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SHOWING 311–320 ENTRIES
311
SEP 16, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse IDA Board Meeting – September 16, 2025

The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) board met on September 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in the Common Council Chambers at Syracuse City Hall. The meeting included a public hearing, approval of minutes, a finance committee report, and votes on several resolutions. Key actions included approving a 20-year PILOT for a historic renovation at 31 Gannett Drive, authorizing a corporate restructuring for the McGuire dealership project, and granting a local access waiver for concrete foundations on the North Side Genesee project. Public Hearing - A public hearing was held for Swanton Fulton Street LLC / 31 Gannett Drive, regarding a project consisting of 83,000 square feet, 52 outdoor gated parking spots, and financial assistance including real property tax exemptions, sales and use tax exemptions (up to $804,525), and mortgage recording tax exemptions (up to $101,250). The applicant, Grazi Zazaro, stated the building has been vacant for at least 25 years, has received City Planning Commission (CPC) approval, and aims for a November/December 2025 construction start with a 12–13 month timeline. The project will use historic tax credits, with Huber Brewer as GC and Architects. No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. - The finance committee reported a positive recommendation for the 311 GANAT project after a deep-dive review on September 9, 2025. Discussion Items/Resolutions - 31 Gannett Drive (Swanton Fulton Street LLC): Three resolutions were approved: 1. Inducement Resolution (unanimous): Authorizes SIDA to undertake the project, approves an agency agreement to be signed within 14 days, and authorizes sales/use tax benefits (max $804,525) and mortgage recording tax benefits (max $101,250). 2. PILOT Resolution (unanimous): A 20-year PILOT under the Uniform Tax Exemption Policy (UTEP) due to the project's historic property eligibility, with abatements only on improvements (existing property taxes continue). 3. Final Resolution (unanimous): Authorizes legal counsel to draft remaining transaction documents. - McGuire Limited Partnership (Restructuring): A resolution was approved (unanimous) to clarify the corporate restructuring from a limited partnership to an LLC for the McGuire Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealership project on Hiawatha Boulevard (closed in 2020). The restructuring was initially authorized in January 2025 but required additional clarification. The same individuals will transition from general partners to managers/members; the change is a family restructuring in ownership percentages. - North Side Genesee – Local Access Waiver: The board approved (unanimous) a waiver for the concrete foundation, slab, and reinforcement subcontract to Ragoni Foundations (approx. $3.5 million, or 5.4% of total construction costs). Background: The project was bid twice over two years due to financing delays; only 5 of 23 contractors submitted binding bids after a second solicitation, with 4 being local. The other 18 declined due to being busy. Of the $3.5 million, approximately 35–40% is materials, with reinforcing bar from non-local New Core but concrete from local suppliers. Key Outcomes - All resolutions were approved unanimously with no abstentions or opposition. - The public hearing was closed with no public comment. - A note was made that the project manager for Grazi's project will need to be informed of SIDA's new policies before bidding. - Attendees were reminded to sign the attendance sheet. - The meeting adjourned with a unanimous motion.

PROPERTY DISPOSITION 51% · PROCEDURAL 40% · PROCUREMENT 9%
312
SEP 15, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Public Hearing on SPD Drone Policy (Policy 606) – Syracuse, NY – September 15, 2025

