Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

The Parks Committee, chaired by Common Councillor Hanna Aronreich and joined by Councillors Hudson, Nave, and later Monto, heard an annual update on the Deer and Tick Management Program from Chief Development Officer Eric Ennis. Commissioner Saisha Bird also attended. Discussion focused on Lyme disease trends, deer culling results, reductions in motor vehicle collisions, and potential program expansions. Discussion Items - Eric Ennis reported that Lyme disease cases in Onondaga County number 300-400 annually and are rising. SUNY Upstate's tick testing saw a 145% increase in submissions from 2024 to 2025, a 70% rise in reported tick encounters, and 35% of tested ticks contained at least one tick-borne pathogen. - Ennis presented deer removal data: 147 deer were removed in the past season (93 via sharpshooting, 54 via trap-and-euthanize), bringing the cumulative total to 780 deer since 2019. The venison (3,972 lbs) was donated to the Food Bank of Central New York, providing nearly 16,000 meals. - Motor vehicle collisions with deer have dropped sharply: in the Northwest quadrant from 18 in 2023 to 1 so far in 2026; in the Southeast from 24 to 3. Ennis acknowledged that unreported collisions may be missing from police data. - Councillor Aronreich asked about coordinating with SUNY Upstate and Pfizer/Moderna to make Syracuse a hub for Lyme vaccine distribution when available. Ennis committed to exploring the partnership. - Councillor Nave reported increasing deer activity in Woodlawn Cemetery and the Northeast side, urging site expansion to those areas. Ennis confirmed the city is open to adding North Side sites. - Councillor Aronreich proposed innovative tick-control measures: introducing chickens or guinea fowl in parks under USDA/Cornell supervision, and distributing tick tubes (permethrin-soaked cotton in cardboard) to residents for yard use. Ennis expressed support for piloting these ideas and working with partners. - The urban deer management pilot is awaiting the Governor's signature for a three-year extension, having passed the State Senate and Assembly. Key Outcomes - The deer management program will continue into its seventh season beginning December 2026, pending DEC permit approval and the Governor's signature on the pilot extension. - The city will actively explore expanding deer removal sites to the North Side, including Woodlawn Cemetery. - The mayor's office will investigate partnerships for Lyme vaccine distribution and preventive tick-control innovations (tick tubes, biological controls). - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was adjourned early with consensus on next steps.

The board received detailed updates on several school construction projects, considered a phase swap for two elementary schools due to floor deterioration, and approved monthly payments. The meeting included reports from the Program Manager and the Diversity Officer on project timelines, design scopes, and compliance goals. Discussion Items - Project Labor Agreement (PLA): The September meeting was canceled due to a trade representative conflict. The council is preparing a response to the August proposal to be transmitted ahead of the next meeting on October 8. - ICO RFP: Staff worked on a specialty contract for the ICO RFP; documents are expected to be issued soon. - SED Submissions & Design Progress: SED returned questions on MCA calculations (budget/aid). Architects are at 50% design development (DD). Submission of DD documents anticipated in November, followed by construction documents, SED approval by May 2027, bid/award (3 months), and construction start in Q3 2027. - Phase Swap Request (Blodgett & Delaware): The school district formally requested to flip Blodgett and Delaware from Phase C to Phase B due to basement floor rot at Blodgett (similar to a past issue at Delaware) and swing space availability at Shea. Originally Phase B included Lincoln, Blodgett, and Corcoran; after the swap, Phase B would include Lincoln, Delaware, and Corcoran. The board discussed but did not vote; the change will be reflected in the upcoming RFP. - Nottingham High School Presentation: Scope includes site work (parking reconfiguration with 30-40 space reduction, new parent drop-off loop, bus entry), exterior repairs, complete kitchen/cafeteria renovation (rotating orientation for natural light, adding toilet rooms for after-hours use), auditorium upgrades, CTE spaces (construction tech, creative expressions, natural resources, plus two future programs), pool locker room reconfiguration, and a health clinic. Phased renovation to keep students in building during construction. Completion anticipated Q3 2030. - Webster School Presentation: Scope includes site work (new bus loop off Lisman, parking along Wadsworth, relocated playground and loading dock), window/roof replacement, new secure front entrance with ADA ramp, four-classroom addition (2 stories), full air conditioning, new ceilings/lighting, toilet renovations, and cafeteria serving line reconfiguration. Completion anticipated Q3 2029 (two years out of swing space at Levy). - Seymour School Presentation: