Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

Due to a lack of quorum, the Syracuse Public Art Commission could not conduct official business or votes. Chair Benny Guzman opened the meeting informally to allow a presentation and discussion. The meeting focused on a proposed mural project at the Whitlock building, updates on commission vacancies, and planning for a future special meeting. Discussion Items - Mural Project at Whitlock Building: Local artist Allie Walker presented designs for two murals on the Whitlock building, adjacent to Salt City Market. The murals would replace a previous heart mural and a chalk wall, aiming to create a more inviting entrance near a playground. The designs include a "Lonely Treat" theme with a tree and a heart motif. Walker is a recipient of the Heart of Syracuse Award. The project is also being considered for a Charm grant (applied, extended to October 9, 2026). Owner Brian Goodfellow (Whitlock Partners) expressed support and stated the building owner would fund the project if the grant does not come through. Walker described community involvement plans, including an arts and crafts day with wooden hearts. The commission discussed phasing, graffiti prevention, and coordination with Salt City Market, which has granted a 10-foot easement. Walker noted each wall would take about a week to paint, working during off-peak hours. - Commission Administrative Updates: - The public art coordinator position will be assigned a job number by the county on August 28, 2026, then posted on the city website. Interviews will follow a 10-day posting period. - The mayor has reviewed applications and expects to appoint two new commissioners by the end of August. One additional candidate is pending council approval. The commission discussed the need for an onboarding packet and potential replacement of non-attending members. - The commission needs a secretary to take minutes; currently, the role is split between the public art coordinator and a commissioner. The chair proposed reviewing the onboarding packet at the next official meeting. - Future Meeting Scheduling: Because no quorum existed, the commission will hold a special meeting to vote on the mural project, appoint a vice chair, and review onboarding packets. Dates considered: September 9, 10, 14, or 15, 2026 (avoiding September 11). The meeting must be publicly noticed at least 10 business days in advance. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made due to lack of quorum. - The commission will schedule a special meeting in early September 2026 to officially vote on the Whitlock mural project and other pending items. - Allie Walker will be notified of the meeting date and the outcome. She will also send updates regarding the Charm grant and community involvement plan. - The public art coordinator position will be posted once the job number is assigned, and the commission will continue efforts to fill vacancies and improve meeting attendance.

[Introductory paragraph summarizing overall meeting.] The Syracuse Common Council held its regular meeting on August 24, 2026, with President Pro Tempore presiding. The council approved minutes from August 3, 2026, received committee reports and communications, and voted unanimously on a series of resolutions and local laws. Notable actions included a resolution honoring community leader Mark Cass, the tabling of two local laws, and the unanimous adoption of a resolution to rename a street in honor of Father Jim Matthews upon his retirement. Committee Reports - Public Works and Infrastructure met on Wednesday, August 5, to discuss the chlorine conversion project at a lake (location unclear). - Public Safety met on Tuesday, August 11, to discuss held items including a command post, take-home vehicles, and new vehicles requested by the police. Communications - The Clerk acknowledged receipt of a letter from City Auditor Alex Marriage regarding the report "Legislative Year and Review: Understanding the Work of the Syracuse Common Council 2025." - A letter from CRB commissioner Michael Kinwell resigning. - Letters acknowledging terms and conditions of specific ordinances: Parkside Commons (471-2006) and Syracuse University (548-2006, 556-2006, 557-2006, 475-2006). Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes from August 3, 2026 (motion by Councilor Hudson, seconded). - Items 8, 10–15, 17–21, 22, 24–41, 44–48, 50–53, 54–61 were introduced and adopted unanimously without objection. - Item 9 was withdrawn. - Item 16 was held to September 13, 2026, at the request of family and friends. - Items 42 and 43 (local laws) were introduced and tabled. - Item 49 was withdrawn. Discussion Items - Recognition of Mark Cass (Item 23): Councilor Nave presented a resolution recognizing Mark Cass for his lifelong dedication to Syracuse's North Side and New American communities, particularly through the Northside Learning Center. The resolution highlighted his work providing educational opportunities, English language support, mentorship, and resources to refugee and immigrant families. The council adopted the resolution unanimously. - Street Naming – Father Jim's Way (Items 52 and 53): Councilor Jones Rouser introduced a resolution to name a portion of road "Father Jim's Way" in honor of Father Jim Matthews of St. Lucy's Church, who is retiring on his 90th birthday. Councilors shared personal remarks praising Father Matthews for creating a welcoming, inclusive community, serving the poor, and supporting refugees. Councilor Machoke noted the significance for LGBTQ+ Catholics. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from August 3, 2026. - Adopted numerous resolutions and ordinances (items 8–61) with unanimous votes, except where noted. - Held item 16 to September 13, 2026. - Withdrew items 9 and 49. - Tabled local laws items 42 and 43. - Adopted resolution recognizing Mark Cass. - Adopted resolution to name a street "Father Jim's Way." Adjournment - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed.

