 31 and 32 – Held at the request of Councillor Monto (introduced by Councillor Williams). Key Outcomes - All resolutions were adopted, with a small number of opposing votes on items 9, 10, and 11. The majority of items passed unanimously. - The council set a public hearing (5:30 PM) for CDBG allocations and held three agenda items for that hearing or other reasons. - No public comments, committee reports, or other discussion were presented.

On March 9, 2026, the Syracuse City Council held a meeting at 3:57 PM. Councilors discussed a resolution appointing commissioners, a waiver request for ACA filing fees, and several budget items including a police department fund transfer. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was explicitly identified in the transcript. Routine approvals or unanimous actions were not discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during this session. Discussion Items - Resolution for Appointment of Commissioners (Item 9): Councilor Kalpa introduced a resolution approving the appointment of various persons as commissioners of dates. The resolution was noted as ready. - Waiver Request for ACA Filing (Item 10): Councilor Kalpa presented a waiver request to file the city’s ACA (Affordable Care Act) information with the federal government. The request pertained to a fee for filing through one group, the parent company of B Pass, which handles data compilation and tracking. The fee was described as per-head cost, substantially less than a full filing, and similar to paying a tax preparer. The item was supplemental and not on the original agenda but was added. Some council members asked clarifying questions, and it was agreed to discuss further afterward. - Budget Items (Items 22, 27-30, 33): Councilor Jones Rouse noted items 27-30 were set, and items 31-32 were held. Michael Layman, Deputy Commissioner with the Department of Assessments, clarified item 33: a police department item that switches $343,000 from CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) to cash capital. He distinguished it from bondable items (furniture, fixtures, equipment, AV equipment), which were being handled separately. Councilor Aaron Rick had previously introduced item 22. Key Outcomes - The City Council did not vote on items during the recorded portion; they proceeded with discussion and clarifications. - A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. No executive session was held.

The Syracuse City Council convened on March 4, 2026, to discuss and take action on a variety of agenda items including land purchases, grant applications, infrastructure projects, school turf field replacements, police mental health services, housing development, and administrative renewals. The meeting featured presentations from city department heads, school district officials, and public safety representatives, with council members raising questions and concerns. Several items were approved, while two were held for further discussion. Consent Calendar - Item 12: Purchase of vacant land on Midland Avenue for passive recreational open space. The property, owned by a neighborhood resident, is in a flood zone adjacent to the creek walk. The city already owns most surrounding properties. No formal vote recorded, but no opposition noted. - Items 20-22: Revocable permissions for Syracuse University to install underground conduit (duct banks) at 501 Comstock Avenue, 505 Comstock Avenue, and 315 Waverly Avenue. Annual fees of $3,312 for the first location, determined by a per-linear-foot formula indexed to CPI, established around 2000. Fees are paid prior to installation. - Item 23: Payment of $2,000 to Sundance Leisure for repair of salt water conversion systems at city pools. Parks Commissioner Saisha Bird explained the city is converting pools from chlorine to salt systems and training staff on March 11. - Item 27: Public hearing scheduled for next Monday at 5:30 p.m. regarding CDBG funding. - Item 28: Introduction of an ordinance to expand the senior citizen exemption program, increasing the eligible exemption to 65% of property value for incomes under a threshold (approximately $54,999.99, to be confirmed). Aimed at serving seniors. - Item 29: Renewal of contracts with six third-party firms for building code plan review, allowing faster permit issuance. Deputy Commissioner Jake Dishhaw noted the program has significantly reduced review backlogs, comparing it to adding six full-time employees. Council requested performance data. - Item 30: Designation of Deputy Commissioner Jake Dish Shaw as environmental review certifying officer for federal fund projects, to separate the preparer (Camon Jordan) from the sign-off, as required by HUD. - Item 33: Amendment to an ordinance authorizing funds for audiovisual equipment at 1153 West Fayette (public safety headquarters). No new funding; moving $497,000 from previous bond authorizations to cover interactive and non-interactive TVs, smart boards, and emergency operations center displays. The initial RFP received no bidders. Discussion Items - Items 14-16: North-South-East-West Corridor Signal Interconnect Phase 2 on James Street and South Salina Street. City Engineer Mary Robison requested an additional $260,000 because rebid came in over budget. Total project cost now just under $4.6 million. Federal reimbursement drops to 57% and March is at 11%; local share rises to 32%. The additional funds require amending bond authorization (14), DOT agreement (15), and project authorization (16). Council asked for specific intersection details. - Items 17-19: Bridge NY project to replace East Calvin Street culvert over Meadowbrook (near SU/Comstock Commons). Total $1.476 million, 100% reimbursable. Additional language added in ordinances to cover potential cost overruns (local share) and a 24-month design schedule. Consultant contract still being negotiated. - Item 10: School district turf field replacement at Sunny Crest (behind the rink) and Valley Field. Director of Facilities Tom Ferrar requested a bid waiver because procurement via piggybacking (using a rural district's contract) is under legal challenge; the Comptroller issued cautionary guidance. Cancelling purchase orders would delay work until late fall or next year. Projects are ready to start April 1 and finish in July. Ferrar argued the district rarely requests bid waivers (one in 17 years). Councilors expressed concerns about waiving RFPs and the safety of turf vs. grass fields. Councilor Caldwell (speaking from experience) noted heavy community use (soccer, football) and that turf allows earlier and later season use. Commissioner Byrd added that grass is hard to maintain with overuse; irrigation and reseeding are difficult when fields are constantly in use. Councilor also raised heat index concerns (turf 10°F hotter) and injury risks (ACL tears). The council supported the waiver after discussion. Ferrar also updated on the ITC stadium project—awaiting state approval. - Items 24-25: Agreements with Helio Health for police mental health training (24) and crisis evaluation services (25). Deputy Chief Tom presented the RFP results: Helio Health was more comprehensive and cost-effective than the other bidder (virtual Florida company). Evaluators are separate from field staff. Councilor Jones Rousser and Councilor voiced concerns about Helio Health's reputation in the community (e.g., on Catherine Street) and potential strain on their primary services. Councilor noted a prior contract with Dr. Bernard was severed due to conflicts. The council generally supported the need for services but with reservations about the vendor. Training covers officers, command staff, and peer support; crisis evaluations are in-person when needed. - Item 26: Additional project management costs for the move to 1153 West Fayette. Deputy Commissioner Richter explained that bonded cash cannot be used for services, so unallocated cash capital was needed. This was the third request for moving expenses due to accounting rules. - Shelter Rent Agreement (part of items 31-32 discussed later): Commissioner Matt from Assessment presented a shelter rent agreement for a 393-unit affordable housing development (replacing existing units on Westmoreland and East Fayette). The deal requests a floor of $550 per unit per year or 10% of gross rent less utilities, whichever is greater. Developer projected potential annual payments up to $816,000 if rents increase, but Commissioner Matt emphasized that is not the current request. Councilor Williams questioned discrepancies between stated figures ($215,000 in agenda vs. $280,000 discussed) and how to realize higher amounts. Commissioner Matt acknowledged the difficulty of relying on audited financial reports and stressed the predictability of the fixed fee. Councilor supported the deal as the best available method to create affordable housing despite tax exemptions. Councilor Moore noted the ripple effect of adding units. Items 31 and 32 were held for further discussion (meeting scheduled Friday). Key Outcomes - Approved: Items 12, 13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-22, 23, 24-25, 26, 27 (public hearing scheduled), 28 (introduced), 29, 30, and 33 appeared to be approved without formal vote or with consensus. The bid waiver for Item 10 (turf fields) was supported by the council. - Held: Items 31 and 32 (shelter rent agreement and related) were held pending a Friday meeting between the councilor and Commissioner Matt. - Directives: Council requested performance data on third-party plan review (Item 29). Ferrar asked to update council on ITC stadium design and for students to see renderings. Environmental review process aligned with HUD requirements (Item 30).

