Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

On July 13, 2026, the Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 51 (May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026) to the public. The presentation was led by Commissioner Michael Collins and Director of Neighborhood Grants Tanya Eastman. The report covers federal grants from HUD, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA, delegated to the state). The report is required within 90 days of program year close and will be submitted to HUD by the end of July 2026. Discussion Items - Program Overview: The CAPER summarizes accomplishments aligned with the city's five-year consolidated plan (2025–2029), focusing on safe/affordable housing, homeownership, homeless prevention, neighborhood stability, economic inclusion, and vibrancy. - CDBG Highlights: Funds supported home improvement direct assistance, eviction prevention, landlord-tenant counseling, fair housing barriers reduction, homeownership promotion, youth summer/after-school programs, vacancy reduction, blight removal, and human services at community centers. - ESG Outcomes: Street outreach served 369 unique individuals; rapid rehousing served 64 individuals; homeless prevention assisted 254 individuals to remain in their homes. - HOME Investments: Focused on rehabilitation/new construction of single-family and multi-unit rentals, homeownership promotion, and property demolition in neighborhood revitalization areas (primarily northwest and south sides). - Partner Organizations: Grantee organizations include CNY Fair Housing, My Father’s Kitchen, Home Headquarters, Syracuse Northeast Community Center, Rescue Mission, YWCA, Volunteer Lawyers, and others. Key Outcomes - No public comments or questions were offered during the meeting. - The meeting was adjourned shortly after the presentation with the report available on the city website (SYR.gov, Neighborhood & Business Development section). - The report will be finalized and submitted to HUD by the end of July 2026.

The Syracuse Common Council convened at 1:00 PM on July 13, 2026, with President Paniaca presiding. The meeting included routine approvals, a debate on right-of-way closure fees, discussion of funding priorities for a historic staircase and youth programming, and several votes on bonds, fees, and land use items. Key votes were split on a new fee ordinance, a convenience store license, and a historic preservation funding item. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the June 29 meeting (unanimous). - Acknowledged public hearings held on July 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM regarding naming of the Homer Wheaton Park concession stand to the Alphonse Gunn Concession Stand and the McChesney Community Center Basketball Court to the Dennis Pardinet Ball Court (pursuant to Revised General Ordinance of the City of Syracuse Chapter 17, Article 5). - Items 11-12 (introduced by Councilor Cardwell), Items 14-39, Items 43-46, Items 49, 51-61 (with noted exceptions), Items 62-69, Items 71-81 (with noted exceptions), Items 85-88, and Item 89 were all adopted unanimously or with only one opposing vote as noted below. - Items 41 and 42 were held (bond side and related legislation). - Item 47 was passed, and Item 48 was held (both per objection process). Discussion Items - Item 13 – Right-of-Way Closure Fee Ordinance (Amendments): Councilor Mato thanked the Public Works Committee, council staff, corporation counsel, and the Department of Public Works for months of work on the legislation. Councilor Hudson expressed skepticism about the square footage calculation and monitoring capacity with current staff. Councilor Aaron Wright stated the proposed changes swing “the pendulum too far in the other direction,” moving from an area-based fee to an overly simplified administrative fee. He noted the ordinance builds on council ideas but still had reservations. Senior Corporation Counsel Megan Ryan confirmed that if the item did not pass, operations would continue under the 2025 ordinance. The item passed 5–4 (Councilors Cardwell, Michel, Nave, Jones Rouser, Mato in favor; Councilor Aaron Wright opposed; Councilors Hudson, Moore, Williams opposed). - Items 47-48 – Westminster Staircase and Youth Programming Funding: Councilor Jones Rousser objected to Item 47 (and later upheld for 48). She argued the Westminster staircase has reached a point where preservation is no longer feasible, recommending that DASNI reallocate $600,000 to memorialize the steps and redirect $3.3 million in repair funds to youth programming (playgrounds, sports leagues, summer camps, after-school programs, job creation). She cited the Kirk Park pedestrian bridge closure as a similar case where one neighborhood was prioritized over another. She also suggested the funds could develop 10–12 three-bedroom houses to address the city’s housing shortage. Councilor Michel moved to hold Items 47–61, but that motion failed (3–6). Ultimately Item 47 passed, and Item 48 was held for the next