The Common Council held a study session on August 24, 2026, to review agenda items for an upcoming meeting. The session included confirming item readiness, handling holds and withdrawals, a brief discussion on a police firing range closure, and a motion to enter executive session for legal advice. Discussion Items - Council members reported on the readiness of their assigned agenda items. Most items were declared ready, with the following exceptions: - Item 16 was held at the request of the North Side Learning Center and family. - Items 42 and 43 were introduced and tabled (moved to a committee meeting). - Item 49 was withdrawn. - Items 46 was held pending further action, as discussed with Matt and the applicant. - Councillor Williams asked about the Camillus gun range, which is currently closed. A police deputy chief confirmed the closure may be temporary, but the council will not schedule use until the closure status is clarified. - Councillor Moore asked about items 57 and 58 (housing rehabilitation). Michelle (staff) stated that through the urgent care program, the city typically serves 50–75 homes per year, with each property eligible for up to $25,000. The funding source is 2627 (previously moved from 2425). - A motion was made and seconded to go into executive session for legal advice. The motion passed. Key Outcomes - The council confirmed the readiness of most items, with specific holds and withdrawals noted. - Item 49 (application agreement) was withdrawn. - Items 42 and 43 were introduced and tabled to a committee meeting. - The council moved into executive session for legal advice. - No final votes on substantive legislation occurred during this study session.

The Syracuse City Council convened on August 19, 2026, to discuss a broad range of items including police and fire equipment purchases, housing incentives, park projects, employee benefits, and community honors. Many items involved waivers and bond authorizations. Police Department Items - Item 12-13: Amended original Schedule A for chip purchases without additional funds to add another piece of equipment. - Item 14: Approved a waiver to purchase from specific vendors (not to exceed $200,000) for the asphalt plant to ensure quick repairs; copper prices have increased 100% in six months. - Item 25: Authorized application for the L E Tech grant ($1,000,000) from New York State for police technology. - Items 26-27: Approved an additional $1,000,000 (on top of $750,000 already bonded) for a new command post; Congressman Manion provided a $1 million grant, leaving $350,000 to be bonded. The old command post will be retained for warming stations or secondary use. - Items 28-29: Approved a new cloud-based records management system (RMS) countywide to improve efficiency and officer response times. - Items 30-31: Approved $3.3 million in vehicle replacements; discussed 165 take-home cars (half of the department), used by command officers and units needing immediate response. - Items 32-33: Authorized a $54,986 contract with the Finn Institute to study the two-year residency waiver pilot; 33% of current applicants are minority (19% Black, 16% female). - Item 34: Approved a $16,950 nighthawk subscription for search warrant software. - Item 35: Renewed $25,000 for firearm range access. Fire Department Items - Items 36-37: Authorized bonds for communications equipment (headsets) for incident commanders and specialty units; $32,000 portion will be part of a larger bond package. - Items 38-39: Authorized bonds for fire station and building repairs for 20 buildings. - Item 40: Approved a waiver for Fleet Pride (local vendor) for fire truck parts. Parks and Forestry Items - Item 17: Accepted a $335 check (unrestricted funds) from National Grid as a rebate for planting low-growing trees under wires; trees cost $450-$550 each. - Item 18: Allowed a third party to conduct chainsaw training with Onondaga Earth Core in parks (no youth involved). - Item 19: Authorized application for a New York State DEC grant (under $600,000) to inventory natural areas. - Item 20: Extended the contract with Green Infrastructure Center for