Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

A study session of the Syracuse Common Council was held on September 14, 2026, to review the status of numerous agenda items and discuss pending labor negotiations, particularly regarding the DPW workforce and CDL driver shortages. Councilors provided updates on which items were ready for action, while others were held for public hearings, executive session, or further committee review. A notable discussion arose concerning the city's contract negotiations with Local 400 and the impact of unfilled CDL driver positions. Agenda Items Status - Items 9A, 9B – Ready (Counselor Williams). - Items 11 and 12 – Introduced and tabled (Counselor Clinton), as they are local laws. - Items 13–24 – Ready (Counselor Majok). - Items 25–30 – Ready (Counselor Inreg). - Items 31–36 – Ready (Counselor Moore). - Items 37–39 – Ready (Counselor Williams). - Item 40 – Ready (Counselor Montague). - Item 41 – Ready (Counselor Monteau with Counselor Jones-Rousser). - Items 42–48 – Item 42 ready, 43 ready, 44 held for public hearing, 45 will be discussed in executive session after the meeting, 46–48 ready, but Item 47 was held (possibly for two weeks) due to a code issue with property (Counselor Navi requested to speak with Mr. Fisher and his attorney). - Item 49 – Ready (with Counselor Williams). - Item 50 – Resolution recognizing Jubilee Homes' 40 years of service; all councilors joined; ready. - Item 51 – Resolution declaring September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Syracuse; all councilors joined; ready. - Item 52 – Withdrawn temporarily, to be brought back in a couple weeks (Counselor Jones-Rousser). Discussion Items - DPW Contract Negotiations and CDL Driver Shortage – Councilor Caldwell made a public statement urging the administration to find means to fund livable wages for DPW, infrastructure workers, and other city employees. She noted that 36–37 CDL driver positions are currently unfilled, and expressed solidarity with workers. Deputy Mayor Corey Dunham reported that mediation with Local 400 took place the previous week and some progress was made, with another session scheduled for next month. He stated the city's wage proposals had been presented to Local 400, and that the council would be given visibility into the proposal. He also noted that a job fair will be held on Thursday at CNY Works from 9 AM to 1 PM to recruit CDL drivers. Councilors asked about wage gap comparisons with county, school district, and private firms; Deputy Mayor acknowledged the city has fallen behind but emphasized the total compensation package (wages, health care, retirement) is considered. Councilor Moore asked if the council could help; Deputy Mayor offered to share the current proposal with councilors in a session that does not impede negotiations. Key Outcomes - Jubilee Homes Resolution – Approved unanimously (Item 50). - Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Resolution – Approved unanimously (Item 51). - Item 44 – Held for public hearing. - Item 45 – Scheduled for executive session after the study session regarding special use permits for West County Second. - Item 47 – Held for potential committee meeting due to code issues. - Item 52 – Withdrawn, to be reintroduced in two weeks. - DPW Contract – No final resolution; mediation continues. Council will receive details of the city's wage proposal.

