Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programming: Eastwood Community Engagement
The City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programming is wrapping up our first community engagement series in Eastwood and we need your help!
The survey results are in and we are ready to present and discuss the top choices with the Eastwood community! Please join us for our final in-person public discussion panel this Thursday, November 4th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the Huntington School Cafeteria to have a conversation about the results and options. Your opinions are valuable and will steer the final selection and designs for these improvements!
As a reminder, we have $300,000 for Eastwood Parks improvements, a separate, potential additional $200,000 from Senator Rachel May for a skatepark expansion, and a separate, additional $150,000 specifically for a playground upgrade at Norwood Park. Please be a part of the conversation and have your voices heard!
If you have any questions, I can be reached via email at ageller@syrgov.net or by phone any time at (315)313-2833.
See you there!
Alexa Geller
Re-developed Interstate 81 project and its impact on our Syracuse neighbors living in its path
Until we can resume our in-person Wednesday Meetings we will be getting together and keeping you informed via ZOOM.
- Syracuse Metro LWV Board of Directors
Topic: Discussion on the re-developed Interstate 81 project and its impact on our Syracuse neighbors living in its path.
Speaker: Lanessa Owens-Chaplin Project Counsel for the
ACLU of NY. Lanessa is a local attorney whose concentration is work on racial issues through a civil rights and environmental justice lens.
Location: ZOOM - Connection info below.
** All League Educational Meetings are Open to the Public**
ZOOM at NOON with the LWV of the Syracuse Metro Area
Topic: Route 81
Time: November 3rd at Noon
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5634341614
Meeting ID: 563 434 1614
Passcode: LWVSYR
or
Phone in (no video)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 563 434 1614
Passcode: 925553 (only for phone in)
Westside TNT 'City as Canvas' Fundraiser
https://delavanstudios.com/shop/holiday-open-studios-2021/
PRESS RELEASE
MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES TICK BITE PREVENTION VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse, in cooperation with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County, will conduct a fall tick bite prevention virtual workshop on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 6 – 7 p.m. via Webex.
“Tick activity spikes in the fall, and with everyone outside enjoying the weather, viewing the foliage, and participating in all the other great fall activities, it is a good time to remind folks to be on the lookout for ticks and explain simple measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of getting bit by a tick,” said Cornell Cooperative Extension Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Educator Ryan Fawcett.
Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about how to reduce the possibility of tick bites through personal protection, habitat management and cultural controls. The program will also provide information on the types of ticks that exist in Central New York and habitats they prefer. The workshop is free and pre-registration is not required.
Residents interested in joining can login at bit.ly/tickbitepreventionwebinar.
The workshop is part of the City’s comprehensive Tick and Deer Management Plan, developed by a citizen advisory group and approved by the Common Council in 2019.
For information about the webinar, contact Chris Abbott at the City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs at 315-473-4330 ext. 3049.
Neighborhood Business Development: CDBG Grant
Dear Community Partner,
The city of Syracuse, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD) has released the Community Development Block Grant, Community Based Development Organization Certification, Emergency Solutions Grant, HOME Investment Partnership Program and Community Housing Development Organization Certification and Operating funding applications on our website.
The funding cycle for these applications will be May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023 (“Program Year 48”).
Please click here to access all documents:
(http://www.syrgov.net/Neighborhood_and_Business_Development.aspx)
Applications are due via electronic submission by 2PM on November 12th by 2PM.
Neighborhood and Business Development Staff will be available to meet with applicants by appointment throughout November 2nd - 4th for one-on-one sessions via video conferencing. These sessions are designed to answer RFP questions and address concerns prior to submitting a completed RFP application.
We look forward to continuing our strategic investments in the Syracuse community. Please forward this message to your community contacts.