six months (no additional funds, $20,000 balance remaining). - Item 21: Increased background check contract with National Center for Safety Initiatives from $8,675 to $10,175 due to seasonal staff. Housing and Community Development - Item 43: Discussed adopting a new New York State Real Property Tax Law exemption to incentivize housing creation; a committee meeting was requested for further discussion. - Item 46: Authorized application for New York State HCR funding to construct 10 accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for homeowners under 120% AMI; interest expressed by about four potential applicants. - Items 47-48: Approved awards under the city’s opioid settlement fund from indirect funding sources (total amounts same as withdrawn Item 49). - Item 49: Withdrawn. - Item 50: Granted permission for an emergency exit stair encroachment (4 feet) on Erie Boulevard, subject to permit. Other Business - Item 16: Approved installation of an honorary sign for Marcas, a community advocate from the North Side. - Item 22: Extended the agreement with Northland Communications for connectivity between council chambers and WCNY. - Item 23: Approved a five-year interagency agreement with Centro (Regional Transit Authority) to provide free bus rides for city employees at an annual cost not to exceed $13,500; approximately 700-800 rides per month. - Item 24: Approved a resolution recognizing Marcas for his dedication to the North Side and new American communities. - Items 41-42: Awarded a $15,000 grant-funded contract to Watson and Yates for long-term financial planning; introduced a local law to amend the capital planning charter section. - Item 44: Approved tax roll changes for properties incorrectly billed (Euclid, Bissell, Morton, 400 Burnett Ave). - Item 45: Taken to executive session. - Item 51: Licensed a retail cannabis dispensary at 900 East Fayette Street (former Bury Acorn location) following police security evaluation. - Item 52: Approved honorary street sign for Father Jim Matthews near St. Lucy's Church. - Item 53: Adopted a resolution urging the governor and assembly to support Senate Bill S988 to address the shortage of licensed social workers and increase diversity. Key Outcomes - All items were discussed and advanced; many waivers, bond authorizations, and contract approvals were granted. The council requested additional data on employee shuttle usage and police response times. The meeting adjourned with a motion.

The Syracuse Citizen Review Board held a special meeting on August 12, 2026, at 5:34 PM to discuss and decide on resuming its investigation function. The board determined to restart investigations on Monday, August 17, 2026, despite a legal opinion from corporate counsel in April 2026. The meeting was brief, with a single agenda item and a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Resumption of Investigation Function: The board chair explained that a majority of board members wished to resume the board’s investigation duties, which were created by a Syracuse Common Council ordinance. The chair stated that the corporate counsel's opinion from April 2026 is legal advice, not a repeal of the ordinance, and does not relieve the board of its obligations. The board concluded that the Syracuse advisory model is distinct from the model addressed in the Forts department ruling and the Locust case. Therefore, residents filing complaints are entitled to have them reviewed. The board set the resumption date to August 17, 2026, to allow members time to decide on participation. Any member who does not wish to serve under the resumed investigation posture may resign by August 15, 2026, without explanation. The board is separately pursuing liability coverage for members and will continue to press the council on that issue. Key Outcomes - The board voted to resume its investigation function on Monday, August 17, 2026. - Members who do not wish to participate may submit a letter of resignation by Friday, August 15, 2026. - The board will continue to seek liability coverage for its members. - A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed).

