Walsh releases Syracuse housing strategy that calls for “difficult and disruptive choices”

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on Wednesday released the Syracuse Housing Strategy, which his office describes as a “multi-year framework for improving housing conditions in the City of Syracuse.” The strategy calls for “additive new work that builds on major initiatives” currently underway. They include the Resurgent Neighborhoods Initiative, the East Adams neighborhood […]

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The strategy calls for “additive new work that builds on major initiatives” currently underway. They include the Resurgent Neighborhoods Initiative, the East Adams neighborhood redevelopment, and the community grid vision plan, Walsh’s office said. It also includes programs like the Syracuse Land Bank and downtown–revitalization efforts.

Walsh’s office cites the strategy as indicating “almost 100% of the old way of doing community development will have to be shelved. Resistance to such change is to be expected. Without such change, Syracuse’s housing markets will not begin to truly recover nor get to a point where they are able to withstand the new and different demographic and other challenges headed Syracuse’s way.”

The 70-page plan recommends focusing the city’s housing resources on both stabilizing “distressed” neighborhoods to prevent further decline and investing in “middle”neighborhoods to leverage current and potential market demand for quality housing.

The Syracuse Housing Strategy proposes using a “cluster approach” to implement strategies in groupings of 30-50 contiguous city blocks with similar market conditions and neighborhood identities.

“The Syracuse Housing Strategy is a smart framework to accomplish the massive challenge of revitalizing the city’s housing stock. It presents interventions that will breathe new life into city neighborhoods,” Walsh contended in the announcement. “The strategy also recognizes we are doing a lot of things right already and encourages continued commitment to those neighborhood initiatives. It challenges us, though, to make difficult and disruptive choices to use the limited resources we have available in ways that will make more Syracuse neighborhoods attractive for new residents and private investment.”

The Syracuse Housing Strategy was developed based on significant community and stakeholder input in conjunction with the czb, a planning firm based in Bath, Maine.

Iti is available online at syracusehousingstudy.com.

The City’s department of neighborhood and business development will hold a community open house regarding the strategy on April 30 from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center at 716 Hawley Ave. in Syracuse.

Studio Central Post, a post-production facility, opens in downtown Syracuse

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Small Business

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Studio Central Post, a post-production facility, has opened a 30,000-square-foot facility at 219 S. West St. in Syracuse. Its location is equipped

Comptroller audit addresses lax accounting in Chenango County town

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

LINCOLN, N.Y. — Recent audits by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office found some accounting shortcomings in the town of Lincoln in Madison County, where a former town clerk was arrested for stealing from the town, according to the audit reports. The first audit, which covered Dec. 1, 2017, through June 1, 2022, found

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The first audit, which covered Dec. 1, 2017, through June 1, 2022, found that the former town clerk failed to properly account for, deposit, report, or remit collections.

“When receipts are not accurately and promptly recorded or deposited, officials do not have assurance that all collections are accounted for, and money could be lost or misappropriated,” the comptroller’s report read. “For example, as of April 13, 2022, the former clerk could not account for cash totaling $3,869.

The audit found the clerk also failed to deposit $4,038 in cash collections recorded from Jan. 1, 2018, through April 13, 2022. The clerk also did not maintain complete records for cash collected, resulting in town officials finding $622 in cash in her office with no supporting records.

The clerk also failed to record 44 checks totaling $4,320 in the accounting system and improperly voided other receipts totaling $769.

“These unrecorded receipts and voids enabled the former clerk to conceal cash collections that were recorded but not deposited,” the report read. “The town board did not perform an annual audit of the former clerk’s records, as required.”

In July 2023, the former clerk, Amy Becker, was arrested on charges of petit larceny for stealing nearly $4,000 from the town. She subsequently pled guilty, paid restitution of $3,869, and received a one-year conditional discharge.

DiNapoli’s office recommended that going forward, the Town of Lincoln perform an annual audit of the clerk’s records and that the clerk promptly deposit and record collections.

“To ensure the town’s continued financial integrity and accountability, it is imperative that we uphold best practices moving forward (since 2022),” Town of Lincoln Supervisor Melissa During said in a written response to DiNapoli’s office. “By adhering to established guidelines and implementing more robust internal controls, we can safeguard taxpayer funds, mitigate risks, and maintain transparency in our operations.”

The second audit by DiNapoli’s office focused on making sure the Town of Lincoln board and supervisor ensured that disbursements were supported and approved.