The Syracuse City Council met on September 11, 2026, to discuss proposed charter changes to the capital planning process, presented by Director of Budget Evan. The changes aim to improve transparency, clarity, and quality of the capital improvement plan (CIP). Councillors Patrona, Joan Srauser, Marty Nave, Corey Williams, and Hannah Erin Rick were present, along with Evan and the director of budget. Discussion Items - Evan proposed renaming the "capital program" to "capital improvement plan" (CIP) to better reflect its purpose as a planning document. - The current requirement for six-year projections would be changed to a minimum of two years and a maximum of six, to prioritize quality over quantity of data. - The plan would require two-year post-completion operating impact projections for each project (currently required three years but inconsistently applied). - Clarification that the CIP aligns with fiscal years (July 1–June 30) and that departments must seek council authorization for cash capital or bonding accordingly. - Evan outlined a broader vision: incorporating historical data, project timelines, procurement timelines, consistent naming conventions, and better alignment with the operating budget and grants management. - He noted that the current CIP includes too many projects (e.g., $90 million general fund) to be financially sustainable and plans to align the CIP with realistic spending capacity. - Implementation will be incremental: the first updated plan (due December 2026) will include a new introductory narrative and selected pilot projects with historical data and timelines, with full citywide rollout over two to three years. - A grant from Bloomberg will fund a consultant to build backend capacity, and a mid-year dashboard is being developed with API to track project status and spending. - Council members asked about how one-time grant-funded projects are reflected, the need for master plans to answer constituent questions about project schedules, and the importance of making the plan understandable to the public. - County Legislator Romeo commented, noting that the county's capital plan has a good template worth reviewing. - A councillor commended Evan for incorporating previous feedback and going above expectations, expressing strong support for the changes. - Evan acknowledged the iterative nature of the process and welcomed ongoing feedback. Key Outcomes - The council discussed and showed support for the proposed charter changes and the broader capital planning improvements. - No formal vote was taken; the changes are expected to be reflected in the upcoming capital plan release. - The first updated CIP under the new framework is targeted for December 2026, with incremental improvements each year. - The city will continue current capital operations while implementing changes, with a focus on transparency and constituent usability.

The Syracuse Common Council held a public hearing on September 9, 2026, to consider revoking the special use permit (SP-08-08) issued to the Westcott Theater at 424-432 West High Street. The hearing featured a presentation from city staff, testimony from the venue owner, and extensive public comment from both supporters and opponents. Staff Presentation - Jake Deschhaw from the Office of Zoning Administration presented the staff report recommending revocation, citing repeated failures to maintain order at the property, including serious acts of violence inside the venue and a pattern of violating local regulatory requirements. He stated that revocation would not preclude a future permit application and that the office does not want the property to remain vacant. - Syracuse Police Department Chief Rossin highlighted specific incidents: a May 31, 2025 shooting nearby that produced over 20 spent shell casings and bullet holes in a residence; a July 2026 large fight outside the venue due to understaffed security; an August 2026 fight inside resulting in two stabbings that the venue did not report; and an unlicensed event hosted on August 7, 2026. He noted the venue’s uncooperative attitude toward police requests and stated that SPD resources are being diverted to address problems the venue should manage internally. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan Mastronardi, owner and operator of the Westcott Theater for 18 years, expressed disappointment and defended his record, citing zero New York State Liquor Authority violations. He questioned whether the city applies rules equally and urged the council to consider the venue's overall history of creating jobs and supporting the arts. He also disputed the connection to the May 2025 shooting, stating it occurred around the corner and had no relation to his business. - Mike Allen, attorney for the venue, argued that the city used improper procedures (condemnation later suspended by a court) and that a recently passed licensing ordinance violates First Amendment rights. He urged the council to reject revocation and work with the venue. - Many community members and business partners spoke in support, including Anthony Dickens (promoter), Davia Husley (event coordinator), Nizavir Evans (promoter), Acean Reigns (bartender/promoter), Ernest Hester (community member), Carrie Morales (owner of Las Delicias restaurant), Dylan Tripodi (bartender), Ty Bradford (artist/entrepreneur), Kamar Boatman (Minority Entertainment Coalition), Ian West (resident), Richie Sposado (former nightclub owner), Rashawn Nelson (multiple business owner), and Peter Sliz (resident). They described the Westcott as a vital cultural hub, providing opportunities for Black and multicultural entrepreneurs and artists, and alleged that the city disproportionately targets venues serving minority communities. Carrie Morales noted only three incidents on Westcott Street in 26 years. Kamar Boatman and Rashawn Nelson listed 21 minority-serving establishments closed or restricted in recent years. - Rocco Fiola (resident) spoke in favor of the city's action, stating he and neighbors feel unsafe but do not want the theater closed entirely—only for the negligence to be addressed. - Sam Gruber, former Westcott Neighborhood Association president, said the neighborhood supports the theater but objects to late-night after-hours parties held in the last two years that are the root cause of problems. He urged ending those parties rather than closing the entire venue. - City Auditor Alex Marion urged the council to revoke the permit, citing public safety concerns including the shooting and stabbings, and argued that venues should not rely on police as a fallback for security. Key Outcomes - The hearing was for public input only; no vote or decision was taken. The council will consider the testimony and staff recommendation before making a decision. Dan Mastronardi announced a press conference for Friday and reiterated his compliance record.