On August 11, 2026, the Syracuse Common Council met with the Syracuse Police Department to discuss several capital and grant requests, including a $1.75 million mobile command post, fleet vehicle replacements, and multiple law enforcement grants. Council members raised concerns about cost, operational necessity, and the city's transition to hybrid vehicles, while police officials emphasized the tactical and community engagement benefits of the command post and outlined obstacles to electrifying the fleet. Discussion Items Mobile Command Post Funding - The police department requested an additional $1 million (on top of $750,000 already approved in the previous CIP cycle) to purchase a new mobile command post, with a total not-to-exceed $1.75 million. The department explained that the current command post (purchased around 2016 for approximately $1 million) has a rusting frame and limited interior space, and that the new unit would feature expandable sides to accommodate more personnel during critical incidents, festivals, and long-duration scenes. - Council members questioned the frequency of use, the cost differential from the previous unit, and whether the city could rely on state or federal assets. Police officials stated they use the command post regularly for festivals, SWAT operations, barricaded persons, and community outreach, and that federal and state agencies do not typically bring their own command posts to local incidents. They also noted that the 1.7 million is a cap and the final cost will be determined through an RFP or state contract. - Councilor Nave expressed frustration that chronic neighborhood issues (e.g., 800 block of Butternut Street) require a visible police presence now, not just a command post for emergencies. He urged using the command post for proactive neighborhood patrols. The police chief confirmed outreach teams and officers were already being deployed to that location. - Councilor Caldwell and Councilor Wright asked about the $1 million MANION grant (county already received theirs) that the city expects to cover part of the cost. Police officials clarified it is a reimbursement grant and not yet finalized; they are still working with Eric Ennis on appropriation. - Councilor Wright asked for a comparison of what other cities spend on similar units and requested data on how often the current command post is used. The department agreed to provide that information. Fleet Vehicles and Hybrid/EV Transition - Council members (including Rashida, Hannah, and others) pressed the police department to include hybrid components in the fleet vehicle request. They noted the city's climate study recommends transitioning to hybrid/electric vehicles, and that hybrid mechanics are now a standard skill set. - Police officials responded that the current fleet request does not include hybrid options because of operational obstacles: patrol cars run 24/7 and cannot be charged, the garage lacks the infrastructure (charging stations, reinforced floors, lifts), and retaining mechanics with EV training is difficult given higher private-sector wages. They also noted that the department currently has three hybrid cars that cannot use the hybrid feature due to lack of charging stations and trained mechanics. - Councilor Hannah stated she was not interested in approving a fleet that does not include a hybrid component, and asked for a plan to incorporate charging infrastructure in future parking garage projects. Police officials indicated they could include EV chargers in the planned parking garages, but that would require a separate capital project. - Councilor Marty asked about the number of take-home vehicles (165) and the cost of gas. The city currently pays $2/gallon through municipal rates, but council members noted vulnerability to price shocks. Grants and Other Items - Item 51 (LETAC Grant - Law Enforcement Technology Grant): The department requested up to $400,000 for technology including Grey Key (phone access), cameras, drones, counter-drone tools, body-worn cameras, in-car modems, SWAT headsets, speed trailers, and Axon Translate. The application deadline is September 2. Council members asked for an itemized list and confirmed that cell phone extractions require a court order. The department agreed to provide a detailed list. - Item 49 (JAG Grant - $75,000): The grant is shared with the county sheriff's office for soft target security supplies, such as anti-vehicle barriers and concrete planters. Council members expressed support and asked for a list of items. - Item 52 (Camera Replacement Project): Appropriation of $400,000 for replacing and fixing the city's 500-600 surveillance cameras. The department stated that a recent shooting on Park Street was caught on these cameras, aiding the investigation. Council confirmed that only the police department has access to the camera feeds. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during this discussion. The council is expected to consider the items at a future common council session, with the LETAC grant needing approval before the September 2 deadline. - The police department agreed to provide supplementary data: a cost comparison of the previous command post, frequency of command post use, an itemized list of LETAC grant items, and a list of JAG grant items. - Council members directed the department to explore including hybrid/electric vehicles in future fleet requests and to integrate EV charging infrastructure into planned parking garage projects. The police department acknowledged the request but reiterated the operational and financial challenges. - Council members expressed appreciation for the department's work and noted recent increased patrol visibility in neighborhoods.