A public hearing was held on September 15, 2025, regarding a proposed agreement with an acting corporation to provide police department drone services, specifically the Syracuse Police Department's Policy 606 on the use of drones. Multiple community members spoke in opposition to the program, citing concerns about privacy, data security, lack of oversight, and the militarization of policing. No council discussion or votes took place during the hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - Barry Goodwanter (232 Riders, Zip 13207) reviewed the proposed policy and existing 2020 procedure document, noting that the procedure document has not been updated and only allows for line-of-sight drone operation. He argued the program is not ready for approval and urged delay until a new procedure document is drafted. He also expressed concern that the program's name implies drones may substitute for officer response and that SPD command desires to use drones for all calls, including low-priority ones. - Lee Cridlin (1204 North Glen Cove Road, Syracuse; Syracuse Peace Council) stated the organization has worked on drone issues since 2009. He noted that drone use was initially limited to high-priority calls but was extended in April 2025 to all calls, and in July 2025, regulations were updated to remove language protecting residents from backyard surveillance. He called for more public input and clear policies, stating that public feedback has been largely negative. - Aaron Burnside (50 Presidential Plaza, Syracuse; graduate student and lifelong resident) opposed the program as militarizing the community with military-grade drones and lacking oversight. He raised concerns about data vulnerability, noting that SPD's Flock camera program inadvertently shared data with thousands of police departments, including 2,000 immigration-related searches. He questioned whether Axon's contract allows data sharing, and warned that drones could film large areas without residents' knowledge. He also argued that legal precedent for drone footage is unsettled and that drones can be hacked, risking data exposure. He urged spending on social programs instead of surveillance technology. - An unnamed speaker (referenced Counselor Majok) noted that 67% of public feedback (or 72% by sentiment) opposed the program. He highlighted risks in Axon's contract language allowing data sharing with government authorities, including potential sharing with ICE, and cited SPD's poor data stewardship record (e.g., Flock camera program). He also stated that Syracuse's crime rates are declining 27% year-to-year and that SPD staffing is higher than the national average for similar-sized cities, questioning the need for drones. - Aaron Burnside (additional remarks) added that national legal precedence on drone video admissibility is lacking, and that data could be used against community members decades later. He also raised the risk of drones being hacked, citing examples from conflict zones, and argued that addressing underlying social issues like poverty and education would reduce crime more effectively than surveillance technology. Key Outcomes - No decisions or votes were made at the hearing. The public comment period was closed after the speakers. The council may consider the comments before taking further action on the drone policy.

PRIVACY AND SURVEILLANCE 77% · PUBLIC SAFETY 23%
313
SEP 15, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse City Council Meeting – September 15, 2025

The Syracuse City Council convened on September 15, 2025, at approximately 4:55 PM. The meeting began with a prayer and roll call, with all council members present. The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting, received a communication from the Onondaga County Department of Planning regarding a certificate of reservation for Helen D. Hudson Boulevard, and proceeded to vote on a series of agenda items (items 10 through 72) introduced by various councilors. Several items were held or withdrawn. Notable discussion occurred on item 24 regarding bonding for police vehicles, and item 63 required a roll call vote. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the September 15th meeting (unanimous). - Items 10, 11, 12, 13: Introduced by Councilor Calback and adopted unanimously. - Items 15-30, 32: Introduced by Councilor Majell and adopted unanimously, with item 14 held for a public hearing and item 31 withdrawn. Item 24 included a comment from a councilor (see Discussion Items). - Item 34: Introduced by Councilor Penny Abbott and adopted unanimously. Items 33 and 35 were held/tabled. - Items 36-37, 39-48: Introduced by Councilor Gathers, with item 38 held, and all others adopted unanimously. - Item 49: Appointment of Octavia Gerdhardt to the Citizens Review Board (unanimous). - Items 50-51, 53-57, 59: Introduced by Councilor Hogan, with items 52 and 58 held, and all others adopted unanimously. - Items 61-62, 64: Introduced by Councilor Williams, with item 60 held. Items 61 and 62 adopted unanimously; item 64 unanimous. - Items 65-72: Introduced by Councilor Jones Rousser and adopted unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 24 – Bonding for Police Vehicles: A councilor expressed concern about bonding for police vehicles rather than using cash capital as initially planned in the January capital plan, noting the city would incur approximately $150,000 in debt service. The councilor nevertheless supported the item. The item passed unanimously. - Item 63 – Roll Call Vote: Councilor Williams requested a roll call vote on item 63. The vote resulted in 6 in favor and 3 opposed: Councillors Cogwa, Michot, Peniagua, Gathers, Williams, and Jones Rousser voted yes; Councillors Nave, Hogan, and Mato voted no. The item passed 6-3. Key Outcomes - All listed items were either passed, held, or withdrawn as noted. The meeting adjourned following a motion. Note: No public comments or committee reports were presented during the meeting.