agenda. - Item 50 – Parking Lot Gating and Pump Track Relocation: After a vote had passed, Councilor (unidentified) successfully moved to revisit Item 50. That councilor stated they would vote no because of confusion over payment responsibility and because gating the parking lot would prevent local residents from parking after removal and relocation of the pump track, noting that a nearby plaza parking lot is not gated. The item then passed 8–1. - Item 70 – Boot Fee Increase: Councilor Williams introduced the item, noting the deputy clerk updated the short title to “total costs not to exceed $75” for a one-year term. She expressed concern about the cumulative burden of increased taxes, water rates, red-light fines, school bus fines, sidewalk fees, and taxes on residents living paycheck to paycheck, but stated she would not vote no. Councilor Aaron Wright responded that the city has a revenue issue not a boot-fine issue, and that the fee adjustment is needed to enforce parking violations without losing more than $100 per enforcement. The item passed unanimously. - Item 75 – Honored Dog Historical Association: Councilor Mato urged the association to continue defending and protecting all historical monuments, noting that many monuments were built with private funds and represent the heritage of all immigrant groups. He expressed concern about selective preservation and asked that new Americans also be recognized in the future. The item passed unanimously. - Item 83 – Large Item Collection (Commercial/Larger Items): Councilor Jones Rousser introduced the item with updated information. Councilor Aaron Wright voted no. The item passed 8–1. - Item 84 – Convenience Store Licensing Near Schools: Councilor (likely Moore or Williams) spoke against the item, highlighting that some convenience stores near schools sell illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol to children, and called on state legislators to change laws allowing such proximity. The item failed 4–5 (Councilors Michel, Nave, Williams, possibly Jones Rousser? – actual roll call: Cardwell no, Michel yes, Aaron Wright yes? opposed? unclear but final tally 4-5). Key Outcomes - Item 13 (Right-of-Way Closure Fee Ordinance) passed 5–4, amending the 2025 fee structure. - Item 47 passed; Item 48 (bond for Westminster staircase) held for next meeting. - Item 50 passed 8–1 after a motion to reconsider. - Item 70 (boot fee increase) passed unanimously. - Item 83 passed 8–1. - Item 84 (convenience store license) failed 4–5. - All other listed items passed either unanimously or with a single dissenting vote where noted. - Meeting adjourned after the vote on Item 89.

The Syracuse City Council held a study session on July 13, 2026, to review proposed amendments to the right-of-way ordinance, discuss a water infrastructure grant application, consider a pilot program for AI-assisted permitting, and address an extension for the Comstock Avenue project. Several items were called ready for the upcoming business meeting, and the council debated enforcement capacity and data privacy concerns. Discussion Items - Right-of-Way Ordinance Amendments (Item 13): Councilor Michel introduced the proposed changes, primarily around work zone traffic control and fee schedules. Eric from DPW explained that parking meter rental fees remain unchanged at $18/day, and the new fee schedule would take effect immediately. The council discussed enforcement capacity, including the hiring of a new right-of-way inspector (internal candidate identified) and coordination among departments. Councilor Michel expressed concern about monitoring and enforcement capacity, noting that even with the new hire, more staff may be needed given the volume of permits. DPW acknowledged the need and committed to assessing future staffing needs. - Water Grant Application and Bond (Items 40-42): The council discussed a $5 million grant application with a $1.5 million match for the chlorine conversion project. To meet the July 31 deadline, the council agreed to vote on the application (Item 40) while holding the bond authorization (Items 41-42) for further committee discussion. The water department confirmed that approving the application alone does not risk the grant. - AI Permitting Pilot (Item 83): Councillor Strausser introduced a pilot program to use AI for plan review, funded by a HUD grant. Several councilors raised concerns about data privacy, referencing past issues with the Flock contract. Michael Collins, Deputy Commissioner of Code Enforcement, and Jake Dish explained that the technology would be procured through an RFP, and the council would have oversight. Budget Director Evan noted that RFPs now include questions about data usage. The council agreed to move forward with the application after clarifying that the pilot would be commercial-only. - Comstock Avenue Extension (Item 89): Councilor Michel presented a 90-day extension for the Comstock project (through September 29, 2026). Eric clarified that the new right-of-way fee schedule would