The Syracuse Planning Commission held its regular meeting on August 10, 2026, acting on resubdivisions, site plan reviews, and special use permits. The commission approved several items unanimously and forwarded recommendations to the Common Council. Public comment was heard on three special use permit applications. Minutes - The commission approved the minutes of the July 20, 2026 meeting as distributed. Old Business: Withdrawn and Deferred Items - Resubdivision R-2026-37 (416 and 400 North Monticello Ave) was withdrawn by the applicant; a new application would be required if pursued. - Special use permit SP2026-42 (2910 Erie Boulevard East) was deferred to the next meeting pending OCPB review and comment. Battery Energy Storage Moratorium Amendment - Staff requested an amendment to the recently extended battery energy storage moratorium to add an exception for commercial buildings with battery storage devices under 600 kilowatt hours, matching the existing residential exception for 80 kWh or less. The commission approved a motion recommending the amendment and extension to the Common Council. Staff noted that the Town of Clay's recent battery storage regulations had been reviewed for comparison. Time Extension: 710 Van Rensselaer Street (Core Development) - Kate Johnson, on behalf of Core Van Rensselaer Street Company 4, requested a third one-year time extension for SR-23-13, a 62-unit senior affordable housing project at the Inner Harbor. The project is funded largely through 9% tax credits via HCR; a prior application was denied due to a funding gap. The commission approved the extension through September 18, 2027, retaining the original six conditions. East Adams Street Redevelopment - The commission approved a SEQR negative declaration for the East Adams Street redevelopment project (phases three through twelve), after receiving revised Part 2 and Part 3 EAF documents addressing prior discussion. - The commission then approved the major site plan review application MESRP-2026-28 with nine conditions, including compliance with general conditions, on-site snow storage, 30-year affordability requirements for affordable units, coordination with the Onondaga County Department of Water and Environmental Protection, and a noise and dust control mitigation plan. Resubdivision R-2026-56 (2126-28 and 2130 South Ave) - Caitlin Wright of the Greater Syracuse Property Development Corporation proposed combining two lots at the corner of Hutchinson and South Avenue to build an approximately 1,500 square foot single-story home with three bedrooms, two baths, and a detached garage. The commission issued a SEQR negative declaration and approved the resubdivision with one condition requiring the filing of the resubdivision map in the Onondaga County Clerk's office within 62 days of approval. Resubdivision R-2026-64 (107-109 McAllister Ave) - Jamila and Jordan Damiani proposed merging their two lots at 107 and 109 McAllister Avenue to create a driveway and parking pad for their existing duplex. The commission issued a SEQR negative declaration and approved the resubdivision with two conditions (the first condition was not captured in the transcript; the second required the applicant to apply for all applicable permits for site improvements from the Central Permit Office). Special Use Permit SP2026-41 (2000 Park Street) - The applicant requested a special use permit for a vegetarian restaurant with takeout, operating 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Councillor Marino Navi spoke in favor, noting the property was formerly a vacant gas station and praising the restaurant concept while raising traffic concerns. The commission issued a SEQR negative declaration and approved the special use permit with five conditions, including installation of curbing and landscaping to prevent right-of-way parking, on-site snow storage, maintenance of a certificate of use, and adherence to approved hours. The recommendation goes to the Common Council. Special Use Permit SP2026-45 (658 West Onondaga Street) - Hillary Donahue, representing Syracuse 7 Properties, presented a proposal for a partial change of use of the former Silas Hahn mansion (built 1884) to offices and a small restaurant under 1,000 square feet, possibly a wine bistro. No restaurant operator has been selected yet. Hours are proposed as 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Two neighbors, Susan Hamilton and Glenn Kime, spoke in favor. The commission issued a SEQR negative declaration and approved the special use permit with eight conditions, including compliance with certificate of use, hours, no neon signage, screening of outdoor storage, alcohol licensing, and an ADA-compliant lead walk to a main entry. The recommendation goes to the Common Council. Special Use Permit SP2026-30 (814 Wolf Street) - Lee Harrington and owner Timothy Bregan presented a request for a special use permit for a New York State-licensed retail cannabis dispensary with no on-site consumption. Proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. A parking issue arose regarding vehicles backing onto Wolf Street; the applicant was open to limiting on-site spaces to employees