Development in and Around Syracuse Discussion

[OttoMets]

The homeless people bit is interesting. What program is this? That's NOT how we do it in Canada...it does seem to mimic what a lot of people were complaining about with NYC early on during COVID. Haphazardly placing people in buildings to get them off the street w/out much concern for the secondary impact on existing residents/families.

Anyway, I know that building! I used to walk to that Chase - my bank! I stole a ton of pens from that bank. Chase has nice pens, much better than RBC up here. Anyway, that is not a nice area. I always use that as my "jaywalking should be definitely be illegal - AND enforced" argument. Lodi Street. Holy hell is that thing a free-for-all at times with people just walking in the street at all hours.

I'll also note - that person is NOT lying. There were ALWAYS fire trucks in front of that place. Always. lol

Yes about the jaywalking.

I don't know specifics about the programs that get people into places like Skyline, but I do know that "housing first" is allegedly an effective way of serving the homeless population, and it's getting increasingly popular. It's real hard to help yourself without a home.

That said, it's got to be paired with strong social service support, and I believe it shouldn't be permitted to diminish the quality of life for neighbors. Obviously that's where it's fallen short here (to put it mildly).

 

[OttoMets]

This one was announced before the pandemic. Good to see it will be getting started shortly. Don't much care for the design, but almost anything is better than how it currently looks.

Long-vacant Syracuse office building will get new life and honor firefighters

The building overlooking Firefighters Memorial Park has been vacant for over 20 years.

www.syracuse.com

And they cleaned up the pedestrian/parking hazard. The name's pretty lame, though. Seems tacky.

 

[Ghost]

Yes about the jaywalking.

I don't know specifics about the programs that get people into places like Skyline, but I do know that "housing first" is allegedly an effective way of serving the homeless population, and it's getting increasingly popular. It's real hard to help yourself without a home.

That said, it's got to be paired with strong social service support, and I believe it shouldn't be permitted to diminish the quality of life for neighbors. Obviously that's where it's fallen short here (to put it mildly).

Yeah, I think the key there is the supports that you mentioned - that "quick read" seems to imply there really isn't any. Which must be rather awful for the families in that housing.

Vancouver has had a lot of success with various programs, obviously they still have a horrendous housing problem though.

I just can't fathom they throw people in to that situation though - which seemed like the NYC issue early last year. Regardless of success, you have to have some process to ensure the people that are there already (and likely down on their luck as well), have some reasonable amount of safety/peace for their family.

It's tough.

I think someone linked it here, or maybe I just read about it, those 3D printed housing communities are rather interesting. The accomodations aren't too bad either.

 

[bevosu]

Syracuse nostalgia on youtube.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIkbOpTzbznI0nzKE1r8yg

 

[KellySyracuse]

Syracuse nostalgia on youtube.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIkbOpTzbznI0nzKE1r8yg

I know the Zangari's, they group up on my side of town and I do remember their liquor store. I do believe that one of the Zangari's currently owns a bar in or near Destin, Florida. In this bar is a trophy for first place in a bowling league that my Mom played on at Bowling Green in N. Syracuse. It's from the 1970's and there is a team picture too.

Thanks for posting the youtube link, as soon as I close out this hellscape of a workday I'm going to check that out.

 

[KellySyracuse]

this list is ambitious

How Ryan McMahon plans to spend $142M: sports complex, rural broadband, job grants, more

The Onondaga County executive laid out his plans Wednesday night in the 2021 State of the County Address.

www.syracuse.com

"--A $25 million sports complex near the shore of Onondaga Lake, featuring about a dozen playing fields. McMahon said he anticipates paying cash to build the county-owned facility, which would be operated by a private vendor.

--A rural broadband initiative that is estimated to cost up to $15 million. The county would pay to install fiberoptic cable in remote areas not currently served by broadband providers and would work with internet companies to arrange for service.

--Up to $16 million for anti-poverty initiatives. The money, which will be reimbursed by the state, would fund a variety of nonprofit projects that were announced last year but put on hold because of the pandemic.

--Roughly $23 million for economic development. The money would be used for initiatives yet to be identified

--$5 million for incentives to filmmakers who make movies and hire local staff and vendors in the Syracuse area. The money would be handled by CNY Arts, a local nonprofit that coordinated a similar grant program with $4.8 million awarded by the state in 2018."

there are more $5 million projects his list, too many to put here, I do like this option too.