The Syracuse City Council met on September 9, 2026, to consider a wide range of items including labor agreements, environmental easements, infrastructure contracts, park donations, police services, zoning amendments, and a bond refunding. Staff from multiple city departments presented recommendations, and councilors discussed and approved most items, with some held for further review. An executive session followed the meeting. Discussion Items - Labor Agreement Correction (Items 11-12): Deputy Mayor Corey Dunham presented a labor agreement with the trades union, retroactive to January 1. A correction was noted: the budget amendment should be for fiscal year 2526, not 2020-21. Item 11 was to amend the 2526 city budget. No questions, item moved forward. - Honorary Street Sign (Item 13): Councilor Majoke introduced an honorary street sign for Mark Cass on Mark Cassway. The item was held previously due to minor changes; the councilor indicated he would check with the sponsor. - Environmental Easement (Item 14): Owen Kearney, Planning and Sustainability, requested authorization for an environmental easement at 1410 Erie Boulevard, a city-owned brownfield site being remediated with New York State. The easement is required to maintain the cleanup system. Completion expected next year. - Sewer Lining Projects (Items 15-16): City Engineer Mary Robison presented two sewer lining projects: one for Maria Regina Apartments (15-inch combined sewer, 1300-1400 block Highland Street) and one for Gateway Syracuse Apartments (12-inch combined sewer, 100 block of Forman Avenue). Both meet one-on-one sanitary sewer offset requirements at no cost to the city. - Engineering Contract Amendments (Items 17-18): - Item 17: Amendment to C&S Companies agreement, increasing by $1.6 million to a total not to exceed $6.6 million for projects including Schiller Park, fire maintenance garage, and others. Funding comes from existing capital accounts. New RFPs will be issued next winter. - Item 18: Similar amendment for CHAM, increasing by $1.5 million to a total not to exceed $2.5 million for parks, pools, greenhouse, and inner harbor work. - Right-of-Way Closure Extension (Item 19): Eric from the mayor’s office requested a 90-day extension of the right-of-way closure on Comstock Avenue, with fees at $800 per day ($72,000 total), prepaid by the university. - Fuel Island Replacement Design (Items 20-21): Ann Fordak (DPW) and Jeff Rola (Fleet Director) presented a $50,000 design services contract for a new fuel island. Discussion included the need to evaluate current gas/diesel infrastructure and future electric vehicle charging. A transition plan for EVs over the next 10 years exists but requires infrastructure upgrades, training, and power capacity from National Grid. - Sewer Capital Equipment (Items 22-23): Vehicles listed in Schedule A for the sewer capital equipment program; all are on state or national contracts. - Parking Meter System (Item 24): Vinny Scipione, CIO, requested authorization to continue paying Flowbird for parking meter and mobile app services until the new contract with ParkMobile (which acquired Flowbird) is executed. - Park Donations and Programs (Items 25-30): Commissioner Say Shabur presented: - Bench donation and plaque for Gloria Sage at Comfort Tyler Park (Item 25). - $535 donation from Iswa Neighborhood Association for an arbor at Eastwood Heights Garden (Item 26). - Two benches valued at $3,798 from Eastwood via TNT (Item 27). Councilor Petrona raised concerns about bench placement at Kirk Park interfering with cheerleading practice; staff agreed to improve communication with park user groups. - Agreement with Elite Gaming for