Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

The Syracuse Common Council met on November 10, 2025, beginning with a prayer and roll call. Councilors present included Codwell, Michelle, Paniagua, Gathers, Nave, Hogan, Williams, and Mato; Councilor Jones Rousser was absent. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Several committee reports and communications were presented, followed by the introduction and voting on numerous agenda items, most of which passed unanimously. Committee Reports - Neighborhood Preservation Committee (reported by Councilor Jones Rousser via President Hudson): Met on Monday at 2:00 p.m. to follow up on the Land Bank annual report. - Public Safety Committee (reported by Councilor [not specified]): Met on November 6 to discuss alternative-to-incarceration programs. Communications - The City Auditor submitted an audit report for sidewalks and a café permit for 634 South Getting Street. - Empire State Development submitted letters regarding the Solaristry Mixed Use Project and Bullfitch Buell Pub Capital Project. - A letter from W.L. accepting terms and conditions of Ordinance No. 765 was received. Consent Calendar (Unanimous Approvals Without Discussion) - Approval of minutes from the November 10 meeting. - Items 10, 11, 12, 13 (introduced by Councilor Caldwell) – adopted unanimously. - Items 15 through 21 (except 14, which was withdrawn) – adopted unanimously, with discussion on items 15 and 16. - Items 22 through 34 – adopted unanimously. - Items 35, 36, 38, 39, 40 (Item 37 held) – adopted unanimously. - Items 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 (Item 41 held) – adopted unanimously. - Items 51 and 52 (Items 49 and 50 held) – adopted unanimously. - Items 53 through 57 – adopted unanimously after a motion to waive rules. Discussion Items - Item 9 (amendment to local law, Section 8-115): Councilor Gathers asked to introduce and table the item. No objections; the item was tabled. - Item 15 (EXALT program): Councilor Gathers expressed appreciation for administration, Director Latif, and all involved in deterring violent behavior. He stated his hope that EXALT would not be "just another program" with no results, but would make a difference and be managed in line with the city’s goals and vision. The item passed unanimously. - Item 16 (honorary street signs for Syracuse 8): Councilor Gathers introduced the item, describing it as honoring eight brave Syracuse University athletes who protested racial inequities in 1970. Former County Legislator and SU athlete Carmen Harlow spoke emotionally on behalf of the group. He detailed the history: the players’ protest over unequal treatment (medical care, tutoring, envelopes after games), many being barred from the team but persisting to earn degrees, and later being honored by SU (Chancellor Cantor, Athletic Director Darryl Gross). Harlow thanked the council for remembering them off-campus and committed to working with the city clerk and DPW to schedule the sign installation to align with members' availability. The item passed unanimously. - Item 43 (local law): Councilor Williams initially said it needed to be reintroduced as a local law. After clarification that it was already a local law, it was introduced from the table and tabled for later consideration. - Items 53-57 (comprehensive package): Councilor Gathers noted extensive work from Chief Man, Mike Lehman, Deputy Mayor, budget department, and staff. A motion to waive rules for these items passed unanimously, then each item passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All agenda items voted on (except those held or withdrawn) passed unanimously. - Item 8 (unidentified) was withdrawn by the President. - Items 14, 37, 41, 49, and 50 were held. - Item 9 and Item 43 were tabled. - The council adjourned by motion. Note: No public comments section was present; the only comment from a non-council member was by Carmen Harlow on Item 16.