apply from the date of passage, and the escalating fee structure would start at day one of the new ordinance, not backdated. Consent Calendar - Items 1-12: The council noted that public hearings had already been held. - Items 13-38: Held pending further discussion on the right-of-way ordinance. - Items 39-40: Item 39 approved; Item 40 (application) approved. - Items 41-42: Held for committee discussion. - Items 43-88: Called ready by respective councilors, including the finance agenda (70-81) and items 82-83 (AI pilot) after clarification. - Items 84-89: Item 89 approved as an extension. Key Outcomes - The council approved the right-of-way ordinance amendments (Item 13) effective immediately, with new fee schedules for work zone traffic control. - The council approved the water grant application (Item 40) but held the bond authorization (Items 41-42) for further review. - The council moved forward with the AI permitting pilot application (Item 83) with the understanding that the pilot is commercial-only and data privacy will be addressed in the RFP. - The council approved the 90-day extension for the Comstock Avenue project (Item 89) under the new fee schedule. - The council entered executive session to discuss ERB matters. Note: No vote tallies were recorded in the transcript.

On July 8, 2026, the City of Syracuse held a virtual kickoff meeting for the update of the Comprehensive Plan 2050. Deputy Commissioner Owen Kearney of the Planning and Sustainability Division, along with the consulting team from CZB and EDR, presented an overview of the project, the planning process timeline, and opportunities for public engagement. The meeting included a question-and-answer session covering the plan's scope, engagement strategies, and community concerns. Public Comments & Testimony (Q&A) - Jen asked whether the new plan will include components like land use maps, bicycle plans, historic preservation, and sustainability plans as the previous 2040 plan did. Owen Kearney explained that the new plan will consider all those topics but in a broader format, and that some sub-plans (e.g., bicycle master plan, parks master plan) are being updated separately by respective departments. - John inquired if the membership of the Citizen Steering Committee is public information. Kearney confirmed it is and that names will be posted on the project website. - Peggy asked if the meeting was a wrap-up from community meetings held last year. Kearney clarified that last year's meetings were for the housing strategy, a separate project, and that the comprehensive plan is a new initiative. - Rachel asked about the meaning of acronyms CZB and EDR. Kearney explained that EDR is a Syracuse-based firm leading the planning, and CZB provides national expertise; both are part of the consulting team. - Woo asked about new community engagement strategies compared to the last comprehensive plan. Kearney highlighted the virtual open house, online survey, and multiple in-person events as new approaches. - Jacob expressed concerns about crime, drug overdoses, and economic sustainability, and asked how to share ideas. Kearney invited him to attend in-person meetings or contact him directly at planning@sy.gov. Discussion Items - Project Overview: Pete from CZB described the comprehensive plan as a long-range guide for land use, development, resource allocation, and code updates. The plan focuses on three aspects: getting the big things right, planning for what is known, and planning for what is unknown. - Phase One (2025): The team completed stakeholder interviews, an audit of the 2012 plan, an updated community profile, and preliminary outreach. A phase one summary is available on the project website. - Phase Two (2026-2027): Three parts: 2A (March–July 2026) identifies priorities and community values; 2B (August–December 2026) develops planning principles and scenarios; 2C (2027) drafts the plan with multiple rounds of public review and adoption. - Engagement Opportunities: In-person open houses at five locations (June 30–July 14, 2026) from 5:30–6:30 PM. A virtual open house with a survey runs from July 8 through July 20. The project website (planning@sy.gov and QR code) provides updates, the phase one summary, and access to the virtual open house. - Correction: The slide originally listed Thursday's meeting at Hazard Branch Library; Sarah corrected it to Pettit Branch Library. Key Outcomes - The meeting launched the public engagement phase for the Comprehensive Plan 2050. - The project timeline was detailed: Phase 2A through July 2026, Phase 2B through end of 2026, Phase 2C through summer 2027. - Multiple channels for public input were announced: in-person meetings, virtual open house, email (planning@sy.gov), and the project website. - Clarifications were provided on plan scope, steering committee transparency, relationship to other city plans (housing strategy, climate action plan), and engagement methods. - No formal votes or decisions were made; the meeting served as an informational kickoff.