e-gaming programs at Wilson and Southwest rec centers (Item 28). Staff reports high usage. - Agreement with MOST for educational programs, 20 hours of Discovery 101 workshops (Item 29). - Music performance trust fund, $2,000 (50% reimbursement) for park performances, used for Mile Market on October 3 (Item 30). - Police Services Agreements (Items 31-36): Deputy Chief Rich Trudeau presented: - Agreement with Humane CNY for veterinary and lodging for animals in cruelty investigations (82 animals last year, 68 year-to-date) (Item 31). - Agreement with Community Animal Hospital for police dog care, $21,000 (Item 32). - Appropriation of $74,500 for neighborhood watch group led by Tony Borelli (Item 33). - Payment authorization for two officers’ SWAT training in 2025, missed due to travel coordinator turnover (Item 34). - Authorization to use Oswego County emergency vehicle track ($12,000) and DEC classroom ($3,000) for police training (Items 35-36). - Councilor asked about license plate scanners on Clawvin; Deputy Chief confirmed they are disabled and being removed. - Bond Refunding Authorization (Item 38): Commissioner of Finance Diane Astry requested authorization to refund callable bonds to capture market savings. - Tax Roll Corrections (Item 39): Commissioner of Assessment Matt OJ presented two corrections: 730 LeMoyne Avenue (assessment error due to communication) and 1703 West Onondaga Street (inaccurate omitted tax calculation for a mid-year conveyance). - Ordinance Amendment for Demolished Property (Item 40): Councilor Jones Traviser introduced an ordinance amendment to correct property description for 511 East Laurel, now a vacant lot after demolition. - North Side Main Street Program (Item 41): Brianka Hill, Deputy Commissioner of Business Development, requested acceptance of up to $1.5 million from Onondaga County for 19 selected projects on the north side. The city acts as pass-through with no match required. Councilors noted the program is one-time and broader than previous South Salina program. - Maria Regina Project Amendments (Items 42): Commissioners Matt OJ and Michael Carlitz presented an amendment to reflect name changes of the beneficial owner and housing development fund corporation for the Maria Regina project. Discussion included property overgrowth; city staff will address mowing. - Battery Energy Storage Moratorium (Items 43-44): Deputy Commissioner Jake Dishwell requested a public hearing to amend the moratorium on battery energy storage systems to allow commercial building installations, while continuing to work on the permanent local law. - Special Use Permits (Items 46-48): - Item 46: Restaurant under 1,000 sq ft at 658 West Onondaga Street; typo in resolution noted. - Item 47: Halal restaurant at 2000 Park Street; area with previous parking encroachment will be corrected per site plan. - Item 48: Cannabis dispensary at 814 Wolf Street, with tentative state license. - Resolution on State Legislation (Item 49): Councilor Monte introduced a resolution urging the state assembly, senate, and governor to pass a bill related to woman hunters. Councilor Williams joined. Key Outcomes - Most items were presented and moved forward without recorded votes, indicating consensus or approval. - Item 13 (honorary street sign) was held for further changes. - The council planned to enter executive session after the meeting. - Staff committed to addressing overgrowth at the Maria Regina property and improving communication on bench placements. - The battery energy storage moratorium amendment will proceed to a public hearing. - The bond refunding authorization was approved to allow taking advantage of market conditions.

The Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB) held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Common Council Chambers. The meeting began without a quorum, which was later achieved, allowing the board to ratify minutes and proceed with business. Key highlights include the resumption of investigations, approval of liability insurance, acceptance of two resignations, a data breach disclosure regarding the Right to Know data, and public testimony expressing both support and frustration with the board's authority. Consent Calendar - None. The August meeting minutes were initially tabled due to lack of a quorum but were later unanimously approved after quorum was reached. Public Comments & Testimony - Peter McCarthy (former CRB Chair) : Thanked the board for resuming investigations. Asked for specifics on when investigations would start (staff confirmed they have resumed after insurance was secured). Inquired about potential difficulties obtaining data from the police department; the board stated it will rely on NYCLU legal counsel in the interim and called for public support if cooperation falters. Also urged compliance with open meetings law. - Tammy Honeywell (resident, DSA) : Thanked the board for restarting investigations and offered to help with a public education campaign about the CRB. - Reginald Bradwell (resident) : Voiced strong frustration with the CRB's lack of disciplinary power over police, citing personal negative experiences (arrested at a community meeting, lengthy investigation with no result, denied entry to city buildings). Argued the CRB has no teeth and questioned its transparency. The chair acknowledged the limitations and solicited community input for legislative changes. - Peter McCarthy (second comment) : Emphasized that the CRB can influence policy through data-driven recommendations and urged the board to actively advocate for changes in training, supervision, and use of force. - Aaron Thomas (citizen) : Suggested that SPD sends too many officers to incidents and needs better de-escalation techniques. - Donna Moore (Common Councilor, Public Safety Committee) : Thanked the board for perseverance, reiterated council support, and clarified that the council cannot discipline officers due to contractual limitations. - Kevin Revere (resident) : Expressed encouragement about the CRB restarting, saw police pushback as evidence of the board's teeth, and suggested public data sessions to make findings more accessible. Discussion Items - CRB Pause Update : The board voted to resume investigations pending insurance. Two resignation letters were received from Linda Bat and Michael Kern, reducing the board by three members total. The board will work with the council to fill vacancies. - Insurance : The liability insurance policy for the board went into effect on the meeting date, covering the board retroactively. - Board Member Responsibilities : Emphasized attendance requirements and upcoming training on holding community events as mandated by legislation. - CRB Administrative Monthly Report : Staff reported that 10 cases have been prepped for next month. Community outreach activities in August included meet-and-greet with the mayor and chief, CNY Jazz, Jubilee Park, Hanover Square Music Fest, Latino Fest, and Clinton Square. Weekly "boots on the ground" outreach downtown. Also held a DSA relationship-building meeting and a Unified Day event (with SPD and Fire Department for the special needs community) featuring sensory stations. - Right to Know Data Report (Chris Piero, Data Analyst) : Data releases from SPD covering 2025 and Q1–Q2 2026 were found to contain identifying information (names, dates of birth) of adults and children, though prior releases did not. SPD removed the 2025/2026 data within 24 hours, but 2024 data with identifying info remained online until mid-August. Corrected data (without IDs) are now posted except for Q2 2026. The CRB will publish an updated report next month. Piero acknowledged the oversight and committed to manual review in the future. Key Outcomes - Investigations resumed immediately after insurance was confirmed. - Resignations accepted (Linda Bat, Michael Kern); board down three members from full complement. - August meeting minutes ratified unanimously after quorum was achieved. - Data report to be updated with corrected Right to Know data and new recommendations before next meeting. - Board will continue community outreach and schedule training on events and attendance. - Public encouraged to provide input on desired changes via written or verbal comments. - No cases taken into executive session; meeting adjourned on a motion.