The Syracuse City Council convened on November 10, 2025, at approximately 4:48 PM. The meeting focused on reviewing and approving multiple agenda items, including a major fire department maintenance facility acquisition and an amendment to a property sale to the Greater Syracuse Land Bank. A motion to adjourn to executive session for legal advice was approved. Consent Calendar - Items withdrawn: Item 8 (by sponsor), Item 14 (to be considered later), Item 49 (on neighborhood committee, held by Councilor Rouse). - Items called ready and approved without further questions: Items 15–21, 22, 35–40, 41–48, 23–34 (DPW), 51 (contractors list), and 52 (appointment, amended from Mr. Davis to another individual). Discussion Items - Fire Department Maintenance Facility Acquisition (Items 53–57): Councilor McJug presented a waiver item package related to the potential acquisition of a building for a new fire department maintenance facility. The Department of Assessments explained that items cover acquisition cost, down payment, and future renovation costs, all to be bonded. Councilor Williams noted the large financial figures and used the opportunity to introduce the new Budget Director, Mr. Loving. - Property Sale Amendment (Item 50): MBD Neighborhood Planner Calen Hubbard reported that an ordinance from 2024 authorizing the sale of a structure to the Greater Syracuse Land Bank needed an amendment. An emergency demolition had occurred, so the description must be updated from "structure" to "vacant land" to allow closing. The item was deemed ready. Key Outcomes - The council approved all items called ready, with no recorded objections. - A motion was made and seconded to adjourn to executive session for legal advice; all councilors voted in favor, and the meeting proceeded to closed session.

The Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB) held a regular meeting on November 6, 2025. The board approved October meeting minutes, introduced new staff, received the administrator's monthly report, discussed training and committee updates, heard public comment, and voted to enter executive session. Consent Calendar - The board approved the October 2025 meeting minutes by a voice vote with all present members in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Barry Guwanter (Ryder Avenue resident) raised several points: - Requested presenters speak into the microphone due to his hearing loss. - Inquired about the "Readiness is a Mindset, Not a Moment" training (scheduled for November 18, 2025) and whether it was a board training. - Emphasized legal requirements under New York State regulations and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to provide materials and interpretation in languages spoken by the community; suggested contacting the county Office of Social Services to identify top languages and using qualified interpreters for terminology and cultural sensitivity. - Expressed concern about body cameras interpreting for officers, noting potential civil rights issues and the need for qualified interpretation. - Urged the board to train members on how to evaluate police-resident encounters from the officer's perspective moment-by-moment to assess policy compliance. - Recommended the board urge the mayor-elect to appoint a police chief ready to cooperate with the CRB, and to voice this publicly. - Asked about board members whose terms expire December 25, 2025, and whether there is a plan to reappoint or replace them. - Stated that discussion of forming an advisory board should be in a public meeting, not in a closed training, and asked the board to consult with corporation counsel. Discussion Items - New Staff Introductions: Chairman introduced Chris (new data analyst) who spoke briefly about improving data collection. Also announced the hiring of investigator Nicholas Keys (not present), bringing the CRB to full staffing. Adonia (community engagement specialist) and Julie (executive secretary) were acknowledged. - Administrator's Report (Nalita): - The CRB received 22 cases in October: 12 from 2024 and 10 from 2025. - Correspondence sent to closed/unfounded cases; 5 cases to be presented for executive board review. - Community engagement activities: tabling at SAT City Market (Oct 8), presentations at Focus and Peace community meeting (Oct 1) and Center for Community Alternatives (Oct 27), and the Monster Mash event. - Donald Johnson assisted with interviews and attended external events including 100 Black Men, NAACP Get Out to Vote, Salvation Army Award Luncheon, KJ Angels 3K Walk. - Upcoming: meet-and-greet on November 4; training session "Readiness is a Mindset, Not a Moment" on November 18. - Old Business: - Training Schedule: Board training set for November 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the CRB office, covering board responsibilities and case review procedures. A follow-up session will be arranged for those unable to attend; members should notify Chairman if they need an alternative time. - Advisory Board: Discussion deferred to the November 15 training to determine formation, membership, and documentation needs. Members to bring ideas. - Educational Materials: Member Desire suggested translating materials for the new American population; administrator noted current materials are only in English and Spanish and they will analyze the next largest language groups in Syracuse for translation. - Committee Reports: - Police Relations Committee (Mike Kern, Linda, Elise, with staff Nalita and Adonia): - Reported on a meeting with Chief Cecil on November 6, 2025. Chief Cecil and First Deputy Chief Rich Schaff will leave at year-end; all leadership positions are at-will and subject to new mayor's decisions. - The committee has reviewed approximately 18 cases over three meetings (avg. 6 per meeting). In 17 cases, the board voted not to hold a hearing; one case will proceed to a hearing. Body camera footage was decisive in 90% of cases; in the hearing case, body camera was turned