The Syracuse City Council held a study session on July 8, 2026, to discuss numerous agenda items scheduled for a vote on July 12, 2026. The session covered a wide range of topics including revisions to sidewalk closure fees, multiple grant applications for flood mitigation and transportation projects, park improvements, technology initiatives, and waivers for various services. Several councilors raised concerns about equity, data privacy, and fiscal responsibility. No final votes were taken; decisions are pending the July 12 meeting. Consent Calendar - Naming of Parks (Items 11-12): Councillor Cutwell reported that a public hearing was held on Monday, July 6, regarding naming parks after Mr. Barnett and Mr. Gunn. The process is set to proceed with council approval. - Annual Contracts and Routine Approvals: Several items, including bond ordinances for park improvements, contract extensions, and grant applications, were discussed but not voted on. Many are expected to move forward on July 12. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on Park Naming: A public hearing was held on July 6 regarding the naming of Homer Wheaton and Magnarelli Senator Court after Mr. Barnett and Mr. Gunn. Councillor Cutwell noted the hearing was well-attended and positive. No additional public comments were made during this study session. Discussion Items - Sidewalk Closure Fee Revisions (Item 13): Eric from the mayor's office presented a revised ordinance restructuring sidewalk closure fees. Changes include a sliding scale based on building height (three stories or less vs. four stories or more), redefining high-density areas by zoning (MX4 and MX5) instead of business improvement districts, and higher violations in those zones. A 90-day extension for the Comstock closure will be requested under the new fee schedule. Councillors discussed waivers for government entities (clarified as limited to public agencies) and flat vs. proportional fees. Tree removal fees are set at $300 per diameter inch to disincentivize mature tree loss. The updated document will be submitted before Monday's vote. - Flood Mitigation Grants (Items 14-15): City Engineer Mary Robison presented two grant applications to the NYS DEC. Item 14: $420,000 for a hydraulic study of Onondaga Creek (20% local match of $70,000) to reduce floodplain designations and flood insurance costs. Item 15: up to $3 million for hydraulic study and design of coal brook culvert replacements. Councillors asked about resident notification and noted previous studies. - Vision Zero Grants (Item 22): Megan Vitaly, Vision Zero Coordinator, presented applications for a Butternut Street cycle track ($750,000) and Valley Shared Use Path ($500,000), both with 20% local matches. Councillors requested a committee meeting to discuss overall Vision Zero progress and funding alignment. The applications are due July 31. - AI Technology for Building Plan Review (Item 83): Deputy Commissioner Jake Dishaw presented a $1.5 million HUD grant to deploy AI for reviewing building blueprints to improve efficiency. Multiple councilors expressed concerns about data privacy, potential bias, and the precedent set by federal AI initiatives. Councillors suggested separating the application from the agreement to allow council oversight of funding. The item may be held for further discussion. - Chlorine Gas Replacement (Items 40-42): The water department seeks to replace chlorine gas with liquid sodium hypochlorite at the Skniatlas facility. A $10 million bond is needed, with a $5 million state grant application to cover half the cost. Construction is expected by 2028. Councillors discussed recent sinkholes (water main breaks) and thanked crews for their work. - Park Improvements (Items 43-61): Multiple bond ordinances and authorizations were presented for Burnet Park, Westminster stairs, West Side Pump Track, Traveler's Rest abatement, Homer Wheaton splash pad, and other projects. Councillors noted community support for the pump track and suggested including baseball field naming for Mr. Gunn at Homer Wheaton park. Commissioner Saisha Burr will continue discussions. - Waivers for Services (Items 27-38): A series of waivers for proprietary services and landfills were reviewed. Councillors requested a breakdown of cart replacement part costs and a list of city-based companies among the waiver