Sincerely,
Michael Collins
Commissioner, Neighborhood & Business Development
City of Syracuse
201 East Washington Street, Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13202
(o) 315.448.8109 (c) 315.251.0962
PRESS RELEASE
MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $25,000 BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES “ASPHALT ART” GRANT TO CITY OF SYRACUSE
Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced today that the City of Syracuse is one of 26 U.S. cities to be awarded a 2021 Bloomberg Philanthropies “Asphalt Art Initiative” grant. The $25,000 award will be used to reimagine an underutilized expanse of asphalt in front of Syracuse City Hall. The work will be created under the supervision of the non-profit community group, Adapt CNY, in coordination with the Syracuse Public Art Commission.
The Asphalt Art Initiative uses art and design to improve street safety, revitalize public spaces, and engage residents in their communities. It is inspired by work done in New York City during Michael R. Bloomberg’s mayoralty (2002-2013) and the work of Bloomberg Philanthropies pro bono consulting arm, Bloomberg Associates, in advising cities on implementing asphalt art projects.
“I am excited to engage our local community in imagining and creating this project,” said Mayor Walsh. “With the help of Adapt CNY and local residents, we can use art and design to revitalize this public space in a way that also improves safety and mobility. I’m grateful to Mayor Bloomberg and to Bloomberg Philanthropies for selecting Syracuse’s application and for making this project possible.”
The City’s application addresses the paved space inside the median along East Washington Street between Market Street and Montgomery Street. Historically, this area was home to planting beds and pedestrian space prior to being converted to a parking area. The application cites a long-term goal to return the space to such use using the asphalt art project as a “proof of concept.” It would apply paint and other materials that can be easily maintained and modified in the future. The project is expected to be planned and completed in 2022 under the established permit and approval processes of the Public Art Commission.
“Asphalt art projects help cities reclaim public spaces, make them brighter and safer and build community – all important goals, especially amid the continuing hardships of the pandemic, said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City. “Cities that tap into the power of public art bring new life and energy to city streets, inspiring residents and fostering a shared spirit of neighborhood pride. There can be real civic strength in public art, and this program helps cities capitalize on it.”
In addition to Syracuse, the selected Asphalt Art Initiative cities include: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Billings, MT; Chicago, IL; Birmingham, AL; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; East Providence, RI; Fairbanks, AK; Huntington, WV; Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Kodiak, AK; Long Beach, CA; Memphis, TN; Newark, NJ; New Brunswick, NJ; Niagara Falls, NY; Providence, RI; San Juan, PR; St Louis, MO; Starkville, MS; Tallahassee, FL.; Tucson, AZ; and Wilmington, DE.
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Onondaga Votes! Zoom Meeting
OV!'s NEXT MEETING Will be Thursday, September 30, at 1:00 via Zoom [Note that the meeting time has changed.]
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5634341614
Meeting ID: 563 434 1614
Passcode: LWVSYR
**********************************************
Dial in only no video
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 563 434 1614
Passcode: 925553 (dial in only)
2. Attention: LOCAL ELECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT!! Volunteers Needed!
We need your help to register voters and get out the vote at locations on Syracuse's Southside.
We're using SignUp to organize those events. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp (event) at: https://signup.com/go/XZBRRWf
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) (dates and times) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp. But using your email makes it much easier for our organizer to keep track. You will not get irrelevant emails, only ones applying to the event for which you sign up.
Onondaga Votes!
OV!'s NEXT MEETING Will be Thursday, September 30, at 1:00 via Zoom [Note that the meeting time has changed.]
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5634341614
Meeting ID: 563 434 1614
Passcode: LWVSYR
**********************************************
Dial in only no video
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 563 434 1614
Passcode: 925553 (dial in only)
2. Attention: LOCAL ELECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT!! Volunteers Needed!
We need your help to register voters and get out the vote at locations on Syracuse's Southside.
We're using SignUp to organize those events. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp (event) at: https://signup.com/go/XZBRRWf
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) (dates and times) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp. But using your email makes it much easier for our organizer to keep track. You will not get irrelevant emails, only ones applying to the event for which you sign up.
Save the Rain: Green Improvement Fund
*The 2021 GIF Application Period Is Now Open*
(July 20, 2021 – December 17, 2021)
The purpose of Onondaga County’s Green Improvement Fund (GIF) is to support the development of green infrastructure and stormwater mitigation techniques on private property.