The Syracuse Planning Commission met on August 31, 2026, to consider a lengthy agenda including special use permits, major site plan reviews, resubdivisions, and a sign permit. The commission approved several items after public hearings and environmental reviews, with some matters forwarded to the Common Council for final decision. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes of the August 10, 2026 meeting as amended, with a friendly amendment accepted. Public Comments & Testimony - 745 North Salina Street – Smoking Establishment (SP 2026-10): Multiple speakers expressed support, including Lawrence Davis (4100 S. Salina St.) who urged the city to support new businesses and not hold back development. Abbott and Shrive Zaron also spoke in favor, noting the site's suitability and the absence of onsite smoking. No opposition speakers were present. - 4100-06 South Salina Street – Event Center Parking Amendment: Lawrence Davis (property owner) criticized the two-year delay, urging faster processing. Jacqueline Lasan (Southside resident) said the slow pace is disappointing and that the event space would benefit youth. Opponents included a nearby resident who noted no notification about the new parking plan at the Evangelical church lot, raised concerns about monitoring, overflow parking, and noise. A representative of Lamar Advertising (5947 E. Molloy Rd.) cited past issues with unauthorized parking on their adjacent lot. - 344 North Salina Street – Helio Health Training Center (SEQR only): Lawrence Davis expressed concern about Helio Health's impact on neighborhoods, citing a fire incident. Shrive Zaron (622 N. State St.) described decades of drug activity, needles, and crime in the area, and opposed the project unless it is strictly a training center. Dwayne Sorrow (412 Pearl St.) reported increased break-ins and customers afraid to visit. Frank Westfall (Middle Earth Leatherworks) said his business is suffering due to the environment. Councilor Marino Nave urged rejection, stating the facility would worsen the north side business district. Applicant Bob Seigart offered to facilitate a meeting between opponents and Helio Health. - 2671-73 James Street – Cannabis Dispensary (SP 2026-50): One speaker supported the project, saying marijuana is legal. An email from an Eastwood resident was noted as opposed. No other opposition speakers. - 702-10 Butternut Street – Neighborhood Market (SP 2026-56): Numerous speakers supported the store, emphasizing its long history, good management, no violations, and community service. No opposition speakers. - 648 Burnett Avenue – Bar (SP 2026-66): Lawrence Davis supported the project, noting the desolate neighborhood. No opposition speakers. - 425 Liberty Street Rear – Off-Premise Sign (AS 2026-11): One speaker supported modernization of the billboard. No opposition. Discussion Items - 745 North Salina Street – Smoking Establishment (SP 2026-10): Applicant Shibima Smith requested a special use permit for a hookah supply store with no onsite smoking. Commission clarified parking access on Lock Alley and added a condition requiring further review by DPW if parking is formalized. The commission approved a negative SEQR declaration and recommended approval to the Common Council with five conditions. - 1041-1051 and 1031-33 South Geddes Street – Resubdivision (R-2026-59): Caitlin Wright (Greater Syracuse Land Bank) presented a proposal to sell two lots to the owner of an adjacent in-home daycare for off-street parking and green space. No public comments. SEQR negative declaration approved. Resubdivision approved with two conditions. - 2615 and 2619 Midland Avenue – Resubdivision (R-2026-68): Another Land Bank proposal to sell a vacant lot to the neighbor for defensible space. No public comments. SEQR negative declaration approved. Resubdivision approved with two conditions. - 4100-06 South Salina Street – Major Site Plan Amendment (MASPR-25-36): Applicant Shakila Brown proposed a new parking plan using 40 spaces at a church and other locations (total 58 spaces) instead of the previous Seneca Turnpike agreement. Discussion included compliance with previous conditions, code violations, and permitting delays. Commissioner noted the need for bike racks. After public comments, SEQR negative declaration approved. The commission voted to amend condition 10 to adopt the new parking plan, with revocation possible if not maintained. - 344 North Salina Street – Helio Health Training Center (MASPR-2026-25): Only SEQR review occurred. The proposal includes demolition of three abandoned buildings and construction of a 12,500 sq ft training center. Public comments expressed strong opposition. The