off. - Discussion of body camera technology: cameras have a 30-second buffer/pre-record feature; they can be placed in sleep mode and activated with two taps; batteries last about eight hours; some advanced models can do language translation but SPD does not yet have that. Audio may be turned off during administrative discussions per protocol. - Body camera footage is available via FOIL, with redaction of faces and license plates. - The committee requested a training calendar from SPD and will coordinate community meetings and training. A tour of the 911 center was suggested for board members to understand dispatch protocols. - Board member noted that CRB now has access to evidence.com for direct download of camera footage. - Other Committees: Chairman requested members to email their committee preferences by the following Monday to rebuild committees (outreach, hearings, etc.). - Public Comment Response: Chairman stated the board will consult corporation counsel on the advisory board discussion being a public matter. Key Outcomes - October 2025 minutes approved. - New staff hired (data analyst, investigator) – CRB fully staffed. - Board training scheduled for November 15, 2025 (12-2 PM) with follow-up for absentees. - Advisory board discussion postponed to the November 15 training; board to check with counsel on open meetings law. - Translation of materials will be expanded based on community language needs. - Police Relations Committee will obtain SPD training calendar, schedule tours for board, and coordinate joint community meetings. - Motion to enter executive session (made, seconded, approved by voice vote – meeting adjourned until after executive session). - No vote was taken on public comment requests; board committed to consult corporation counsel on procedural matters.

This meeting of the Syracuse City Council’s Public Safety Committee focused on a presentation and Q&A regarding Exalt, a New York City-based nonprofit youth development program seeking to replicate its model in Syracuse. Exalt serves young people (ages 15–19) involved in the justice system, offering paid internships, educational engagement, and court advocacy. The committee heard from Exalt’s Chief Program Officer and discussed the program’s structure, funding, staffing, partnerships, and potential community impact. Discussion Items - Program Overview and Model: Exalt’s representative explained that the program is voluntary, youth-driven, and lasts about four and a half months in New York City (a shorter pilot version planned for Syracuse). Young people are referred by judges, defenders, or community organizations. The program consists of a pre-internship phase (reconnecting to learning, building professional skills) and a paid eight-week internship. Interns are paid $18/hour, funded entirely through Exalt’s fundraising (not by internship hosts). 70% of participants in New York City complete the program. Outcomes include 75% of open cases being dismissed or reduced, and improved school attendance. - Syracuse Replication Details: The Syracuse pilot will serve 65 youth across five cycles over the first year, starting with 10 youth per cycle and increasing to 15. It is funded by a $1.5 million DCJS grant plus additional private/philanthropic support (total $2.1 million committed). No local match is required. The initial pilot will be staffed by Exalt’s NYC leadership team, with local hiring planned after the first two cycles. Exalt is scouting a co-location at the Syracuse EOC. The program aims to build collaborations with local nonprofits, courts, probation, and workforce development entities. - Court Advocacy and Eligibility: Exalt serves young people with any criminal charges except arson, sexual offenses, or murder. The program does not mandate participation; youth must opt in. If a young person declines or is deemed unfit, Exalt refers them to other partner organizations. - Community Concerns and Collaboration: Councilmembers raised questions about family involvement, homelessness among youth, and potential duplication with existing local programs. Exalt emphasized a youth-focused model and a commitment to referrals and collaboration rather than direct family services. The representative acknowledged that housing insecurity is a challenge and plans to identify local partners for wrap-around support. Councilmembers also expressed concerns about mission creep and competition with established Syracuse nonprofits; Exalt stressed its intention to learn from local organizations and avoid duplicating services. - Internship Partners: Exalt has secured commitments from Syracuse entities including SUNY Upstate, the Tech Garden, the Everson Museum, and MOST. They target high-quality internships (law firms, architecture firms, museums, etc.) to expose youth to careers they would not typically access. The model also includes preparation for host organizations to support justice-involved youth. - Evaluation and Sustainability: Exalt plans to contract with MDRC for a rigorous evaluation after the first year. The organization has a diversified funding model (government, corporate, philanthropic, individual) and a financial reserve. DCJS funding is renewable annually. The Deputy Mayor stated he does not expect to request additional city funds in the upcoming budget cycle, though future needs may be revisited. Key Outcomes - The committee received a detailed briefing on Exalt’s proposed replication in Syracuse, with many councilmembers expressing support and asking clarifying questions. - Exalt confirmed that the pilot will launch with the first cohort in late 2025/early 2026, contingent on continued coordination with local stakeholders. - No formal vote was taken; the presentation was informational. The committee expressed appreciation for Exalt’s community engagement efforts and encouraged continued collaboration with local service providers. - Exalt committed to sharing curriculum, assessment tools, and evaluation data with the council for oversight.