and possibly coordinating with an adjacent property owner. Councillor Marino Navi noted the owner's tax delinquency and urged him to resolve it. An email of opposition from Samuel Prescott dated August 5 was entered into the record. The commission issued a SEQR negative declaration and approved the special use permit with 15 conditions, including completion of a SEPTED survey within 12 months, retroactive permits for completed work, paving of the rear gravel area if used for employee parking, restrictions on land coverage, curb cut improvements, a bike rack, repair of sidewalks, a sewer capacity letter, no backing out onto Wolf Street, and adherence to the stated hours. The recommendation goes to the Common Council. Special Use Permit SP2026-10 (745 North Salina Street) - The applicant was not present, and the item was held over to the next meeting. Other Business: Three-Mile Limit (Town of Salina) - The commission approved application 3S-2026-11 at 131 Old Liverpool Road, with concurrence from the City Engineer. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of July 20, 2026. - Recommended to the Common Council the battery energy storage moratorium extension and amendment. - Approved a time extension for the 710 Van Rensselaer Street senior housing project through September 18, 2027. - Approved a SEQR negative declaration and major site plan for the East Adams Street redevelopment. - Approved resubdivisions R-2026-56 and R-2026-64. - Approved special use permits SP2026-41, SP2026-45, and SP2026-30 as recommendations to the Common Council. - Held SP2026-10 for the next meeting. - Approved the three-mile limit application in the Town of Salina.

The meeting was called to order at 11:05 AM. Present: Mayor Sharon Owens, Commissioner Diane Nastry, Commissioner Collins, and city staff. Council President Paniagua was absent. Notice was posted to the Surah web page and sent to media on August 3, and posted on the public notice board on July 31. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the April 30 meeting was postponed to the next meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Resolution 3479 & 3480 (companion pieces): Authorized the Urban Renewal Agency to accept up to $1,000,000 from the City of Syracuse for the Home Headquarters Urgent Care Home Improvement Program (UCIP). Funding is citywide for income-qualified residents under 80% area median income. Resolution 3480 is the agreement with Home Headquarters. - Resolution 3481 & 3482 (companion pieces): Authorized accepting funding and entering into a contract with the Syracuse Housing Strategies Corporation for 2026-2027. The corporation's board previously met without a quorum; a follow-up meeting is scheduled to finalize approval. Key Outcomes - All four resolutions (3479, 3480, 3481, 3482) were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion, second, all in favor, no opposition or abstentions). Approval is contingent upon ratification by the respective boards. - Meeting adjourned.

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board met on August 6, 2026, to consider a certificate of appropriateness for a property in the Sedgwick Highland James Preservation District, discuss a National Register nomination for James Plaza, and conduct routine business. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a public hearing, and board discussion. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the July 16, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously (motion and second; all in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the public hearing for the certificate of appropriateness application. Discussion Items - Certificate of Appropriateness CA-26-18 for 403 Sedgwick Drive – Applicants Chris and Alyssa Lozapone described front porch rehabilitation, new steps, a retaining wall, and a French drain to address water issues. The work was completed prior to the hearing. The board noted that the new brick and bluestone materials were cohesive and period-appropriate, and that the retaining wall might impound water, prompting the applicants to plan future gutter installation. The board also commended the reuse of the original handrail. - James Plaza National Register Nomination – Staff requested board comments on the nomination of James Plaza, a 1928 garden-style apartment building (architect Pattison, landscape architect later worked in Washington State). The board expressed full support for the nomination, noting its unique architecture, historic context, and the tax credit potential. The board’s positive recommendation will be forwarded to the state preservation office. - Introduction of New Staff – Kate introduced Sam Crester from the zoning department, who will be assisting with historic preservation. The board welcomed him. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously to approve the certificate of appropriateness for 403 Sedgwick Drive as submitted (motion, second, all in favor). - The board expressed full support for the James Plaza National Register nomination, to be conveyed to the state review board via the mayor’s office. - The meeting adjourned with no old or new business beyond the public hearing.