SIDA to pay $75K for study of business-development options along South Avenue corridor

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Researchers will conduct a market study to identify opportunities for business development along South Avenue in Syracuse.

The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) board of directors earlier this month voted to award a contract to Saratoga Springs–based Camoin Associates for $75,000 to conduct the study, the office of Mayor Stephanie Miner announced in a news release.

The goals of the study are to compile a site inventory and develop an action plan for the South Avenue corridor, recommending three sites with development potential, perform a market analysis for the corridor, and host three rounds of public participation. Specifically, the study seeks to address the South Avenue corridor between West Onondaga Street to Valley Drive and Glenwood Avenue.

“This study is in keeping with my administration’s commitment to using data to drive our decisions. With more information, we can make informed decisions about policy and how best to use our resources,” Miner said in the release. “Through this study, we can make strategic investments along the South Avenue corridor that expand opportunities, engage entrepreneurs that will result in job creation.”

“SIDA is pleased to offer its resources in support of this important study. Working with our partners in the neighborhood and across the administration, we hope to grow business opportunities in this neighborhood,” William Ryan, chair of the SIDA board, said. “I look forward to seeing the results of the study and putting its ideas into action.”

The Miner administration, along with SIDA, contends it has already made “strategic investments” into the South Avenue corridor. Most recently, the area “benefited” from the Syracuse Main Street program, which provided financing to small businesses to make improvements to or expand their facilities, according to Miner’s office.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com