On November 5, 2025, Focus Greater Syracuse hosted a Citizens Academy session on local government budgets and finance at an unspecified location in Syracuse, New York. The session began with a Q&A with outgoing Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, followed by a panel discussion featuring Christy Smiley (Chief Fiscal Officer, Onondaga County), the Mayor of Liverpool (Village), and Corey (Syracuse Common Councilor and Finance Committee Chair). The event included a land acknowledgement honoring the Onondaga Nation and thanked sponsors National Grid and Syracuse University. Discussion Items Mayor Walsh Q&A (First Segment) - Mayor Walsh discussed lessons from his tenure, including the importance of community engagement, hiring, and policy committees. He advised aspiring politicians to read the news, volunteer, and build community credibility. - He noted that the 2020 census showed Syracuse's first population increase in decades, driven partly by refugee resettlement. The current population is approximately 146,000, but the city was built for at least that many. - He explained the city's supplemental sidewalk snow removal program, which has expanded over the years but still covers only about 25% of the population. Property owners retain responsibility for sidewalk snow removal. - Regarding the corner of Salina and Castle streets (a vacant lot), he stated that state-affiliated entity New York State CEO acquired the adjacent Sears building and plans to redevelop both into a mixed-use property with workforce development programs, though no final commitment has been made. - Walsh highlighted proud moments: violent crime reductions, first-time homeownership ceremonies, and interactions with schoolchildren. He expressed frustration with the slow pace of housing projects (e.g., Syracuse Housing Authority's East Adams project) and with the recent budget process, which was marked by conflict with the Common Council and the departure of the budget director. Panel on Government Budgets and Finance - County Budget (Christy Smiley): Onondaga County's annual budget is $1.6 billion with a fiscal year of January to December. The budget process begins in May with baseline budgeting; the executive proposes a budget by September 15; adoption is required by October 15. The local component (property and sales tax) is about $530 million, with 72% going to mandates and public safety. The county has a fund balance of approximately $200 million (15% of revenues) and a balanced budget for 2026. - Village Budget (Mayor of Liverpool): The Village of Liverpool's budget is about $4.2 million. Police take up nearly half. The village relies on property taxes, grants (e.g., CHIPS for roads, New York Forward), and has a healthy fund balance (1.4 times budget). The mayor advocated for paying taxes as funding essential services. - City Budget (Corey): Syracuse has a $350 million operating budget (excluding schools' $1 billion). The fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. The city faces a structural deficit: 52% of properties are tax-exempt. The current budget had a deficit of $16 million (5% of spending), down from the mayor's proposed $28-34 million deficit. The council can amend the budget and requires a supermajority (6 of 9) to bond for capital projects. The city's fund balance is about $110 million, boosted by COVID funds. - Audits and Oversight: All three governments are audited by independent firms (e.g., Bonadio Group), plus state and federal auditors. The county has an elected controller; the city has an elected auditor focused on programmatic audits. - Tax Exemptions and Fees: The city discussed the 52% tax-exempt rate (universities, hospitals, state property). They can charge fees (e.g., sewer, lighting) but not taxes. Syracuse University has a shared services agreement providing about $3 million annually. Fees are tied to cost and cannot be egregious. - Sales Tax: Collected by the state, then distributed to counties and cities. Onondaga County has seen sales tax growth slow to about 1% in 2024 after COVID-era