Since its inception, GIF has provided over $11.6 million in funding to local green infrastructure projects on private property. The 98 projects completed to date capture more than 48.5 million gallons of stormwater runoff each year in the City of Syracuse.
Eligible property owners can apply to receive financial incentives for the installation of Green Infrastructure (GI) Technologies, including but not limited to:
Rain gardens
Bioretention
Dry wells
Underground infiltration systems
Green roofs
Porous pavement
Tree plantings
Tree trenches
Planter boxes
Cistern systems
Added green space
Grant funding is made available only for project features associated with the installation of green infrastructure solutions and elements of the project that are needed to mitigate stormwater runoff
PRESS RELEASE
MAYOR WALSH LAUNCHES SPEED HUMPS PILOT PROGRAM TO INCREASE
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FOR AREA RESIDENTS
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh today introduced speed humps on five selected city streets to deter speeding and increase pedestrian safety on residential and park roads. Through a pilot program managed by the Syracuse Department of Public Works (DPW), construction of the humps, which are a wider and more durable version of speed bumps, started this week.
“DPW’s new speed hump pilot program is one of the ways the City is helping to keep pedestrians and drivers safe,” said Mayor Walsh. “In many Syracuse neighborhoods, we’re hearing concerns about speeding on streets where there are children at play and families actively enjoying the outdoors. That’s unacceptable. Our goal is to evaluate effectiveness of speed humps and determine if the program can be expanded in the near future.”
The speed hump sites for the pilot program meet specific traffic and road criteria as determined by the engineering and design process. The pilot sites, which include signage and pavement markings alerting drivers to the speed humps, are:
· Burnet Park Drive (Tipperary Hill Neighborhood - Park)
· Shonnard Street (Near West Side Neighborhood)
· Onondaga Park Drive (Strathmore Neighborhood - Park)
· Stafford Avenue (Eastwood Neighborhood)
· North Edwards Avenue (Eastwood Neighborhood)
Data will be collected to evaluate the impact of the pilot program. Radar speed readers will be located at each of the initial locations to collect before and after median speed and vehicle count information. The City will use the data to evaluate the program and make determinations regarding the pilot sites and potential other locations. All speed humps are designed and constructed to not impede emergency services and plowing operations.
The speed hump pilot is the most recent measure the City has taken to calm traffic. In March 2021, the Department of Engineering sought public input for the City’s Pedestrian Action Plan (PSAP), scheduled to be implemented later this year. The plan includes a project to upgrade crosswalks and create a pedestrian-safe environment by adding more stop signs and traffic signals citywide.
DPW is also working with the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) to place mobile speed trailers with radar signs in different areas for one week at a time. Speeding motorists are met with a view of the flashing miles per hour indicator as a reminder to adhere to the posted speed limit, while the speed trailer simultaneously records the speed for review by the City.
PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Walsh And Police Chief Buckner Release Right To Know Updates On Reporting Progress Portal
Syracuse, NY-- Mayor Walsh and Chief Buckner announced updates to the City of Syracuse’s implementation of the Right to Know law. The changes increase transparency and accountability in police-community interactions.
As part of the City’s response to the New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, and in accordance with the Right to Know law, the City published the following information on its Reporting Progress microsite:
FY2021 Q2 Syracuse Police Investigative Encounters Report
Online Viewing: https://bit.ly/syrpolice-rtkreport21Q3
Download Excel: https://bit.ly/syrpolice-rtk21Q3excel
· Documentation of the Right to Know law as passed by the Syracuse Common Council
Syracuse Police Department Right to Know Policy 434.1
Onondaga Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Model VIII Violence Diversion Plan
The microsite also contains letters transmitted to the Common Council on July 30 and Aug. 12.
“Posting of this data online is another step forward in improving police-community relations and enhancing police accountability. Our commitment is to make sure we are getting the data right making it easy for people to access and understand,” said Mayor Walsh. “By providing this information, we can increase trust and confidence around police interactions.”