commission issued a negative SEQR declaration. The project will go to the Board of Zoning Appeals on September 17, 2026, for a variance, then return to the commission for final site plan review. - 2156 Erie Boulevard East – Major Site Plan (MASPR-2026-20): Applicant Brian Cohen sought approval for multiple tenants (auto repair, retail, training). No public comments. SEQR had been completed by BZA earlier. The commission approved the site plan with four conditions, including maintaining an access agreement for off-site parking. - 301 South Salina Street – Mixed-Use Development (MASPR-2026-38): Applicant Jim Nittle presented a project to convert the former Woolworth building into 62 apartments (mostly studios) and three commercial tenants, with a new floor set back. Discussion included affordable housing (10% affordability for 30 years), basement parking, and DPW conditions. Public comment was in favor. SEQR negative declaration approved. The commission approved the site plan with eight conditions, including DPW sign-off on submitted materials. - 2910 Erie Boulevard East – Contractor Yard & Office (SP 2026-42): Applicant Don Shatler sought a special use permit for a home performance contractor business with fenced yard. Questions about bike racks led to a condition for two staple-style racks. One speaker supported but raised traffic concerns. SEQR negative declaration approved. The commission recommended approval to the Common Council with nine conditions, including hours of operation (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays). - 711 South Beech Street – Wine Bar (SP 2026-48): Applicant Bill Pitcher described converting a garage into a wine bar with no food preparation. Discussion centered on the definition of a bar vs. beverage cafe and the need for a liquor license. The applicant clarified they would not open until a liquor license is obtained. One speaker supported. An email from a Greenwood Place resident was noted in opposition. SEQR negative declaration approved. The commission recommended approval to the Common Council with 10 conditions, including a 11 a.m. to midnight operating hours and a requirement to obtain a liquor license before opening. - 2671-73 James Street – Cannabis Dispensary (SP 2026-50): Applicant Kristen Jordan (Canna Planet) described the proposed dispensary with 14 parking spaces, hours of operation, and community impact plans. No opposition speakers in person; one emailed opposition. SEQR negative declaration approved. The commission recommended approval to the Common Council with eight conditions, including OCM license maintenance, screening, and a CPED review. - 702-10 Butternut Street – Neighborhood Market (SP 2026-56): Applicant Abbott Zaran and daughter Ivana Wiki described the existing store's long operation without violations. Numerous community supporters testified. SEQR negative declaration approved. The commission recommended approval to the Common Council with nine conditions, including hours 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and site repairs. - 648 Burnett Avenue – Bar (SP 2026-66): Applicant Patrick Johnson sought to reopen a tavern. No opposition. The commission recommended approval to the Common Council with four conditions, including hours Sunday–Wednesday noon–midnight, Thursday–Saturday noon–2 a.m. - 425 Liberty Street Rear – Off-Premise Sign (AS 2026-11): Applicant Amy (Lamar Advertising) requested to replace a billboard with a digital face, including rebuilt structure. One speaker supported. SEQR negative declaration approved. The commission approved the sign permit with conditions, including a 10-year validity period. Key Outcomes - Approved Resubdivisions: R-2026-59 (South Geddes Street) and R-2026-68 (Midland Avenue) both approved with conditions. - Approved Major Site Plan Amendment: MASPR-25-36 (4100-06 S. Salina) amended parking condition; approval maintained. - Approved Major Site Plans: MASPR-2026-20 (2156 Erie Blvd) approved with four conditions; MASPR-2026-38 (301 S. Salina) approved with eight conditions. - Approved Special Use Permits (recommendations to Common Council): SP 2026-10 (745 N. Salina, smoking establishment), SP 2026-42 (2910 Erie Blvd, contractor yard), SP 2026-48 (711 S. Beech, wine bar), SP 2026-50 (2671 James St, cannabis), SP 2026-56 (702 Butternut, market), SP 2026-66 (648 Burnett, bar) – all recommended with conditions. - Negative SEQR Declarations: Issued for all applicable projects. - Published Meeting Dates: Helio Health project to appear before BZA on September 17, 2026, and potentially return to Planning Commission on September 22 or October 13, 2026. - Next Meeting: Adjourned until September 22, 2026.