Similar scope: parking lot expansion (30 additional spaces), playground reorientation, widened bus drop-off on Shonnard, new front entrance, mechanical upgrades (air conditioning), window/roof replacement, toilet room additions/renovations, and ADA improvements. Students will be relocated to Shea during construction (completion Q3 2029). Report of the Diversity Officer (Sherelle Pace) - EEO Data: Minority workforce participation is 18.13% (goal not specified); women workforce is 14.86% (goal 12%, exceeding); Syracuse city residents are 17.56% (goal 20%); SCSD graduates are 0.99% (goal 2%). Percentages will fluctuate as more contractors submit hours. - MWBE Data: Overall MBE participation is 1% toward an 18% goal; overall WBE participation is 7% toward a 12% goal. Contractors Kadini and Turner have contributed; Labella has not yet reported MBE participation due to later scopes. CNS has not submitted payment applications. - Software Update: Staff are exploring B2G Now for contract management and eComply for certified payroll to streamline compliance. Any ICO selected will be required to use these systems. Key Outcomes - Resolution 19 – Monthly Payments for September: Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously with no objections or abstentions. - Insurance Renewal: The Director’s and Officers’ Liability Insurance application for annual renewal is being submitted; a proposal is expected at the next board meeting. - Next Steps: The board will receive formal phase swap documentation from the school district for approval. The next PLA meeting is scheduled for October 8.

The Syracuse City Council held a study session on September 23, 2026, beginning at noon, to review a wide range of administrative items, contract amendments, policy discussions, and special use permits. Topics included a snow removal agreement with the state, lead service line restoration issues, hydrant replacement and standardization debates, a deer culling program, amendments to a battery storage moratorium, and several special use permits for a cannabis dispensary, a contractor yard, a hookah lounge, and a bar. No formal votes were recorded; the meeting concluded with a motion to go into executive session. Discussion Items - Snow Removal Agreement (Item 12): Commissioner presented an agreement with the state to assist during emergency snow events by taking over state routes (e.g., West Genesee, Erie Boulevard). The city receives no compensation for this assistance. Councilor questioned the number of available snow drivers. - Lead Service Line Restoration (Items 14-15): During discussion of sewer and pump station project contract amendments, councilors raised concerns about contractors failing to restore lawns and sidewalks after lead service line replacements. Commissioner acknowledged lost tracking and committed to enforcing 20-day restoration deadlines in future contracts and convening a committee meeting to address accountability. - Hydrant Replacement and Standardization (Items 23, 18): A $275,000 transfer for hydrant replacement was presented. Councilor inquired about standardizing hydrant threads to a national standard. Fire Chief Michael Monza explained that Syracuse uses unique threads, but adapters are carried; changing all hydrants and fire apparatus would be extremely costly and is not currently a problem. Commissioner noted that the unique threads help control unauthorized water use. - Deer Culling and Tick Management (Items 24-26): Parks Commissioner Saisha Bird presented a negative declaration for the deer culling program, an agreement with USDA Wildlife Services (not to exceed $90,000), and an agreement with Marshmill Ranch for meat processing. The program runs from December 2026 to April 2027. - Battery Storage Moratorium Amendment (Item 40): Deputy Commissioner Jake Dishaw proposed amending the current moratorium to allow small-scale accessory commercial battery energy storage systems (e.g., backup batteries for buildings), while maintaining the moratorium on large-scale grid-connected systems. A local law is expected within 4-6 weeks. - Special Use Permits (Items 43-46): Items included a New York State-licensed retail cannabis dispensary at 2671 James Street (already conditionally approved by the state), a contractor yard at 2910 Erie Boulevard East, a hookah/smoking paraphernalia establishment (no tobacco or cannabis) at an unspecified location, and a bar at 648 Burnett Avenue. Councilor expressed concern about the hookah establishment's impact on vulnerable constituents in the North Side district. Key Outcomes - Items Held or Pulled: Item 30 (police-related) was pulled for additional information; Item 42 (regional market) was held from a prior session and is now considered resolved by Councilor Nave. - Items Ready for Future Action: Item 41 is expected to be ready for the Monday session. Item 40 will return with a formal local law in 4-6 weeks. - Committee Commitment: Council committed to holding a committee meeting to address contractor accountability and restoration tracking. - Motion for Executive Session: The council voted to move into executive session to discuss certain items in private.