--$2 million to extend the Loop the Lake Trail around Onondaga Lake. The newest phase would extend the trail east from Onondaga Lake Park roughly to the spot where the CSX railroad bridge crosses Onondaga Lake Parkway.

 

[KellySyracuse]

Also want to mention there is a giant Save81 billboard on the side of the RT81 north bound lanes, visible heading into the city just past Destiny. I don't recall seeing it yesterday on my way to the dentist but I may have missed it. That group won't give up, will they?

I realize this is driven by Congel's group but for any of those businesses to think that decisions made about Rt81 should be to benefit them...after what we just went through last year? Those people need a reality check.

 

[Trueblue25]

this list is ambitious

How Ryan McMahon plans to spend $142M: sports complex, rural broadband, job grants, more

The Onondaga County executive laid out his plans Wednesday night in the 2021 State of the County Address.

www.syracuse.com

"--A $25 million sports complex near the shore of Onondaga Lake, featuring about a dozen playing fields. McMahon said he anticipates paying cash to build the county-owned facility, which would be operated by a private vendor.

--A rural broadband initiative that is estimated to cost up to $15 million. The county would pay to install fiberoptic cable in remote areas not currently served by broadband providers and would work with internet companies to arrange for service.

--Up to $16 million for anti-poverty initiatives. The money, which will be reimbursed by the state, would fund a variety of nonprofit projects that were announced last year but put on hold because of the pandemic.

--Roughly $23 million for economic development. The money would be used for initiatives yet to be identified

--$5 million for incentives to filmmakers who make movies and hire local staff and vendors in the Syracuse area. The money would be handled by CNY Arts, a local nonprofit that coordinated a similar grant program with $4.8 million awarded by the state in 2018."

there are more $5 million projects his list, too many to put here, I do like this option too.

--$2 million to extend the Loop the Lake Trail around Onondaga Lake. The newest phase would extend the trail east from Onondaga Lake Park roughly to the spot where the CSX railroad bridge crosses Onondaga Lake Parkway.

I like it

 

[shandeezy7]

this list is ambitious

How Ryan McMahon plans to spend $142M: sports complex, rural broadband, job grants, more

The Onondaga County executive laid out his plans Wednesday night in the 2021 State of the County Address.

www.syracuse.com

"--A $25 million sports complex near the shore of Onondaga Lake, featuring about a dozen playing fields. McMahon said he anticipates paying cash to build the county-owned facility, which would be operated by a private vendor..

BRING BACK GRIFFIN FIELD

 

[KellySyracuse]

BRING BACK GRIFFIN FIELD

it never made sense to me that the county wiped out Griffin Field. Isn't part of what was Griffin Field a parking lot now? It's been so long I don't recall, I just remember playing a lot of softball games there or around there back in the 80's

 

[shandeezy7]

it never made sense to me that the county wiped out Griffin Field. Isn't part of what was Griffin Field a parking lot now? It's been so long I don't recall, I just remember playing a lot of softball games there or around there back in the 80's

Yup basically the whole thing is a parking lot now. Such a shame, especially considering the history of the field.

 

[Cheriehoop]

it never made sense to me that the county wiped out Griffin Field. Isn't part of what was Griffin Field a parking lot now? It's been so long I don't recall, I just remember playing a lot of softball games there or around there back in the 80's

That stone wall was beautiful around it. Destroyed really for no good reason.

 

[KellySyracuse]

Some plans for the Hinerwadel's property, Details on Syracuse.com but you have to be a subscriber to read. Apartments in the back of the property and retail in the front by Taft Rd. Not sure how I feel about it. Progress can be a good thing. Leveling the land and putting up new buildings that will house 100's of people will have an effect on traffic and wildlife.

There’s a plan for the Hinerwadel’s land, and it’s going to take a lot of clams

"The two developers on the commercial side are proposing two buildings: One would house a larger national retail tenant and the other a smaller national retailer. McDermott said the tenants have pending contracts, but he can’t reveal who they are yet.