The Right to Know law centers around making sure that people have access to information about interactions with police. Mayor Ben Walsh and Syracuse Police Chief Buckner encourage residents to review the information to better understand how Syracuse Police is complying with the law.
"I would first like to thank the team here at SPD that worked tirelessly to accomplish this goal. Accountability and transparency have been a main priority for my administration and I believe this moves us in the right direction," said Chief Kenton Buckner.
In Mayor Walsh’s Syracuse Police Reform Executive Order, Action No.1, the administration committed to “review, revise and amend the policies and procedures of the Syracuse Police Department” to incorporate the principles of the New York City Right to Know law into Syracuse Police policies and procedures. The Right to Know law was passed by the Syracuse Common Council on October 13, 2020.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Greg Loh
Date: September 9, 2021 Phone: 315-448-8013
Email: press@syrgov.net
PRESS RELEASE
AS ORANGE FOOTBALL RETURNS TO DOME, MAYOR WALSH AND CHIEF BUCKNER URGE FANS TO FOLLOW PARKING REGULATIONS IN UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOODS
Mayor reminds community that neighborhoods surround campus: “Illegal parking during games creates real public safety risks to residents.”
Syracuse, N.Y. – When Orange football returns to the Dome this Saturday, the City of Syracuse is asking fans to follow on street parking regulations. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner announced Thursday that Syracuse Police assigned to traffic management around the Dome and parking checkers will ticket for illegal parking during SU Football’s home opener against Rutgers.
Mayor Walsh instituted additional parking enforcement during the 2018 and 2019 season after increasing reports of illegal parking in surrounding neighborhoods and in Thornden Park. During the 2020 season, there were no fans in the Dome due to COVID-19 precautions.
“We want fans to enjoy Dome events and all that Syracuse has to offer before and after games. We also need people to remember that the Dome is surrounded by neighborhoods where people live. Illegal parking during games creates real public safety risks to residents,” said Mayor Walsh. “Ticketing or towing cars is the last thing we want to do, so we urge fans to park legally or use official Dome parking. It’s cheaper and easier than getting a ticket.”
Officers working Dome traffic management, as well as dedicated parking checkers, will work around campus and in University neighborhoods after kickoff to enforce parking regulations:
- On city streets, vehicles that violate alternate side of the street parking requirements may be ticketed.
- In Thornden Park, Syracuse University will place traffic barrels where parking is not allowed. Vehicles parked illegally in the park may also be ticketed.
- Vehicles blocking driveways; using handicap parking without authorization; parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant; or preventing passage of public safety equipment may be towed.
-More-
Fines for illegal parking are:
- Overtime at a meter: $40
- No parking zone: $40
- Blocking a fire hydrant: $75
- Unauthorized handicap parking: $130
For information on parking at Dome events, go to: https://cuse.com/sports/2018/8/8/carrier-dome-parking-lot-guide.aspx.
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Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP)
“The City of Syracuse, in conjunction with Onondaga County and New York State, is currently developing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The study area for this effort includes the land in proximity to the southern portion of Onondaga Lake and Onondaga Creek. This LWRP will support natural resource protection, enhance waterfront access, improve multi-modal connectivity options, and provide economic revitalization opportunities. Please join us for a virtual public workshop to learn more about the LWRP and share your thoughts on waterfront revitalization!
WHO?
Anyone with an interest in the City of Syracuse’s waterfront, including residents, businesses and property owners.
WHEN?
September 13, 2021 at 6:30 PM
RSVP
The workshop will be held on video-conference via Microsoft Teams. Please RSVP by September 10, 2021 by visiting www.syracuselwrp.com. An email with a workshop link will be sent to all individuals who RSVP.”
More Information HERE
Dear City Neighbor,
The City of Syracuse, Department of Engineering is inviting you to attend a public information meeting to discuss the design of an upcoming project in your neighborhood. The project involves the rehabilitation of the steel truss bridge that carries the City’s Creekwalk over Onondaga Creek near Maltbie Street and also widening the original section of the Creekwalk trail between the Inner Harbor and Bear Street; please refer to the attached project brochure for more information. The meeting will be held at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 at The Atrium, City Hall Commons, 201 East Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.