The Syracuse Planning Commission convened on September 22, 2026, at approximately 7:00 PM local time (21:52:15+00:00) to consider a zoning map amendment, two major site plan reviews, and a three-mile limit subdivision review. Two items were postponed. The commission approved all items with conditions. Meeting Opening and Minutes - The commission approved the minutes of the August 31, 2026, meeting with two corrections related to the wording on page two for application SP-2026-10. Postponements - Two major site plan reviews for the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County (La Liga) at 601 South Geddes and 316 Delaware Street were postponed because the applicant missed a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. Both will return on a future agenda with new public noticing. Zoning Map Amendment Z-2923 – 270 West Corning Avenue - Applicant: City of Syracuse Zoning Administration (Rebecca Baker). - Description: A zoning map amendment to avoid split-zoned parcels after a lot alteration. Two portions of 270 West Corning Avenue will be merged with adjacent lots at 2131 and 2135 Midland Avenue. - Public Comment: None. - SEQR: Negative declaration issued. - Vote: Unanimous approval with a condition that the companion resubdivision maps (R-2026-70) must be filed with the Onondaga County Clerk within 62 days of Common Council approval of the zoning map amendment. The recommendation moves to the Common Council for final action. Major Site Plan Review MA-SPR-2026-25 – 344 North Salina Street (Helio Health Training Center) - Applicant: Helio Health, represented by Bob Segert (architect) and Kathleen Gaffey Babb (President/CEO). - Description: Construction of a two-story, 12,500-square-foot building to replace three abandoned buildings. The facility will serve as a workforce training center for behavioral health professionals. Helio Health reported training over 6,900 individuals since 2020. The building design was reviewed by the Landmark Preservation Board and is compatible with the historic district. - Discussion: The training center will host cohorts of up to 25 for in-person sessions, with most trainings during business hours. A fitness center was removed from plans; the second floor now includes classroom and office space. Neighbor concerns about Helio Health’s existing clients (lingering, needles) were raised at a prior meeting. Kathleen Gaffey Babb stated the training center serves staff and trainees, not the general patient population, and committed to increased security and community engagement. - Public Comments: - Jose Mareto (268 Mark Lane, Syracuse) expressed skepticism about Helio Health’s hiring practices and long-term community benefit based on his personal experience applying for jobs without response. He did not oppose the proposal but urged safeguards. - Councilor Nave (representing the Northside) acknowledged the need for the project to improve the dilapidated site but requested additional professional security personnel to address safety concerns from Helio Health’s existing operations. - Kathleen Gaffey Babb responded by offering her contact information and committing to meet with neighbors and address concerns, including expanding outreach and engagement efforts. - SEQR: Previously completed. - Vote: Unanimous approval with two conditions: (1) compliance with general site plan approval conditions, and (2) snow storage must be maintained on-site in designated areas, not encroaching into public rights-of-way or adjacent properties. Major Site Plan Review MA-SPR-2026-32 – 813 Northway Street - Applicant: Michael Wolniak (architect) on behalf of Shaylin Wanjala. - Description: Modification to an existing single-family residence to add bedrooms and bathrooms at the lower level for family members (mother and brother). No exterior changes except emergency egress windows at the rear. The house has a walkout basement due to a split site. - Public Comment: None. - SEQR: Negative declaration issued. - Vote: Unanimous approval with two conditions: (1) compliance with general site plan approval conditions, and (2) proper permits must be obtained before any work. Three-Mile Limit Subdivision Review 3S-2026-13 – 734 State Fair Boulevard (Town of Geddes) - Description: A subdivision review within the three-mile limit of Syracuse, requiring commission approval. The city engineer had already approved the proposal. - Discussion: Staff noted that the minutes from the Town of Geddes did not reflect whether a SEQR review had been conducted. The commission added an amendment requiring confirmation that the town completed its SEQR review. If not, the item would need to return. - Vote: Unanimous approval with the condition that SEQR must be confirmed as completed by the town. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned without further business.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no detailed summary of discussions, public comments, or decisions can be generated.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on September 17, 2026, to consider two area variance applications. The first, for Helio Health at 344 North Salina Street, was approved after a public hearing and deliberation. The second, for the Spanish Action League at 316 Delaware Street, was continued to a future meeting because the applicant did not appear. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the July 16, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - V-2026-16 (344 North Salina Street): No members of the public spoke for or against the project. The applicant noted that they had contacted neighbors who previously expressed concerns about a treatment center, but after clarification that it is a training center, most neighbors considered the project an improvement. - V-2026-18 (316 Delaware Street): Michael Harris, owner of 321 Kellogg, the property adjacent to the proposed development, spoke in opposition. He expressed frustration that the Spanish Action League had not responded to his attempts to negotiate or discuss the project, which he said would be built within six feet of his home. He requested contact information and the board agreed to leave the public hearing open until the next meeting. Discussion Items - V-2026-16 – Area Variance for Helio Health Training Institute (344 North Salina Street): The applicant, Bob Seigert (architect) and Kathleen Gaffney Babb (CEO of Helio Health), presented plans for a two-story office building in the MX4 Zone District. The variance was needed because the district requires a minimum of three stories. The project had been approved by the Landmark Preservation Board in 2022. The applicant explained that the building would be a training center for behavioral health workforce development, not a treatment facility. The existing structure on the site is deteriorated and will be demolished. During board discussion, concerns were raised about whether a two-story building was appropriate at a prominent corner and whether it could accept a third story in the future. The applicant stated that a third story would create unused space and that the building could be structurally designed to accommodate an additional story later. Staff recommended three conditions for approval. After deliberation on the five criteria for an area variance, the board found that four of the five criteria were met (neighborhood character, feasibility of alternatives, substantiality, and adverse effects) and one (self-created difficulties) was not met. The motion to approve with conditions carried 2–1. - V-2026-18 – Area Variance for 30% Ground Floor Window Transparency (316 Delaware Street): The applicant (Spanish Action League of Onondaga County) was not present to present their case. The board opened the public hearing to hear from the neighbor, then left the hearing open for the next meeting. Board members discussed the need for understanding the intent of the transparency requirement, but deferred further consideration. Key Outcomes - Approved: V-2026-16 – Area variance to construct a two-story office building at 344 North Salina Street (relief from three-story minimum), subject to the following conditions: 1. Comply with general conditions for variance approval. 2. Comply with comments and recommendations of the Onondaga County Planning Board as incorporated into the companion major site plan. 3. Any further reduction in building stories requires a new variance application. (Vote: 2 in favor, 1 opposed). - Continued: V-2026-18 – Area variance for 30% ground floor window transparency at 316 Delaware Street was left open; rescheduled for a future meeting. The board directed staff to provide the applicant's contact information to the neighbor and to re-notice the hearing.