PROCEDURAL 69% · PERSONNEL MATTERS 16% · PUBLIC SAFETY 15%
314
SEP 15, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse City Council Study Session - September 15, 2025

This meeting of the Syracuse Common Council was a study session to review and schedule agenda items for upcoming public hearings and committee meetings. Key topics included a revocable permission agreement for speed camera equipment at Steam School, a proposed shelter rent agreement for an affordable housing project at 680 South Avenue, and various routine approvals. The council also appointed a new member to the Citizens Review Board. Consent Calendar - Items 10-13, 14-32 (except 14 held for public hearing, 31 withdrawn), 33 (introduced and tabled as a local law), 34, 36-48 (except 38 held for committee meeting), 50-64 (except 52 held for further review, 58 held for committee meeting, 60 held), and 65-72 were reported as ready or processed. - Item 9 was withdrawn. Item 31 was withdrawn. Item 35 was held. Discussion Items - Steam School Speed Camera Installation (Item 36): Chief Operating Officer Connor Muldoon explained that the revocable permission for Genoptic to place equipment in the right-of-way addresses insurance and liability for potential damage to city equipment during installation. Underground conduits at Steam School are old, and city staff recommended securing this liability coverage before proceeding. The council agreed to vote on the item that day, with a committee meeting on data privacy and security scheduled for Wednesday. - Affordable Housing at 680 South Avenue (Item 52): Commissioner of Assessment Matt reported that Southside Renaissance, the developer, did not file its HCR application for funding, despite previous attempts. The shelter rent agreement would authorize negotiation for when the developer secures financing. Councilor Hogan expressed concern about locking up the property for an entity that has not yet obtained funding, noting this is the third attempt. The standard terms (greater of $525 per unit or 10% of gross revenue, 15-year term) were discussed. The council decided to hold the item for two weeks for further review of language and to assess the developer's progress. - Appointment to Citizens Review Board: Councilor Nave appointed Octavia Gernhardt to the Citizens Review Board, noting her presence and requesting support. A letter of recognition was received regarding a prior resignation, making the appointment valid. Key Outcomes - Item 36 (Steam School speed camera revocable permission) was approved to move forward, pending the committee meeting. - Item 52 (shelter rent agreement for 680 South Avenue) was held for two weeks to allow further deliberation and review of terms. - Octavia Gernhardt was appointed to the Citizens Review Board (presumably approved by voice vote). - A motion to adjourn the executive session was passed, followed by adjournment of the study session.

PROCEDURAL 62% · AFFORDABLE HOUSING 27% · DATA PROTECTION 11%
315
SEP 10, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse Common Council Meeting - September 10, 2025