The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) held its August board meeting on August 28, 2026, with all board members present. The meeting covered project extensions, local access policy waivers, a new project application, financial updates on the Carousel Center, and a compliance issue with the McGuire project. Consent Calendar - Minutes of June 16, 2026: Moved by Ricky Brown, seconded, and unanimously approved. No changes or abstentions. Discussion Items - Extension for 101 North Salina Street (Post Building): The project sponsor (Chuck) requested an extension of the agency’s appointment from August 31 to December 31, 2026, to complete interior renovations converting the atrium into 29 apartments. The project had originally been awarded $648,000 in state and local sales and use tax, and that amount has not been exceeded. The sponsor noted they are operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) and expect a full certificate in two weeks; 29 units are nearly fully leased, with pre-leasing starting for the second phase. Motion by Ricky, second by Ken, unanimously approved. - Waivers for Northside Genesee Project: The project team (Otis Toluca of Huber Brewer Construction) requested three waivers of the local access policy: 1. Holland Property Management (Lake George, NY) for architectural siding – $2.2 million (3.4% of total project costs). No local companies bid on the complex siding work. 2. Lakeview Lawn and Landscaping (Canandaigua, NY) for landscaping – under $44,000 (<1% of costs). No local firms responded due to capacity issues; one other bid came from Watertown. 3. Shades Unlimited (Wilkes‑Barre, PA) for window shades – $33,000 (2% of costs). No local firms bid. Each waiver was approved by separate motions (all by Ricky, seconded by Ken) with unanimous ayes. - New Application – Pop Resort LLC (842 West Beldon Street): A proposal to adaptively reuse the former Popcorn Supply building into 36 residential units (28 one‑bedroom, 8 studios). 10% of units will be affordable (mixed‑income), and the project will pursue historic tax credits. Parking is provided on an ancillary lot not part of the financial assistance. Developer Tim noted the project team includes Pinkney Hugo, with construction likely starting late 2026/early 2027 and completion expected by mid‑2028. The board authorized a public hearing for September 15, 2026. Motion by Ricky, second by Ken, unanimously approved. - Pyramid/Carousel Center Financing Update: Sue reported that in June 2026, the lender (holder of subordinate commercial debt on Carousel Center) initiated a sale of that debt through a competitive bid. Pyramid Management Group LLC (an affiliate of the mall owners) was awarded the winning bid. The subordinate debt is behind SIDA’s PILOT bonds, protecting bondholders. SIDA is working with Pyramid, the bond trustee, and the bond insurer; talks are ongoing, and if board consent is needed, a special meeting may be called. No board action taken at this meeting. - McGuire Syracuse Project Compliance Issue: Sue outlined that the McGuire dealership renovation project (closed in 2016) has had repeated non‑compliance with notification requirements. In December 2024, the company filed a certificate of conversion from a limited partnership to an LLC without SIDA’s consent. After the board retroactively approved that change in January 2025, the company’s counsel failed to file the required memorandum with the county clerk until August 2026, and the filing was rejected. The board discussed a strongly worded letter to the principals, to be drafted by the chair, and requested an update at the next meeting (September 15, 2026). No formal motion was made; the board concurred with the approach. Key Outcomes - Vote: Unanimously approved minutes from June 16, 2026. - Vote: Unanimously approved extension for 101 North Salina Street to December 31, 2026. - Votes: Three separate unanimous votes approving each local access policy waiver for the Northside Genesee project. - Vote: Unanimously authorized a public hearing for Pop Resort LLC on September 15, 2026. - Directive: The chair will send a letter to the principals of the McGuire project regarding compliance, and an update is expected at the September meeting. - Next Step: The board may consider a special meeting for the Pyramid debt transfer if consent is required.

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

This meeting focused on the approval of Resolution 18, authorizing monthly payments for July bills (covering August payments). The board discussed compliance reporting and the independent compliance officer process. The resolution was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Resolution 18 (2026): Authorizes monthly payments for the month of July, paying August bills. A board member inquired about compliance progress among the contracted companies. Staff responded that the first diversity report was presented at the June meeting and that a quarterly report is planned for next month due to current low construction volume. The independent compliance officer (ICO) appointment was delayed after a prior RFP received insufficient responses; the position is being fine-tuned. Key Outcomes - Resolution 18 was approved unanimously with no abstentions or objections. - The board will receive a quarterly compliance report from staff next month. - The independent compliance officer selection process will be refined and reissued.