The audit, which covered Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2021, found that the board and former supervisor did not ensure disbursements were adequately supported and properly improved. Three payments totaling $2,605 were not audited and approved by the board. Claims totaling $109,158 were improperly paid prior to the board audit, and claims totaling $533,518 were improperly audited and approved by the former supervisor rather than the board.

Additionally, 13 claims totaling $23,116 did not contain sufficient supporting documentation. Former bookkeepers did not maintain time records to support the hours for which they were paid, and one bookkeeper received $1.751 in additional pay with no evidence of approval.

DiNapoli’s office recommended the Town of Lincoln consult with legal counsel about the unsupported claim payments to the former supervisor and bookkeeper and seek recovery of those funds. Going forward, the town board should audit and approve claims prior to payment when required and ensure all claims include adequate support before approving them.

The Town of Lincoln has contracted with an outside vendor for bookkeeping and payroll services since February 2022.

In a letter to DiNapoli’s office, During, who took office as supervisor in 2022, noted she only pays claims that have been audited and approved by the board and all hourly employees are maintaining detailed time records.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is three-quarters of the way to $1.1M fundraising goal as renovation continues

Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York (RMHC of CNY) says it is nearly 75 percent of the way toward reaching its $1.1 millionfundraising goal to pay for an ongoing renovation project. The organization is renovating more than 9,000 square feet of previously unfinished space on the fourth floor of the

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New Energy New York selects finalists for battery-startup accelerator

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Education & Training, Southern Tier

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Four finalists will compete in the inaugural ChargeUp Battery Startup Accelerator at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator in Binghamton. Binghamton University, the

Love’s Travel Stops selects PAR data product

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only, Technology

NEW HARTFORD — Restaurant-technology company PAR Technology Corp. (NYSE: PAR) announced it has added Love’s Travel Stops to its roster of clients for its PAR Data Central enterprise food-management solution. The Love’s network includes brands such as Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Arby’s, Bojangles, Taco John’s, Love’s Deli, Dairy Queen, Back40, Naf Naf, Subway, Godfather’s, BB Subs,

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Watershed research and education projects, including those at Cornell, receive more than $325K in state funding

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Education & Training, Subscriber Only

A total of 11 watershed research and education projects across New York state, including several in the Great Lakes watershed and Mohawk River basin, will share in $325,994 in grant awards, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Water Resources Institute (WRI) at Cornell University recently announced. Cornell

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Cornell University received three grants. It will use $33,700 for its FLX PFAS Project, which uses targeted water sampling to identify sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the Finger Lakes, according to an April 11 DEC news release.

The second grant, totaling $7,200, will be used to help understand the impacts of tile drain density on watershed-scale nutrient concentration by creating a geospatial dataset covering the state to assess the impact of agricultural tile drainage on nitrate and phosphorus levels in streams. Statistical models will be built to compare nutrient concentrations between areas with significant tile drainage and those with limited drainage, informing decisions on prioritizing best-management practices to mitigate nutrient loadings in key agricultural regions, per the release.

A third grant of $40,000 will be used to continue to improve water literacy and education of the Mohawk River watershed through art, science, and indigenous studies with Cornell students and middle-school students in towns along the river. The project examines how art-based field experiences with the watershed improve learning and change student attitudes and behavior toward the environment.

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, partnering with Hobart and William Smith Colleges, was awarded $40,000 to research the isolation of benthic cyanobacteria and investigate their toxin production from the Finger Lakes and the embayments of Lake Ontario, the release stated.

SUNY Oneonta received $25,000 for its work measuring the biological productivity of Hudson River tributaries and the impact of dams on tributaries. The project focuses on understanding how natural and human factors affect the flow of nutrients and energy through these vital waterways, crucial for sustaining fisheries and ecosystem health.

“Protecting the health of New York’s remarkable watersheds will help ensure aquatic habitats continue to thrive and that communities are better prepared to withstand the challenges of climate change along their shorelines,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in the release. “Through DEC’s partnership with the New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell University, secured through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, these grants are advancing valuable education programs and projects that will support DEC’s work managing New York’s watersheds.”