He likened the development to be similar to the Wegmans on Taft Road, which has apartments behind it. The residential component would include a common/community building, and 23 residential buildings with a mix of duplexes, and four and five-unit townhomes, said Steve Calocerinos of Calocerinos Engineering, which is working on the project."

 

[Cheriehoop]

Some plans for the Hinerwadel's property, Details on Syracuse.com but you have to be a subscriber to read. Apartments in the back of the property and retail in the front by Taft Rd. Not sure how I feel about it. Progress can be a good thing. Leveling the land and putting up new buildings that will house 100's of people will have an effect on traffic and wildlife.

There’s a plan for the Hinerwadel’s land, and it’s going to take a lot of clams

"The two developers on the commercial side are proposing two buildings: One would house a larger national retail tenant and the other a smaller national retailer. McDermott said the tenants have pending contracts, but he can’t reveal who they are yet.

He likened the development to be similar to the Wegmans on Taft Road, which has apartments behind it. The residential component would include a common/community building, and 23 residential buildings with a mix of duplexes, and four and five-unit townhomes, said Steve Calocerinos of Calocerinos Engineering, which is working on the project."

I miss Hinderwadel’s. Was hoping someone would recharge the original business instead of more housing developments. Hinderwadels was really a park like property with ball fields, recreational areas with horseshoes, picnic tables in shady treed areas etc., hate losing them in an already densely populated area.

 

[OttoMets]

it never made sense to me that the county wiped out Griffin Field. Isn't part of what was Griffin Field a parking lot now? It's been so long I don't recall, I just remember playing a lot of softball games there or around there back in the 80's

The County commissioned a reported from a well-regarded national planning firm about 20 years ago. Among other recommendations, it was suggested that a) a good percentage of the parking in that part of the park be converted to parkland, and b) replacement parking be constructed just north of the busy intersection, and c) the busy intersection be redesigned to make the village more walkable and the park more accessible.

So the County wiped out the stadium and did none of the above.

I know it's a popular park, but it's really not very nice: tons of asphalt, no trees, not really connected to a nice village that's directly next door. CNYers seem to take this for granted. It doesn't need to be this way.

 

[KellySyracuse]

The County commissioned a work from a well-regarded national planning firm about 20 years ago. Among other recommendations, it was suggested that a) a good percentage of the parking in that part of the park be converted to parkland, and b) replacement parking be constructed just north of the busy intersection, and c) the busy intersection be redesigned to make the village more walkable and the park more accessible.

So the County wiped out the stadium and did none of the above.

I know it's a popular park, but it's really not very nice: tons of asphalt, no trees, not really connected to a nice village that's directly next door. CNYers seem to take this for granted. It doesn't need to be this way.

The owner of The Retreat bought the restaurant buildings over there and only uses them for parties, that makes no sense to me. He is known for driving other restaurant/bar business out of the area or buying them up. Imagine if that road that leads down to the park was redone to connect the park to the village, now that would be nice. Also have a functional crosswalk to get to Heid's without taking your life in your hands.

I wonder what the plans are now for the parkway. If there ever was a time to reduce it to 2 lanes and make is 35mph the whole way, it would be now.

 

[OttoMets]

The owner of The Retreat bought the restaurant buildings over there and only uses them for parties, that makes no sense to me. He is known for driving other restaurant/bar business out of the area or buying them up. Imagine if that road that leads down to the park was redone to connect the park to the village, now that would be nice. Also have a functional crosswalk to get to Heid's without taking your life in your hands.

I wonder what the plans are now for the parkway. If there ever was a time to reduce it to 2 lanes and make is 35mph the whole way, it would be now.

Yes, yes, and yes.

With LeMoyne Manor (sadly) demolished, it'd be nice to eliminate the northern portion of the parkway (at least) and run the remainder directly into Old Liverpool Road through the Manor site. That'd help simplify the bad intersection and reclaim a ton of parkland, connecting the fort museum to the activity hub in the park in the process.

But above all, yes, the way the park turns its back on the village and the village inexplicably does the same to the park represents such a lost opportunity. Those little buildings on South Willow and Lake Drive should be some of the most in-demand retail around. Instead the buildings are empty, surrounded by vacant lots, with no pedestrian traffic at all.