The Syracuse Common Council held a regular meeting on September 10, 2025, addressing a wide range of items including routine approvals, public safety technology upgrades, vehicle replacement, parking garage management, and property conveyances. The meeting included extensive discussion on police department capital plans, camera systems, and data sharing concerns, as well as the adoption of several bond ordinances and agreements. Consent Calendar - Accepted a donation from the Everson Museum of a temporary half-pipe skateboarding structure for placement at a city park. - Approved an agreement with Elite Gaming for instructional e-gaming programs at Wilson and Southwest (no further details provided). - Amended Ordinance 96 to waive residency requirements for lifeguards during the school year to address staffing shortages at Huntington Pool. - Appropriated $25,000 to the Syracuse Parks Conservancy for ongoing support of city parks. - Approved an agreement with Emergency Training Consultants for firefighter civil service test prep instruction, not to exceed $6,000 (with a request for follow-up data on participant outcomes). - Authorized hiring Syracuse Office Environments for furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the police and fire relocation to 1153, not to exceed $879,000 (bonded previously). - Approved an agreement with New Era Technology for phone system maintenance at the Public Safety Building, not to exceed $15,000 (last year of service before move to new building). - Authorized bonds for a departmental command post replacement ($750,000) and a police department command post replacement (capital improvement plan). - Authorized bonds for radio replacement ($500,000) for police portable radios (mobile radios replaced last year). - Authorized bonds for police department vehicle replacement plan ($3,241,000) – noted ongoing vehicle shortage and aging fleet. - Authorized bonds for police department IT server upgrade ($100,000) and switches/firewalls/related equipment. - Authorized bonds for handgun program (28-29) – trade-in of old guns for credit on new purchases. - Appropriated $150,000 from cash capital for patrol rifle replacement. - Appropriated funds for a new records management system (currently using county’s Chairs 2 system; exploring more robust options like Niche). - Approved annual fee for AIMS parking ticket system support. - Approved Syracuse City School District budget amendment (increase of $6 million to General Fund operating budget). - Approved switching ACA reporting vendor from Alera Group to B Pass, with estimated annual savings of $10,000-$12,000. - Approved annual agreement for vigilance hearing tests (administered by DPW for all city departments). - Approved agreement with Laz Parking for operation of four city-owned parking garages (Washington Street, Fayette, Madison Irving, and Center Armory) – three-year contract with two two-year renewal options; Laz to invest $100,000 in beautification and $25,000 for EV charging installations. - Appropriated $673,000 from sewer capital account for new equipment. - Authorized bonds for street lighting, interstate upgrades, and parks improvements (solar lighting upgrades in 15-20 parks noted). - Approved revocable permission to SUNY ESF for electrical meter and conduits on Standard Street. - Approved revocable permission to WLLC (Joe Hucko) for repair of underground vaults on Bank Street (includes sidewalk work). - Rescinded a revocable permission to Syracuse University approved in May (no longer needed due to plan changes). - Approved appointment of Olivia Saccarori’s successor for the First Council District (name not specified in transcript). - Approved special use permit (item 50) and related items 51-56 after public hearing and committee meetings; item 56 concerns expansion of police parking lot near Magnolia Street (baseball field retained). - Approved item 57 (same tenant space as existing). - Held item 58 for committee meeting for further discussion. - Approved item 59 without question. - Held item 60 for committee meeting on September 17 at 2:00 PM. - Authorized retaining an appraiser for property at 108 Elmwood Avenue (vacant lot, adjacent owner interested in purchasing). - Approved lease agreement with Syracuse City School District for property at 516 Prospect Avenue (financial vehicle for school district to repay city). - Authorized transfer of funds to Home Headquarters (items 65-66) for 25-26 general operating budget (amount corrected to $725,000). - Authorized agreement with HUD for FY23 community project funding grants ($1 million) for blight busting and emergency repair program. - Extended contract with Home Headquarters for Financial Empowerment Center services (until new RFP awardee is selected, estimated at $385,000). - Amended ordinances 69-70 to reflect status of properties as vacant lots (improvements removed). - Conveyed two vacant lots on Fairfield Avenue to the land bank (items 71-72). Discussion Items - Police Vehicle Replacement and Fleet Management: Council members questioned the age, mileage, and condition of the police fleet. Chief Richard First Deputy responded that vehicles are often over five years old with over 150,000 miles, and that the department is short of vehicles due to accidents and maintenance. A councilor noted a specific vehicle (blueberry-colored) that was reportedly sitting unused but was clarified as a loaner. The chief committed to providing a spreadsheet of vehicles by year and mileage. - Capital Planning Strategy: Councilor questioned the shift from using cash capital ($5.3 million) to bonding ($935,000) for police vehicles. Chief Administrative Officer Corey Dunham explained that bonding for vehicles is now permissible and preferable to preserve cash capital for items that can only be funded with cash. Councilor expressed concern about borrowing for items previously paid with cash, but the administration indicated this would be part of a new capital planning process with increased council engagement. - Police Camera System and Data Privacy: Discussion on the replacement of aging cameras. Chief noted cameras are used daily to solve crimes (homicides, larcenies, etc.) and are placed based on crime stats and neighborhood requests. A councilor raised concerns about invasion of privacy and third-party data sharing. Chief clarified cameras have no sound, do not capture phone calls, and data is protected with Axon Air. The city owns the data. Another councilor clarified that Syracuse University’s cameras are on private property and not city-operated. Discussion also touched on delays in installing cameras due to utility pole permission processes (National Grid, Verizon). - Speed Camera Program (Genoptic): Councilor Gathers raised data sharing concerns over speed cameras. Staff explained that Genoptic uses high privacy standards, the city owns the data, and strict state limitations prevent sharing with third parties. A special committee meeting will be scheduled to discuss data sharing further. - Parking Garages Consultant: Councilor Gathers inquired about long-term planning for the four city-owned parking garages. Deputy Commissioner noted that a consultant scope of work has been drafted to evaluate urban planning, revenue potential, capital needs, and potential disposition, especially in light of I-81 project changes. Councilor suggested a joint committee meeting to discuss the consultant. - Executive Session: The council moved to executive session to discuss two settlement agreements and a proposed legal change regarding claim handling. One item was deferred to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items were approved (no roll call votes recorded, but items were called “ready” and advanced). - The council directed the police department to provide data on test prep course usage, vehicle fleet details (year/mileage), and camera-related crime-solving statistics. - The council will hold a special committee meeting on Genoptic data sharing. - A joint committee meeting will be scheduled to discuss hiring a parking garage consultant. - The council moved to executive session (motion seconded and approved).