recipients. The department will provide details. - Broadband Contract Amendment (Item 62): Vinny Scipio presented an extension and fee schedule for the municipal broadband network to align with state grant timelines and allow procurement for a future operator. Councillors scheduled follow-up meetings. - IT Services RFP (Item 64): Approval sought for a three-year contract with five IT service providers (one new, Resubmate). The contract includes two one-year extensions. Funding is on a purchase order basis. - Finance Items (Items 70-81): Discussions included raising the boot fee from $50 to $100 with a corresponding reduction in the city's share of parking fines, consulting services for investment returns, and annual agreements with Krause Marshall and downtown committee. The Lay Creek cleanup consent order will be discussed individually with councilors. Key Outcomes - Pending Votes: All items discussed will be voted on at the July 12 council meeting unless held. The AI grant application may be separated from the agreement to allow council approval later. - Requests for Information: The administration will provide a breakdown of cart replacement costs, a list of city-based waiver companies, and additional details on AI data privacy. A committee meeting on Vision Zero will be scheduled. - Concerns Raised: Councilors expressed concerns about the AI pilot's equity implications, the lack of competitive bidding for some waivers, and the need for clearer communication on flood mitigation projects. The 90-day sidewalk closure extension will be submitted as a waiver under the new fee schedule. - Next Steps: Staff will revise documents and submit updates before the July 12 meeting. Public input on the comprehensive plan continues with a meeting at Hazard Branch Library on July 9.

The Syracuse Citizens Review Board (CRB) held a regular meeting on July 7, 2026, with members present including Linda Back, Anna, Mike Kerwin, Pray, Samia, and Actavia (arriving later). Chairman Johnson noted that two additional board members are awaiting council approval and are expected to join by the next meeting. The board approved the June 2026 minutes by voice vote. The meeting featured public comments criticizing the CRB's handling of the suspension of investigative powers, followed by board discussion and a presentation on Right to Know data. Public Comments & Testimony - Barry Gwanter (Syracuse resident): Requested that the data report be posted on the website and provided in written form to the public. He noted that the city council had approved a new board member from the refugee community at a recent meeting. He criticized the CRB's public communications, arguing that the board presented legal opinions on the Locus 2 case as fact when there is a legal dispute, and that the CRB should not parrot the corporation counsel's position. He urged the board to consider directors and officers insurance to protect members and to take a stronger stance on their powers. - Erie Solomon (Syracuse resident): Expressed concern about inconsistencies in CRB communications, citing a June 10 post summarizing the Locus 2 decision, a June 12 administrator post denying support for the investigative suspension, and a handout signed by the chairman that seemed to defer to the Locus 2 decision. Solomon questioned whether the board had a unified position and urged the city to defend the CRB's enabling legislation in court rather than preemptively conceding. - Peter McCarthy (former CRB Chair, 2017–2020): Stated that the CRB never had the power to discipline officers—a point removed from the original 1993 statute. He argued that the Locus 2 decision does not apply to the Syracuse CRB because the board does not issue binding discipline, and he criticized the CRB's materials as implying the board cannot investigate, which he said is misleading and unsupportive of public oversight. - Kevin (Syracuse resident): Found the CRB's “Setting the Record Straight” document misleading, particularly the framing that the Rochester ruling has no effect on Syracuse because the boards are different. He argued the public's concern is that the Syracuse CRB's investigative powers have been suspended even though it never had disciplinary authority, and that the board's messaging is insulting to the public and erodes trust. - Unidentified speaker: Emphasized that the courts have