highs. The city receives about $127 million annually from the county sharing agreement. - Grants and Matching Challenges: Panelists noted that most grants are reimbursement-based, requiring upfront spending. Small municipalities often struggle with cash flow. The county implemented new software to track grant billing and reimbursement. - Fund Balance and Deficit Debate: Corey explained that the city's deficit of $16 million does not necessarily deplete fund balance because actual spending often comes in lower than budgeted. However, long-term sustainability requires action. - Mandates and Unfunded Costs: Christy highlighted state-mandated programs (Medicaid, indigent defense) that cost the county $105 million annually for Medicaid alone. The state has pushed costs down, including a $10 million hit from enhanced federal Medicaid share interception. - Property Tax and Reassessment: The panel discussed the complexity of property tax bills, including equalization rates, levies vs. rates, and the impact of reassessments. The town of Skaneateles recently completed a reassessment, with one-third of properties seeing tax increases, one-third decreases, and one-third unchanged. - Citizen Engagement: Panelists encouraged residents to attend public hearings, read budgets, and provide feedback. Corey proposed participatory budgeting for the city. The Village of Liverpool uses Zoom for meetings and reads written comments. They acknowledged barriers to access (e.g., elderly without email). Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. Mayor Walsh is leaving office; Mayor-elect Owens will renegotiate Syracuse University's shared services agreement. - The Citizens Academy cohort received graduation certificates and were invited to explore tables with program representatives from partner organizations. - The event concluded with a hot meal provided by Francesca's.

The Syracuse Common Council held a regular session on November 5, 2025, under the leadership of Council President Helen Hudson. The meeting covered a wide range of routine approvals, contract amendments, and policy discussions, including public safety upgrades, infrastructure maintenance, and broadband expansion. The city clerk confirmed the meeting was properly noticed and began shortly after 4:49 PM ET. Consent Calendar - No separate consent calendar was identified; however, numerous items were passed without debate or objection. These included routine contract extensions, name corrections, and approval of minor expenditures. Discussion Items - Items 10–13 (Parks): Commissioner Burr presented agreements: with Terry Horse for landscape architect services (not to exceed $125,000); with Enest Tech for e-gaming software ($4,800 for one year); acceptance of a $200 donation from Near West Side Resident Padrisco for memorial plaques at Leavenworth and Burnett Parks (with spelling correction: 'Rocky' with a Y); and with Route 80 Stables for horse-drawn carriage services ($5,200 for holidays at Burnett Park). - Item 14 (Withdrawn): Councilman Lich withdrew the item to allow further discussion. - Item 15 (Exalt Program): Janet Burke, Director of Research, described a $1.5 million DCJS grant to replicate the Exalt program from NYC. A committee meeting was scheduled for the next day to answer questions. - Item 16 (Syracuse 8 Street Designation): Councilman Lich proposed naming a street after the Syracuse 8, athletes who protested treatment and equity issues in the 1970s. The dedication is set for November 28th at Waverly and Walnut. Several councilors expressed strong support, noting the historical significance. - Items 17–21 (Public Safety): - Item 17: First Deputy Chief Richard requested approval for a U.S. Department of Justice grant up to $141,000 (with $70,000 local match) to purchase 50 body-worn cameras for the SWAT team. Discussion included a missing 'Signal Sidearm' trigger mechanism (to activate cameras when a weapon is drawn); the IT sergeant confirmed it was never ordered. Council directed staff to trace the prior item. - Items 18–19: Fire Chief Michael Mons requested