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on September 17, 2026. The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting and conducted two public hearings for certificates of appropriateness. Both applications involved garage door replacements, and the board voted to approve both, with the second application approved with conditions. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously with no changes, opposition, or abstentions. Discussion Items - CA-26-19: 120 Dorset Road – Garage repair/reconstruction and new doors. Applicant Tom Di Tullio (TJD Tullio Architects) presented. The project involves reconstructing failing concrete knee walls and replacing the overhead door. The applicant requested to use a metal insulated door instead of a wooden one due to cost and availability (180–200 day lead time for wood). Board members asked about stucco repair (using high-lime content stucco to match texture) and drainage improvements. They discussed the door design: the existing door is a flat panel, but the proposed metal door is a raised panel design. The board requested exploring a flat panel option with a smooth finish. The board approved the application as submitted. - CA-26-20: 301 Highland Avenue – Garage door replacement. Owner Dan Stevens presented. The existing wood doors are deteriorated beyond repair due to snow and ice; one door has a hole from a detached metal plate. Security concerns were noted (two vehicle break-ins). The applicant proposed replacing both doors with composite steel doors featuring a single row of upper windows (prairie style), unlike the existing two rows. Board members suggested retaining the second row of windows for visual character and adding a privacy film to deter looking in. The applicant was open to this. After a motion to approve as submitted with different window style failed (no second), a new motion was made to approve with modification: retain the second row of windows, use stock bridge window style, and add privacy film. That motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - CA-26-19 (120 Dorset Road): Approved as submitted. Motion: approve application as submitted. Seconded. Vote: all in favor. - CA-26-20 (301 Highland Avenue): Approved with conditions. Initial motion (approve as submitted with change to stock bridge windows for top row) failed due to no second. Subsequent motion to approve with modification (retain second row of windows, stock bridge style, privacy film) passed. Vote: all in favor.

On September 16, 2026, the Syracuse Common Council convened a labor agreement and HR educational meeting with the administration, including Head of HR Richard and Deputy Mayor Corey Jisco, to receive an update on ongoing union negotiations, wage comparability with peer cities, and to discuss recruitment and retention for public-facing city workers. Discussion Items - Labor negotiations update: HR reported negotiations span a number of departments, began in May 2026, and are ongoing, including on the meeting date. Skilled trades, whose contract expired January 1, have a tentative agreement before council. Some units are under contract through the end of 2028. - Impasse explained: Deputy Mayor Jisco described impasse as a point where a party essentially says there is no value in meeting further. He noted the rules of engagement signed at the start of negotiations prohibit either party from publicly discussing proposal terms. - Wage comparability: HR said the city compares itself to Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Ithaca, and Yonkers, and that Syracuse is within a dollar or two of Ithaca for almost every position, but less than Ithaca. Councillor Manto questioned whether comparables are skewed because the county and city school district draw from a larger pool and some unions do not have residency requirements. - Pay differential: Councillor Jones asked whether the pay difference between the city, county, and city school district is roughly $4; the difference was not confirmed in the transcript. - Living wage: Councillor Hudson clarified the city's living wage ordinance, passed in 2012 and updated annually, sets the 2026 rate at $16.92 per hour for jobs providing benefits and $19.98 without benefits. Councillor Hudson and Councillor Moore expressed concern that this is not enough for workers to afford housing and basic repairs in the current market. - Health care value: Councillor Hudson noted the city's insurance plan has a 97.5% actuarial value, which she called "unheard of in New York State." HR noted the plan is worth the equivalent of a $26,000 health insurance plan even for someone who never uses it, while the city pays less than the cost of a bronze plan. Health care costs about one-third of the overall city budget and continues to rise. - Charter priorities and public-facing workers: Councillor Moore stated that under the charter, the three major responsibilities are DPW, fire, and police, and that the public most depends on these workers for safety and cleanliness. She and Councillor Hudson raised concerns about winter snow removal if staffing fails, noted many workers are 30 to 45 years old, and said many DPW workers work two jobs. - Crossing guards: Councillor Hudson said crossing guards have been overlooked too long, risk their lives directing traffic, receive no benefits, and should be given a living wage increase and some form of benefit or credit. - Ideas for recruitment and retention: Councillor Moore suggested thinking outside the box, including twice-yearly bonuses for workers, while stressing "our people are first." Deputy Mayor Jisco reported that Mayor Owens has tasked HR with exploring an employee housing portal and remitted tuition with higher education institutions. Councillors discussed concerns that CDL drivers, who are more transient, could take a sign-on bonus and leave. Key Outcomes - The administration stated it is "ready to partner" on a number of scenarios the council sees fit, including a targeted approach to address wages or recruitment. - Councillors requested that the administration consider sharing its proposals with the council for review. - No formal votes were taken at this educational meeting.