not been asked whether Locus 2 applies outside Rochester. The speaker urged the board to present that question to the court rather than waiting passively, warning that the city may pressure the council to weaken the CRB's powers. Discussion Items - Chairman's Report: Chairman Johnson reported no updates beyond ongoing discussions about the CRB's hearing status. - Administrator's Report (Nolita): Despite the investigative pause, the CRB remains active in the community. June engagements included the forced community outreach day (June 6), CNY United meeting (June 8), Sun meeting (June 9), Jazz in the City at Boys and Girls Club (June 11), flag raising ceremony (June 18), and a virtual meeting with the National Abolition Hall of Fame (June 30). Staff handled seven phone calls about filing complaints and maintained outreach to explain the CRB's role. On June 23, the administrator and Chris met with Chief Russin to discuss the Right to Know report and to coordinate a community event focused on autism awareness. - Data Analytics Presentation (Chris): Chris presented findings from the Right to Know data releases by the Syracuse Police Department. Key findings: No Right to Know data has been released since the end of 2024; earlier releases (Q3–Q4 2022) showed a rapid rise in missing data across all variables. After the SPD changed the form to require non-demographic fields, missing data in those fields dropped to zero, but demographic missing data rates have since risen to pre-spike levels. Between three and eight percent of use-of-force incidents are accounted for in the data, likely because the legislation does not mandate tracking of high-force incidents. Recommendations to SPD: restart data releases (Chief Russin acknowledged this as an oversight and is working to release the backlog); maintain the current encounter-level format; expand or remove the 50-character limit on the reason field; provide shapefiles or standard geographic units for location data; and require demographic fields. The full report with graphs is to be posted on the CRB website tomorrow. - Board Response to Public Comments: After several public comments, Chairman Johnson stated that the final decision lies with the court and the board must follow the law. Board member Michael moved that the board not respond point-by-point to public comments to avoid circular debate; the board unanimously supported this approach. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The June 2026 meeting minutes were approved by voice vote. - Data Report Release: The Right to Know data analysis report will be posted on the CRB website (syracusecrb.gov) as of July 8, 2026. - No Committee Reports: Committees have not yet been formed; updates will come at future meetings. - Meeting Adjourned: A motion to close the meeting passed by voice vote with no opposition. - Pending Board Members: Two additional members are expected to join after council approval and interviews, likely by the next meeting.

On July 6, 2026, a public hearing was held to consider renaming the McChesney Community Center basketball court in honor of Dennis Barnett. Several community members spoke in favor of the proposal, highlighting Barnett's decades of service coaching and mentoring youth in Syracuse. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Barnet (son of Dennis Barnett) spoke in favor, describing his father's 50 years of coaching, founding a Saturday morning basketball program at McChesney in the early 1990s, and running the ACTION basketball program for nearly 40 years. He noted Barnett is humble and does not seek accolades. - Dale Johnson (Tilly's Touch) spoke in favor, highlighting Barnett's coaching of basketball, baseball, and soccer for 40 years, mentoring thousands of kids, and his daily efforts to get kids to school on time. He estimated Barnett has coached nearly 10,000 kids in Syracuse. - Dan Romeo spoke in favor, emphasizing Barnett's dedication to the North Side and Syracuse and the need to recognize such contributions. - Quante Elijah spoke in favor, sharing personal testimony that Barnett's programs kept him and his friends on a positive path, feeling Barnett helped change and save his life. - No speakers opposed the proposal. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed, and the legislation will be considered during the regular order of business.