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 23% · PROCUREMENT 18% · PUBLIC SAFETY 17% · PROPERTY DISPOSITION 8%
316
SEP 10, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse Common Council Meeting on Housing Tax Exemptions - September 10, 2025

A public meeting was held on September 10, 2025, to discuss three affordable housing projects seeking tax exemption agreements and other city approvals. The meeting was chaired by a council member who noted the need to focus on the tax exemption agreement due to other commitments. Present were Commissioners O.J., Collins, President Hudson, Councillors Paniagua and Nave. Discussions centered on the Southside Renaissance housing project (52 units), a 51-unit project at 680 South Avenue by Keenan, and the La Liga West Side Village scattered-site project. Also discussed was the redevelopment of the former Johnson Vocational Center (51 units) into 138 units of mixed-income housing via a ground lease. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during the meeting. Discussion Items - Southside Renaissance Housing (52 units): Commissioner O.J. provided an update on this mixed-use project (commercial downstairs, residential up) on the 15/1600 blocks of South Avenue, describing it as a partnership between local developer Charlene and St. Nick's Alliance. The project has been in development since 2021, with multiple HCR applications; the third submission is due the day after the meeting. The majority of funding will come from Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The city has submitted letters of support to HCR. Councillors expressed strong support, noting the area needs quality affordable housing and that the project aligns with BRT corridor and other city investments. - 680 South Avenue (51 units): Commissioner O.J. described this project by developer Keenan (formerly with Trinity) as a 51-unit, passive house standard building with structured parking, located across from the Price Rite supermarket. The site is in a floodplain, complicating development. Councillors praised the project for its amenities (grocery store, bus line, parks) and potential to lift property values in the depressed South Side. The developer intends to submit a LITECH application by the next day's deadline. - La Liga West Side Village (scattered site): Discussed as a third project submitting by the deadline. Commissioner O.J. noted that La Liga has partnered with Acasia (a downstate developer) for affordable housing. The project involves scattered sites, and the council was informed that all three projects are competing for LITECH funding. - Johnson Vocational Center (51 units): Commissioner Collins presented plans to redevelop the former H.W. Smith Vocational Tech site (200 Park Avenue) into 138 units of mixed-income housing with commercial space, via a 65-year ground lease for $1.025 million. The city will obtain an independent appraisal to support the value. The development team is Penrose (national) partnering with Hanover Ventures (local). The developer is working on financing and has not yet submitted a CIDA application. Concerns were raised about a party wall with an adjacent property and parking availability, but staff noted the area is walkable and no parking is required under current zoning. Councillors expressed concern about past projects stalling and urged diligence to ensure this project proceeds. Key Outcomes - The council expressed unanimous verbal support for the Southside Renaissance, 680 South Avenue, and La Liga projects, with the understanding that their official letters of support have been sent to HCR. - No formal votes were taken during the meeting. - The council directed staff to inform them once all three LITECH applications are submitted. - For the Johnson Vocational Center, the council agreed to proceed with an independent appraisal before making a final decision on the sale/ground lease. Staff will return with legislation within the quarter. - Commissioner Collins agreed to investigate why a remaining wall from a demolished factory is still standing on the Johnson site. - The meeting was adjourned without further action.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 62% · PROPERTY DISPOSITION 28% · ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 8% · PARKING MANAGEMENT 2%
317
SEP 9, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse Public Art Commission Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Syracuse Public Art Commission (SPAC) met on September 9, 2025, at 21:25 UTC. Chair Tina Zakiva called the meeting to order, welcoming new commissioners Lisa Lambert and Emma Rader. The commission reviewed and approved two public art proposals, discussed upcoming leadership transitions, and explored ways to connect with local schools and city infrastructure projects.