The Syracuse Community Review Board (CRB) held a meeting on March 3, 2026, starting at 5:36 PM. The meeting initially lacked quorum but later achieved a quorum after 6 PM. Key topics included staffing updates, case statistics, data transparency, public comments on the investigator position and committee formation, and approval of the February meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Barry Gowanter, a west side resident on Ryder Avenue, spoke. He requested more transparency about options being considered to save money on the investigator position, urging the board to preserve the position. He asked for data statistics from the training to be made publicly available, possibly via a dashboard, and inquired about the topics covered in the upcoming police training. He also sought clarification on the advisory committee for legislative recommendations, noting a discrepancy between previous meeting presentations and the current explanation. Board members responded that discussions are ongoing and will be brought to the public, that data will be anonymized and posted when ready, and that the committee is a collaboration with the city council. Discussion Items - Chairman's Report: Reported on staffing updates—the final position to fill is the investigator, not the administrator. Two candidates are being reviewed for board membership. Board members are required to hold quarterly events in their areas; Adonia will coordinate schedules. - CRB Administrative Report: February operations included steady case management. For 2024, all cases were finalized and findings are being distributed. For 2025, there were 83 cases total, with 13 already completed. For 2026, 9 cases have been opened. In February, 10 new files were opened, 7 files were closed, and 18 letters were sent (10 acknowledgement, 7 closing, 1 complaint form). Staff handled calls and in-person meetings about filing complaints. Board member Don Johnson participated in review of 5 cases. Staff coordinated with the legal department on a subpoena and met with Chief Russin for SPD data sharing. Chris conducted a successful board member training on statistics. - Committee Formation: The board is drafting a committee template and awaiting member responses. Regarding the advisory committee on legislative changes, the board clarified that its role is to suggest names to the council, not to form the committee itself. The council has legislative power, and the board's recommendations will be part of a collaboration. Key Outcomes - The board voted to accept the February meeting minutes (motion and second, all in favor, no abstentions). - The board voted to enter executive session to review cases (motion and second, all in favor). - The board will continue discussions on the investigator position and will publicize options once finalized. - Data statistics will be anonymized and posted on the website when ready. - The board will report on the topics covered in the police training after the session.

The Joint Schools Construction Board (JSCB) met on February 26, 2026, to receive updates on Phase III of the school construction plan, approve several architect contracts, and adopt resolutions regarding financial authorizations. The meeting was chaired by an unidentified member, with reports from Secretary Joe and the Program Manager. Consent Calendar - Approval of the January 29, 2026 meeting minutes was moved, seconded, and approved without objection or abstention. Discussion Items - Phase III Comprehensive Plan Approval: Secretary Joe reported that the Office of State Controller and State Education Department have approved the Phase III comprehensive plan, a key milestone allowing the board to proceed with architect contracts. He noted the RFP for construction management services is underway with a deadline extended by a week. Additionally, a draft Project Labor Agreement (PLA) feasibility study was sent to board members the previous evening after technical difficulties. The study, prepared by the same consultant used in Phases I and II, is a preliminary step; board members are to review it before the next meeting in March. The Program Manager noted that the comprehensive plan approval came six weeks later than anticipated but efforts are underway to recoup time, aiming for construction start in summer 2027. - Architect Contracts: The board approved three architect contracts for Phase III design and inspection services: - Resolution 5: Kid Kidney Architects for Webster Elementary School (contract not to exceed $2 million). - Resolution 6: Kid Kidney Architects for Seymour Elementary School design work. - Resolution 7: La Bella Associates for Nottingham High School. All contracts were selected through an RFP committee process and approved without objection. - Board Member Designation for Financial Documents: Resolution 3 authorized the designation of any board member to sign financial documents for payments from the JSCB trustee. The resolution expanded authorization to all seven members (previously three or four), requiring only two signatures. A discussion clarified that the council president is no longer an automatic member of the JSCB; the mayor now appoints three members and the superintendent two. The resolution passed unanimously. - Monthly Payment Authorization: Resolution 4, the monthly authorization to pay JSCB contractors, was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of January 29, 2026. - Approved Resolution 3 (board member signing authority) unanimously. - Approved Resolution 4 (monthly payment authorization) unanimously. - Approved Resolution 5 (Webster Elementary architect contract) unanimously. - Approved Resolution 6 (Seymour Elementary architect contract) unanimously. - Approved Resolution 7 (Nottingham High School architect contract) unanimously. - Next steps: Board members to review PLA feasibility study; public input sessions scheduled for the week of March 9, 2026; CM procurement responses due March 10, 2026 with interviews later in March; architect kickoff meetings beginning next week.