funding for fire station maintenance and rehabilitation, focusing on oil/water separators, exhaust removal, and general repairs at stations 2, 5, and 9 (all over 50 years old). He noted ongoing capital planning and eventual need for new stations. Councilor Hogan highlighted station 2's condition and potential expansion. - Items 20–21: $31,000 for communications equipment, including portable radios and mobile data terminals. - Item 22 (Name Correction): Director Rick Alsever corrected a vendor name to align with the parent company, necessary for payment. - Items 23–24 (Parking Lot Amendment): Commissioner OJ (Assessment) proposed amending earlier bonding to allow construction of a parking lot adjacent to the new Public Safety Building (1153 West Fayette). Originally intended as a shared municipal lot, it will now be exclusively for police and fire use. Public parking is available on-site (14 spaces) and on-street. Councilor Williams expressed concern about public parking, but staff noted improvements over current conditions. - Items 25–27 (DPW): - 25: Amendment to Collier Engineering contract for traffic signal interconnect system due to construction delays. - 26: New contract with Waste Tech (Rubicon route) for snow plow routing technology. Councilor questioned impact detection; staff referred to Samsara GPS systems. - 27: Amendment to add 10 tablets for sanitation routing. - Items 28–34 (Fuel, Salt, Waiver): - Fuel contracts with Andrew County, school district, and Syracuse Housing. - Salt contracts with Upstate Central and Syracuse Housing Authority. - A waiver for a fabric building on concrete blocks for recycling/trash cart storage at Pete Street location. - Items 35–40 (Land Use): - 35: Special permit (no details). - 36–37: Problem property on Geddes Street; public hearing scheduled for evening to maximize input, though Councilor Hogan noted low attendance. - 38: Street naming after President Hudson (jocular remark, but no formal action). - 39–40: Approval for Cathedral Candle factory expansion (Stiegelwall family) – strongly supported by Councilors Hogan and others. - Items 41–48 (Finance, IT, Broadband): - 41: Held. - 42: Amendment to FUST contract to include fraud examination services (no cost change). - 43: Easement to bury conduit for internet redundancy at Public Safety Building. - 44: Agreement with Spectrum for fiber connection at 1153 Fayette ($1,800/month for 10 gig). Discussion included franchise fee status; Corporation Counsel noted a 10-year franchise agreement signed in 2023. - 45–46: Payment of outstanding invoices to Northland Communications (three invoices from FY2024, $50,300 total) pending new RFP. - 48: Rooftop lease agreement with Loretto for Surge Link broadband expansion at Bernardine Apartments in the Valley. Director Jen TIF reported the network currently serves 1,300–1,400 subscribers, aiming for 7,800 total. Pricing is $15/month (low-income) and $37/month (standard). The city is exploring tiered service and small business options. Staff will hold a committee meeting for updates. - Items 49–52 (Housing & Compliance): - 49: Held; council expects draft code provisions. - 50: Amendment to transfer a property (vacant after emergency demo) – held for further review. - 51: Extension of contracts with 12 qualified contractors for emergency repair program, plus addition of J Jones Plumbing. - 52: Replacement of compliance officer for NYS DOT reporting (Sheryl Pace stepping aside). Key Outcomes - All items except those noted as held (14, 41, 49, 50) were moved forward for final approval at the next meeting (scheduled for Monday, November 7, 2025, at 1:30 PM). - A committee meeting was scheduled for November 6, 2025, at 1:30 PM to discuss the Exalt program. - Staff will investigate the 'Signal Sidearm' trigger mechanism for body cameras. - The DPW will explore impact detection on snow plow vehicles. - A committee meeting will be held to update council on Surge Link broadband progress and potential cost savings for city camera systems. - The meeting adjourned after unanimous approval of the motion.