As mentioned we are welcoming you to attend this meeting to provide comments or alternatively can comment as detailed in the brochure. If you know of any other interested parties who may have an interest in this project please share this invitation with them.
Thank you.”
Romeo Kpolo
Civil Engineer 1
City of Syracuse | Dept. of Engineering
Phone: (315) 481-9153
E-mail: rkpolo@syrgov.net
City Hall | Room 401 | 233 E. Washington Street Syracuse, NY 13202
MAYOR WALSH REPORTS ON PROGRESS ON NEW MUNICIPAL SIDEWALK PROGRAM
PRESS RELEASE
City will issue bid this month seeking local contractors, especially minority, women and veteran-owned businesses, to work on the sidewalk program Walsh administration partners with Harvard Kennedy School on contractor survey to improve how Syracuse uses procurement and contracting to achieve better and more equitable outcomes
Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh today reported two miles of progress on municipal sidewalks in the first month since funding for the program was approved. Mayor Walsh made the announcement Friday standing at a near west side street corner that is among the first to get new sidewalks.
“The corner of Tioga Street and Marcellus Street is an example of what needed to change in our City and what we can accomplish with the municipal sidewalk program. When I was here two months ago, this corner had broken and incomplete sidewalks. It was places like this that sent people walking in the streets near parks and schools,” said Mayor Walsh. “The pandemic highlighted the importance of safe, walkable neighborhoods. With American Rescue Plan relief, we have been able to move the program forward in critical places where there was no realistic path to fixing sidewalks. We will continue this work throughout the entire City in the months and years ahead.”
In addition to sidewalk construction at the corner of Tioga Street and Marcellus Street, the City’s Department of Public Works has completed or started new sidewalks at:
- Cortland Avenue from Midland Avenue to South Avenue
- Burnet Avenue from Beech Street to Lodi Street
- Danforth Street from Park Street to Sunset Avenue
- Tioga Street from Fayette Street to Tully Street
- Vincent Road from Comstock Avenue to Jamesville Avenue
- Seeley Ave from Salina Street to dead end
The work finished or underway represents 11,000 linear feet of sidewalks. In the remaining months of the 2021 construction season, the City expects to replace or repair aging sections of sidewalks across nearly 20 miles of sidewalks, subject to weather conditions.
- More -
The City’s Department of Engineering will issue bids later this month for contractors to work on the municipal sidewalk program and is putting a strong focus on recruiting local minority, women and veteran-owned businesses. The bid will be posted on the Procurement page of the city website, www.syrgov.net.
For companies interested in learning more about opportunities to be a city supplier and provide input on the City’s procurement processes, a survey will be open until Friday, August 20 at https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0epktvi0HdtL6uO. The survey is being conducted by the City’s Office of Accountability, Performance and Innovation in partnership with the Harvard Kennedy School’s Government Performance Lab. The results will be used to help city government use procurement and contracting to achieve better and more equitable outcomes for residents, businesses, and community stakeholders.
Syracuse Police Department will be hosting a Syracuse Citizens Academy
Syracuse Police Department will be hosting a Syracuse Citizens Academy that will start September 20, 2021 and end on November 08, 2021. The class will be Monday evenings for eight weeks from 6p-8P. The class will give you a comprehensive view of your police department to include police operations, investigations, K9, dealing with persons in crisis, community engagement and other topics. There will be a variety of instructors from various parts of the police department. The goal would be for attendees to have a better understating of the Syracuse Police Department and at the conclusion be able to better educate other citizens about policing in Syracuse and correct possible misinformation. A department issued polo will be given to attendees at the conclusion.
We ask that if you are interested that you can commit to all dates because each session will cover different material. If you would like to attend the 2021 Syracuse Police Department Syracuse Citizens Academy please contact the Community Relations Section via email at media@syracusepolice.org.
Thank You and Have A Nice Day!!