PUBLIC ART 50% · PROCEDURAL 16% · EDUCATION FUNDING 8% · TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 7%
318
SEP 8, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse Planning Commission Meeting - September 8, 2025

The Syracuse Planning Commission convened on September 8, 2025, to review and act on several land use applications, including a major battery energy storage system, a mixed-use tower renovation, and multiple site plan and subdivision approvals. All applications were approved with conditions, and no public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes from the August 18, 2025 meeting with four corrections: correcting a statement about bike parking ratio, spelling a speaker's name, and correcting a project type reference. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition to any application during the public comment periods. Discussion Items - South Av Apartment Project (R-25-40 & MASPR-25-16): The commission considered a resubdivision and major site plan review for a residential project. The applicant confirmed a bike room on the ground floor. No public comment. The resubdivision was approved with a condition to file within 62 days. The site plan was approved with three conditions: maintain landscaping buffers, collaborate with the business and neighborhood development department on six affordable housing units, and continue collaboration with city departments. - 621 Seymour Street Resubdivision (R-25-35): The applicant, representing the Syracuse Land Bank and property owner, proposed to combine three lots for a daycare center. The commission issued a negative SEQR declaration and approved the resubdivision with a condition to file within 62 days. - Mispa Tower Renovation (MASPR-24-40): The applicant presented a project to convert a six-story building at 350 Montgomery Street into mixed-use with residential units, a restaurant/bar/event space, and a law office. The project includes ADA improvements and interior bike storage. The commission issued a negative SEQR declaration and approved the site plan with seven conditions, including future exterior modifications subject to Landmark Preservation Board review, restrictions on changes to tenancy/units, repair of damaged sidewalks/brick banding, protection of a city marker, interior bike storage (1 per 8 units), licenses for alcohol/entertainment, and adherence to certificate of appropriateness. - East Brighton Ave Battery Energy Storage System (R-25-41, SP-25-24, MASPR-25-18): The applicant proposed a 10 MW battery energy storage system (two 5 MW units) on a 0.9-acre site, capable of powering 3,000–3,500 homes each for four hours during peak demand. The project will connect to a nearby substation and is part of NYSERDA’s clean energy initiative. The applicant stated they will adhere to updated fire safety codes (effective January 2026) and have an emergency response plan. The commission discussed a request from Councilor Jones-Rouser to delay action for community engagement. The applicant agreed to outreach. The commission issued a negative SEQR declaration and approved the resubdivision (conditionally on special use permit approval), the special use permit (as a recommendation to the Common Council), and the major site plan review, all with conditions for continued collaboration with city departments and the fire department. Key Outcomes - Minutes: Approved with corrections (unanimous). - South Av Project: Resubdivision R-25-40 approved (unanimous); Major Site Plan MASPR-25-16 approved (unanimous). - 621 Seymour Resubdivision: SEQR negative declaration issued; R-25-35 approved (unanimous). - Mispa Tower Renovation: SEQR negative declaration issued; MASPR-24-40 approved (unanimous). - Battery Storage Project: SEQR negative declaration issued; R-25-41 approved (unanimous) with condition that filing occurs within 62 days of Common Council approval of special use permit; SP-25-24 approved as recommendation to Common Council (unanimous); MASPR-25-18 approved (unanimous). - Three-Mile Limit Cases: 3S-25-11 (Clay) approved (unanimous); 3S-25-12 (Camillus) approved (unanimous).

ZONING REGULATION 40% · ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE 28% · PROCEDURAL 9% · PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 7%
319
SEP 8, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
SURA Board Meeting – September 8, 2025: Approves $1.25M for Home Headquarters and $2.5M Transfer

The Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency (SURA) board convened on September 8, 2025, at 5:26 PM with all members present (Council President Hudson and Commissioner Canazaro). The board considered three resolutions related to housing funding allocations, including companion pieces and a housekeeping item. No public comments were received. All resolutions were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Resolutions 3472 & 3473 (Companion Pieces): Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Development Michelle Sabinski introduced these resolutions authorizing SURA to accept $1.25 million from the City of Syracuse and then transfer those funds via an agreement with Home Headquarters. The funds were already included in the city’s 2025-26 general operating budget. Specifically, $500,000 would support the Urgent Care Improvement Program (UCIP) for low‑interest loans, prioritized in the housing strategy areas of Tipperary Hill, Far West Side, and Salt Springs. The remaining $750,000 would support the development of 27 townhomes as part of the Circus Developmental Center project, a partnership between Home Headquarters and Albany's group. The board discussed that this money had been budgeted but required separate SURA authorization. - Resolution 3474: Sabinski explained this was a “housekeeping” item to formally authorize the transfer of $2.5 million from SURA to the Housing Strategies Corporation. At the previous August meeting, the board had approved an agency agreement for the funds but had not explicitly approved the transfer of dollars. The $2.5 million is the city’s portion from the fiscal year 2024-25 budget (part of a larger $7.5 million allocation) and will enable the Housing Strategies Corporation to implement its Block Challenge Grant program. Key Outcomes - Resolution 3472: Motion to authorize SURA to accept funding not to exceed $1.25 million from the City of Syracuse and execute a related agreement. Approved unanimously (voice vote: all ayes). - Resolution 3473: Motion to authorize SURA to enter into an agreement with Home Headquarters for an amount not to exceed $1.25 million. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 3474: Motion to approve the transfer of $2.5 million from SURA to the Housing Strategies Corporation. Approved unanimously. - No further business was discussed; the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 54% · PROCEDURAL 46%
320
SEP 4, 2025 · SYRACUSE, NEW YORK · PUBLIC MEETINGS
Syracuse Citizen Review Board Meeting - September 4, 2025

On September 4, 2025, the Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB) held its regular monthly meeting. The board approved August minutes, received reports from the chair and director, voted to purchase an evidence management subscription, established an external advisory committee, and adopted a media policy. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to review pending cases. Consent Calendar - August Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously without discussion. Discussion Items - Chairman’s Report: Chair Don reported meeting with Councilman Marty regarding a new board member, and a letter was sent to a prior member being removed for absenteeism. Councilman Joel Majoke also has a new member pending council vote. Chair expects a full operating board by end of September. - Director’s Report: Director Nalita detailed extensive community outreach during August, including Jazz in the City, Hanover Thursday, Comptroller’s Breakfast, and the Pan African Village at the State Fair (13 days). Ten new cases came in: eight specifically for Syracuse PD, one turned over to the county human rights specialist (Anthony Hurd), and one joint case with the Sheriff’s Department. 57 letters were sent to close out 2023 cases past the 18-month deadline; 15 were returned, 4 had no address. Six individuals met in-person for case updates. Intern David completed his On Point for College internship and will continue as a volunteer. New hires: Julie Boniface (legal secretary, started August 13) and Adonia Wade (community engagement specialist, starting September 10). Two vacancies remain (investigator and data analytics). - Evidence.com Subscription: Nalita presented a quote: $978.96 per year for 60 months (total $4,894.80), allowing real-time access to SPD evidence, file creation, and unlimited storage. After discussion, the board voted to purchase an annual subscription (moving existing budget funds) rather than a five-year upfront payment. Motion carried unanimously. - External Advisory Board: The board revisited the proposed external advisory committee to review and recommend bylaw changes. After discussion, a motion was made to establish a seven-person committee comprising three CRB board members, one common council member, two city residents, and the administrator. The motion passed. Members were asked to submit candidate names within one month, with a preference for non-relatives. A council member will be invited to participate. - Media Policy: Chair Don proposed a policy that CRB members do not speak to the media about CRB matters; all inquiries should be referred to Director Nalita, or the chair if unavailable. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition. Key Outcomes - Evidence.com Approved: Board voted to purchase the subscription annually at $978.96, funded from existing budget, to improve case review efficiency. - External Advisory Committee Established: Committee of seven (3 board members, 1 council member, 2 citizens, 1 administrator) to review and recommend bylaw changes. Names due within one month. - Media Policy Adopted: Members must refer media inquiries to the director or chair; no members speak for the CRB. - Board Member Updates: New members from council appointments expected soon; chair will meet with them to onboard. - Next Steps: Administrator to draft documentation for advisory committee candidates. Upcoming event: tabling at Westcott Fair (last Sunday of September). Board member announced a 3K walk fundraiser for October 18 at Onondaga Lake Park.

PROCEDURAL 55% · PROCUREMENT 14% · PERSONNEL MATTERS 11% · PUBLIC SAFETY 7%
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