This joint meeting of the Syracuse Neighborhood Preservation Committee and the Greater Syracuse Land Bank focused on the land bank's financial status, development projects, and future plans. Land bank staff, led by Caitlin Wright, provided updates on budget projections, site assembly, modular home construction, demolition priorities, brownfield remediation, and a lease agreement related to I-81. Councilors raised concerns about community engagement, property tax foreclosures, and the need for affordable homeownership opportunities. Budget and Financial Update - Caitlin Wright reported that the land bank's annual operating costs are approximately $2 million, with half typically covered by sales proceeds ($1–1.5 million/year). The 2025 budget initially projected a $150,000 deficit, but that figure includes city and county support ($1 million total). Without that support, the deficit would be $1.1 million. - The land bank's rainy day fund has been drawn down from 18 months to 9 months of reserves. - The city and county each provided $250,000 in support for 2025, and the city's fiscal year shift allowed the land bank to book all city support in calendar 2025, leaving no city income for the first six months of 2026. - Wright noted that the volume of tax foreclosures has not increased as expected after the city's new tax foreclosure law, but she hopes for more foreclosures to increase the inventory of vacant lots and demolition candidates. Development and Housing Initiatives - Site Assembly and New Construction: The land bank has assembled numerous sites for new construction, including partnerships with Home Headquarters (pink on map), Habitat for Humanity (blue), and REDAV CNY/Syracuse South Side Community Growth Foundation (orange). A large purple area on the 100 block of West Brighton is zoned multifamily and could support an apartment building. - Modular/Manufactured Home Pilot: The land bank completed a pilot modular home at 139 Maxwell Avenue, built by Champion Homes for a total cost of about $280,000 (including foundation, garage, utilities). The home appraised at $250,000 and was listed at $175,000 for a buyer earning 70–90% of area median income (AMI). Wright reported that New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is encouraging the land bank to apply for "Move In New York" funding to build at least 60 more such homes. - Two-Story Modular Options: The land bank is also working with Jubilee Homes and other partners to develop two-story modular homes, but cost numbers have not yet been finalized. Wright mentioned a potential need for additional city subsidy (HOME or CDBG) to make those projects viable. - Brownfield Remediation: The land bank has acquired 917 Montgomery Street (former auto repair) and 541 Seymour Street (Consolidated Industries). A $3.7 million EPA grant will fund soil remediation at 917 Montgomery, with the goal of preserving the building for mixed-use. The Seymour Street building will be demolished, and the site subdivided into 13 residential lots. An application for a cleanup grant for 500 Holly Street (former dry cleaners) is planned for fall 2025, with estimated costs up to $4 million. Lease Agreement for I-81 Land - The land bank and Tucker Missionary Baptist Church have entered into a lease with a private company to clear and level overgrown land on Oakwood, Leon, and East Kennedy Streets. The contractor is paying rent and will maintain the site for 2.5 years, after which the land will be ready for new housing development. The land bank and church will split the developer's fee based on land contributed. Community Concerns and Engagement - Councilor Rouser expressed concern about a lack of communication with neighbors near the Oakwood site, noting that a resident of 67 years (Kim Thigger) was unaware of the construction plans. Wright agreed to distribute flyers to nearby homeowners. - Councilor Codwell raised questions about the demolition bidding process, asking if the city always chooses the lowest bidder. Wright confirmed that the land bank almost always goes to the lowest bidder, but may split work among multiple contractors to meet grant deadlines. - Councilor Gethers emphasized the importance of helping current homeowners avoid foreclosure through education and will preparation, and expressed concern about the land bank acquiring properties with low tax debts. Wright noted that the city handles all foreclosures and that the council could set a policy on minimum tax debt thresholds. Key Outcomes - The land bank will submit a "Move In New York" application later in November 2025 for at least 60 manufactured homes, with a focus on sites at least 48 feet wide and relatively level. - The land bank will continue working with Jubilee Homes and Tucker Missionary Baptist Church on modular home projects, with the goal of securing funding through state AHOP or Block by Block programs. - The land bank will provide a map of the Near West Side sites to councilors and will issue a community flyer about the I-81 lease site on Oakwood Street. - Councilors directed staff to follow up on individual inquiries about specific properties (e.g., Crowley Street, Butternut Street, and the 2024 foreclosure list). - The land bank's budget for the coming year will be presented to the committee at a later date; no formal vote was taken at this meeting.