A public hearing was held during the Syracuse City Council meeting on July 6, 2026, to consider a proposal to name a baseball field or concession stand at Homer Wheaton Park after Alphonse "Al" Gunn, a longtime youth baseball coach. Two members of the public spoke in favor of the proposal, and no opposition was voiced. The hearing was closed, and the legislation will be taken up during the regular order of business. Public Comments & Testimony - Sherl Stan Collins (community member) expressed full support for naming the baseball field after Alphonse "Al" Gunn, arguing that Gunn deserves more than just a concession stand named after him. Collins noted Gunn's decades of service to children across multiple zip codes, including use of Kirk Park and other fields, and stated that the field should be named after Gunn, not just the concession stand. - Pastor Phil Turner of Bethany Baptist Church testified that Alphonse Gunn has been a deacon at his church for over 20 years, that the team Gunn coaches represents the church (the Bethany disciples, formerly the Black Barons), and that Gunn connects families and youth to the church. Turner affirmed Gunn's role as a community leader and man of God. Discussion Items - A council member (likely Councillor Codwell, referenced) indicated that the Commissioner of Parks was not present, but noted that earlier discussions with the Department of Law suggested the legislation could be amended to name the field rather than just the concession stand. Further details were promised to be revealed later. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed with no opposition. - The proposal legislation will be considered during the regular order of business at the meeting.

The Syracuse Common Council Parks Committee, chaired by Hannah Aaronreich, met to discuss six bond ordinances totaling approximately $5 million for various park improvements across the city. Committee members and parks staff presented project details, and members of the public provided testimony. No formal votes were taken; the committee will forward recommendations to the full council. Public Comments & Testimony - Charlie Sam expressed support for the Westminster Stairs project, noting its importance for residents and students, and for recreation. - Rick Destito (owner of Gear Factory) advocated for the West Side Pump Track, detailing community efforts to build the original dirt track and the benefits of a paved version with lower maintenance. - Laura Lawson (Salt Springs resident) supported the Homer Wheaton splash pad project, saying it would revitalize the neighborhood. - Linda Irvine urged the committee to advance the veterans monument in Kirk Park, stating it is a long-overdue community project. - A letter from Sam Gruber was entered into the record, emphasizing that good parks improve public perception, health, and economic impact. Discussion Items - Burnett Park Improvements (Items 47-48, $450,000): Bond for pool repair, HVAC, security fencing, restroom upgrades, and athletic surface improvements. Parks staff noted recent break-ins due to deteriorated fencing. - Parks Facilities Improvements (Items 49-50, $750,000): Annual catch-all fund for maintenance of pools, roofs, electrical, plumbing, etc. - Westminster Stairs (Items 51-52, $1.7 million bond, total project $3 million): Full replacement of non-ADA compliant stairs closed since about 2020. Additional funding includes $600,000 from Senator May's office and $700,000 from other city accounts. Project has been a priority for East Side constituents. - West Side Pump Track (Items 53-54, $300,000): Relocation and paving of the existing dirt pump track in Lighthall Park. Community engagement will guide design, and parks will maintain the new track. - Travelers Rest Abatement (Items 55-56, $200,000): Phase one of remediating an asbestos-contaminated stone building in Kirk Park, with future plans for a community space and restrooms. - Homer Wheaton Concession Stand and Splash Pad (Items 57-58, $450,000): Addition of a prefab concession building and splash pad. Total project cost estimated at $750,000, including previous allocations and a DASNY grant. Council members emphasized the need for cooling centers in a warming climate. - Creek Walk Vegetation Management (Items 59-60, $350,000): Restoration of riparian buffer from Franklin Square to Onondaga Lake, removing invasive species and replanting native trees. Related lighting and fencing repairs will be included. Other Items - The committee acknowledged a public hearing on Monday, July 6, 2026, to consider naming the Homer Wheaton concession stand and the Dennis Bardinette ball court at McChesney Community Center. - Commissioner Bird noted an $11.5 million award from Assembly Member Magnarelli for Schiller Park improvements. - Arborist Steve Harris discussed challenges with right-of-way vegetation management; council members requested coordination with DPW. Key Outcomes - All bond ordinances were discussed but not voted on; the committee will report to the full Common Council. - The committee chair emphasized the positive impact of investing $5 million in capital improvements across the city's parks.