Electronics recycler rebrands as Sunnking Sustainable Solutions

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Regional News, Subscriber Only

BROCKPORT — Sunnking, which operates an electronics recycling and resale location in Whitesboro, announced it has rebranded as Sunnking Sustainable Solutions. The new brand marks the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as well its evolution to providing comprehensive, sustainable e-waste-management solutions to businesses and organizations. “Sunnking has always embraced its passion for creating a

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Auburn firm awarded a more than $18 million U.S. Army Fort Drum contract for roof work

News

AUBURN — JJ Contracting Corp., a small business in Auburn, recently won a nearly $18.3 million firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Army to repair and

Taste of Syracuse, Syracuse Nationals details unveiled

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Syracuse–based Galaxy Media used separate March events to announce details of both the upcoming Taste of Syracuse event and Syracuse Nationals classic car show at the State Fairgrounds. Taste of Syracuse The group that gave listeners the song “MMMBop” will headline this year’s Taste of Syracuse event. Described as “Central New York’s biggest food and

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Syracuse–based Galaxy Media used separate March events to announce details of both the upcoming Taste of Syracuse event and Syracuse Nationals classic car show at the State Fairgrounds.

Taste of Syracuse

The group that gave listeners the song “MMMBop” will headline this year’s Taste of Syracuse event.

Described as “Central New York’s biggest food and music festival,” Taste of Syracuse returns for its 26th year on June 7-8 in and around Clinton Square from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. both days, Galaxy Media announced on March 20. Admission is free.

The Grammy-nominated Hanson will take the main stage on Saturday night. Hanson will be among 30 bands and 100 local musicians providing entertainment for the annual two-day event.

Besides Hanson, American rock band Cracker will perform on the Clinton Stage early Saturday evening. The Zac Brown Tribute Band will also perform on Friday. The youth talent showcase will also return to the festival on Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Taste of Syracuse is sponsored by The Summit Federal Credit Union and presented by Tops Friendly Markets.

As always, those attending will have the chance to sample items from local eateries for $2. Several new restaurants and vendors will be joining the 2024 festival as well, along with “many fan favorites” as well, per the announcement.

Besides the food and music, the Taste of Syracuse will collect donations for two charitable organizations — Griffin’s Guardians and Paige’s Butterfly Run.

The Summit, Tops Markets, and other sponsors and vendors will be working with festival organizers to raise money for the charities all weekend long. Both the Summit and Tops will donate the proceeds from their tents to the charities, Galaxy Media said.

“We stand by our message that no matter what you’re looking for, musically or food-wise, we truly can say we’ve got it at the Taste of Syracuse!” Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Media, said in the announcement. “We’re also thrilled to be raising awareness and funds for both Griffin’s Guardians and Paige’s Butterfly Run. We’d like to thank The Summit Federal Credit Union and Tops Friendly Markets for their support. With help from our sponsors, we’re able to showcase this amazing event to the CNY community!”

Syracuse Nationals

The hosts of a show on MotorTrend TV will be among the attractions as the Napa Auto Parts Syracuse Nationals returns to the New York State Fairgrounds in the town of Geddes during the weekend of July 19-21.

Described as a “hallmark of summer,” the Syracuse Nationals is the largest car show in the Northeast, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans from across the country and even around the world, Galaxy Media said in its March 27 announcement.

Organizers held a news conference at Mercurio’s Garage in Cicero to announce details about this summer’s Syracuse Nationals. One new aspect of this year’s show is kids ages 12 and under are admitted free.

Fans will get to check out more than 8,000 hot rods, classic cars, and trucks. They’ll also be able to browse the wares of more than 400 vendors.

Those attending can also enjoy the event’s “signature features,” which include the Syracuse Signature Showcase; Sparky’s Rockabilly Roundup; Nitro Row; Memories on Main Street; Swap Meet & Car Corral; and Brush Fest.

This year’s show will also include Dave Kindig and KevDogg, the hosts of “Bitchin’ Rides” on MotorTrend TV. They’ll be on-site greeting fans and signing autographs, and they’re bringing three custom cars, including their 2024 Ridler Award winner.

The event will also feature a special appearance by Optimus Is Here, the only officially licensed Optimus Prime replica, Galaxy Media said.

“This year’s Syracuse Nationals promises to be another great show, and we can’t wait to welcome Dave Kindig and KevDogg. It’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their many fans,” Ed Levine, president and CEO of Galaxy Media, which co-owns the event, said in the announcement. “Now that kids under 12 get in free, we hope to see multiple generations out enjoying the festivities together.”

Paradise Galaxy LLC — a joint venture between locally owned businesses Paradise Companies and Galaxy Media Partners — purchased the Syracuse Nationals car show in May 2023.

Last year’s Syracuse Nationals had an economic impact of more than $19 million, Galaxy Media said, citing Tourism Economics and Visit Syracuse. It also raised more than $85,000 for local charities.

Pre-sale tickets, show-car registrations, and camping registrations are currently available at SyracuseNationals.com or by calling (800) 753-3978.

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