Host Mayor Ben Walsh interviewed nine guests over three hours on News Radio 570 WSYR, covering regional economic development, public safety, education, and community events. Discussion Items - County Executive Ryan McMahon provided updates on: the Micron project (environmental review concluding in weeks, federal decision in December, groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for third week of December); the Onondaga County IDA's 51.5 billion item for Micron's first phase; and the Inner Harbor aquarium (completion and public opening in June/July 2027). - Rob Simpson, Center State CEO, discussed the Inspire Innovation Hub (90,000-square-foot business incubator housing 38 companies) and the On-Ramp workforce training program at the former Sears building at 1300 South Salina Street. - Police Chief Joe Cecil reported crime statistics: overall Part I crime down 26.4%, property crimes down 27.4%, violent crime down 21.2%, homicides down 40%, stolen vehicles down 45.5%, and victims shot or killed down 15%. He credited ten-hour shifts, technology (body cameras, drones), and good police work. - Tom Kenny discussed his career, the upcoming SpongeBob film “SpongeBob 4: Search for SquarePants” (theater release December 19), and his plans to perform in Syracuse again. - Principal Dan Straub and freshman Logan Capers highlighted the new STEAM High School, its career and technical education programs (animation/game design, semiconductor manufacturing, etc.), and the mascot chosen: the “Steam Storm.” - Coach Felicia Legette-Jack discussed the upcoming SU women’s basketball season (first regular-season game November 4 against Stony Brook) and the importance of winning for the Syracuse community. - Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens spoke about her mayoral campaign, her family’s support, and her oversight of the police department, emphasizing the department’s handling of 2020 social unrest and continued investment. - Tim O’Donnell and Joe Fruscello announced the Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic will be held on January 24 at Clinton Square; registration opens around Thanksgiving. - Common Councilor Rita Paniagua discussed her background, priorities as incoming Common Council President (updating committees, improving communication between the mayor’s office and council). Key Outcomes - Micron Phase 1 construction expected to begin in December 2025 after federal permit. - Inner Harbor aquarium to open summer 2027. - STEAM High School has chosen its mascot: the Steam Storm. - Crime continues to trend downward across all major categories. - Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic set for January 24. - Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens and Councilor Rita Paniagua are running for mayor and council president respectively. Mayor Walsh expressed support for both. - Mayor Walsh thanked his guests, the production team, and the Syracuse community, concluding his term.

The Joint Schools Construction Board (JSCB) met on October 30, 2025, at approximately 1:56 PM. All board members were present except Council President Hudson (excused) and Superintendent Davis, who arrived shortly after the meeting began. The meeting covered routine approvals, updates on the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) feasibility study, architect proposals for phase A, and the annual insurance renewal. The meeting concluded with a farewell to Superintendent Davis. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from September 25, 2025, were unanimously approved. - Resolution 11 – Payment of Monthly Bills: A motion to pay monthly bills for October was carried without opposition. - Resolution 12 – Directors & Officers Liability Insurance: Authorization to renew the policy with Greenwich Insurance at a premium increase of slightly over 1% was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Secretary’s Report (Joe): Reported that the draft PLA feasibility study requires more in-depth review to ensure it is tailored to the JSCB project. The study will now be presented at the December board meeting, not November, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The delay will not negatively affect the schedule. - Program Manager’s Report: - The comprehensive plan has been submitted to the state, SED, and the state comptroller’s office; SED expects to provide comments before Thanksgiving. - Five architect proposals were received for phase A projects; the RFP committee will meet on October 31 to review them, with interviews expected in late November or early December. - A CMRFP (Construction Manager at Risk Request for Proposals) is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026, possibly advertised by year-end. - The main constraint noted is that state approval of the comprehensive plan is required before signing architects and beginning design. - Superintendent’s Farewell: The mayor and board expressed formal thanks to Superintendent Davis for his service, acknowledging his upcoming departure. No further discussion or business was conducted. Key Outcomes - Minutes of September 25, 2025, accepted. - Resolution 11 (bill payments) and Resolution 12 (insurance renewal) both carried unanimously. - The PLA feasibility study will be presented in December 2025 rather than November. - The architect selection process will proceed with committee review and interviews over the next few weeks. - Meeting adjourned with appreciation for the superintendent.