The Syracuse Planning Commission met on February 23, 2026, to address a procedural rescission, several resubdivision applications, a billboard proposal, and multiple major site plan reviews. All items were approved with conditions, and no public opposition was recorded for any agenda item. Rescission of Prior Approvals - The commission rescinded special use permit SP-25-29 and major site plan review MASPR-25-29 for 652 West Onondaga Street due to a procedural error: new zoning criteria adopted in October 2026 were not applied to the original staff report. The item will be brought back at a future meeting with corrected analysis. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Lehman (City of Syracuse, 233 East Washington Street) spoke in favor of resubdivision R-2026-9 (119-21 Warner Ave), stating the city is negotiating to acquire the western parcel for a new fire maintenance facility. - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition for any other item. Discussion Items - Resubdivision R‑25‑65 (104 Otto Street): Represented by Caitlin Wright (Greater Syracuse Land Bank). The land bank proposes to subdivide the parcel into two 50‑foot lots for single‑story manufactured homes under the NYS Move in New York program. The homes will be owner‑occupied, sold to households earning 60–120% of AMI, with prices ranging from $125,000 to $200,000. Approved with condition to file the subdivision map within 62 days. - Resubdivision R‑25‑66 (108 Hartson Street): Also by the land bank, using the smallest of three home models (just over 1,000 sq ft). Approved with the same map‑filing condition. - Resubdivision R‑25‑74 (1408 Park Street): Represented by Heather Lamondola (Barclay Damon) on behalf of St. John the Baptist Church. The church seeks to carve out a 54‑foot by 138‑foot lot housing a former convent, to be sold to an adjacent property owner. Approved with the map‑filing condition. - Resubdivision R‑2026‑9 (119‑21 Warner Ave, 2648 South Salina St): Rod McDonald presented for Joe Bright. Three lots will become two; the western lot will be acquired by the city for a public safety facility. A new firewall must separate the one‑story showroom on lot B from the structure on lot C after title transfer. Approved with two conditions: map filing within 62 days and installation of the firewall. - Billboard Application AS‑25‑03 (617‑19 North Geddes Street): Stephen Frank (Park Outdoor Advertising) proposes a 10‑ft‑6‑in by 40‑ft, V‑shaped, double‑sided static sign visible from I‑690, with controlled LED lighting from dusk to midnight. The sign is permitted as of right in the CM district. Extensive discussion occurred regarding sidewalk repairs on Geddes and Edison Streets, removal of overgrowth, and driveway improvements. The applicant agreed to complete those improvements. Approved with four conditions: (1) comply with general sign conditions; (2) obtain NYSDOT approvals; (3) repair sidewalks and clear the site per DPW standards; (4) 10‑year term, with maintenance required and potential revocation for non‑compliance. - Major Site Plan Review MASPR‑25‑34 (908 Harrison Street): Brian Bouchard (CHA Consulting) for owner Norm Swanson. The existing Skylar Commons (80 studio apartments) will convert the bottom three floors to 16 hotel rooms, leaving 20 residential units on the fourth floor. No building exterior changes. The project triggers affordable housing requirements for the remaining apartments. Approved with seven conditions including designating 10% (2 units) as affordable for 30 years, restoring lawn areas, and upgrading bike racks. - Major Site Plan Review MASPR‑2026‑2 (401 South Salina Street): Richard DeVito, partner in Days Commercial Property LLC. Proposal to add 9 apartment units on the second floor (bringing total second‑floor units to 19). No affordable housing threshold triggered. Approved with two conditions: comply with general site plan conditions and, if sanitary flows could exceed prior sewer unit, develop a one‑gallon‑to‑one‑gallon flow offset plan. - Major Site Plan Review MASPR‑2026‑7 (100‑36 South Salina Street): Jim Niddle and Rob O’Connor (Elite Gaming) for the Atrium building. Change of use for an existing office space to entertainment and recreation indoor use (gaming with accessory food/beverage). No beer‑taps or fryers; limited to heating food. Approved with four conditions: (1) comply with general site plan conditions; (2) obtain and maintain certificate of use for food service; (3) accessory food service hours same as primary use (Wed‑Fri 5‑10 PM, Sat 11‑10 PM); (4) no amplified outdoor music and interior volume must comply with city noise ordinance. - Three‑Mile Limit 3S‑2026‑1 (6111 South Salina Street): Aldi, represented by Vincent Ryan. The city engineer signed off. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous with no abstentions. Every application was approved with specific conditions as noted above. - The billboard applicant agreed to complete sidewalk and site improvements, and the approval includes a 10‑year renewable term with maintenance obligations. - The hotel conversion at 908 Harrison Street includes a binding 30‑year affordability covenant for 2 of the 20 remaining apartment units. - The rescinded items (652 West Onondaga) will return to the commission at a future meeting after corrected staff reports are prepared.

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.