 

[KellySyracuse]

the proposed plan for the Hinerwadel's spot

 

[tptcuse]

the proposed plan for the Hinerwadel's spot

Grew up directly across from there on Hazelhurst Ave. It would be weird to see such a stark contrast, but it seems well-conceived.

 

[KellySyracuse]

Syracuse and Ben Walsh get a couple of paragraphs and a picture in the Washington Post today after Biden's infrastructure speech yesterday:

A woman called for a highway’s removal in a Black neighborhood. The White House singled it out in its infrastructure plan

"The White House also pointed to Interstate 81 in Syracuse — a 1.5-mile stretch of elevated highway on the city’s predominantly Black south side — where community and city leaders advanced a plan to take part of the highway down. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, an independent, has discussed the $2 billion project with staffers at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Walsh said the cost could be covered with existing transportation funds, leaving any new money to help rebuild communities after highways come down.

How a crumbling bridge in Syracuse is sparking a conversation about reparations
“We need to be just as intentional in how we rebuild as the federal government was when they first built the highway,” he said."

 

[OttoMets]

By the way, found the Duany webpage for Onondaga County with one Liverpool image (and also unrealized designs for the Fayetteville Mall site and the Inner Harbor): Onondaga County - DPZ | CODESIGN

 

[KellySyracuse]

Grew up directly across from there on Hazelhurst Ave. It would be weird to see such a stark contrast, but it seems well-conceived.

I also grew up near there, Hazelhurst was on my bicycle route when going to the high school. I grew up on Memory Lane, yes there is a real street in N. Syracuse named Memory Lane. Actually it's original name was Memory Lane Parkway until they changed it sometime in the mid 70's

 

[OttoMets]

I don't know that West Taft area well, but I did walk through four houses about half a dozen properties east of Hinerwadel's about a year ago. The four houses closest to the Walgreens. Nice old homes. Naturally they're vacant and the owner wants to cash in on a commercial development site.

So sad what's happened in that stretch. Nice pre- and post-war residential blocks with that traffic mess right there. So what's the solution? Clearly acres of parking, two more chain retail stores, and a subdivision whose houses are a sand wedge away from Tops but whose residents will 100% of the time require a 5-minute car trip to shop at that Tops.

 

[KellySyracuse]

I don't know that West Taft area well, but I did walk through four houses about half a dozen properties east of Hinerwadel's about a year ago. The four houses closest to the Walgreens. Nice old homes. Naturally they're vacant and the owner wants to cash in on a commercial development site.

So sad what's happened in that stretch. Nice pre- and post-war residential blocks with that traffic mess right there. So what's the solution? Clearly acres of parking, two more chain retail stores, and a subdivision whose houses are a sand wedge away from Tops but whose residents will 100% of the time require a 5-minute car trip to shop at that Tops.

Were those homes near the dry cleaner across from the school or on the same side of the school? Since this is all in the Town of Clay they'll rezone Taft Rd as they wish without hesitation for commercial properties. Look at the monstrosity that Farone built next to Wegman's. I'd really hate to see Taft Rd turn into Rt 31 or even Rt11 where the Chik-Fil-A is, a total clusterf

And Northern Lights and the old KMart plaza remain mostly vacant.

I will say that at least they installed a sidewalk from the school to Allen Rd and down Allen for a stretch, better than we'll ever get in the Town of Salina part of Pitcher Hill.

 

[OttoMets]

Were those homes near the dry cleaner across from the school or on the same side of the school? Since this is all in the Town of Clay they'll rezone Taft Rd as they wish without hesitation for commercial properties. Look at the monstrosity that Farone built next to Wegman's. I'd really hate to see Taft Rd turn into Rt 31 or even Rt11 where the Chik-Fil-A is, a total clusterf

And Northern Lights and the old KMart plaza remain mostly vacant.

I will say that at least they installed a sidewalk from the school to Allen Rd and down Allen for a stretch, better than we'll ever get in the Town of Salina part of Pitcher Hill.

Directly opposite the school, just one property in from 11.

There's a good and a bad way to do commercial, and in Onondaga County we pretty much only do the bad. Short-term savings for developers trumps any sort of long-term planning. And residential homeowners tend to bear the brunt of the tax levy because the quality (and value) of the commercial real property is so low.