Onondaga Earth Corps
We're running our summer program!
We are looking for motivated, outdoor loving, youth (ages 15-18) and young adults (ages 19- 25) to work with us this summer. Join us for an information session July 7th at 2-3pm OR 6-7pm to learn more about the deadlines, requirements, and expectations for the positions. Don't miss your opportunity.
Register for an information session NOW:
http://www.onondagaearthcorps.org/2020summerinfosession/
What else will I need?
Space this summer will be limited and we have a very short window to process applications so please be diligent in following all application instructions and providing reliable contact information. Make sure you complete ALL portions of the application process.
http://www.onondagaearthcorps.org/2020summerinfosession/
PRESS RELEASE
CITY PAYMENT CENTER OFFERS MULTIPLE WAYS TO
PAY PROPERTY TAX BILLS
Syracuse, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse City Payment Center is making multiple payment options available to property owners seeking to pay City-School 2020-21 tax bills. City-School 2020-21 property tax bills mailed to property owners at the end of June are due during the month of July. While City Hall continues to be closed to public access, Payment Center staff has continued to process payments while limiting in-person interactions in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Payment options include:
· By mail – checks or money orders can be sent directly to the JP Morgan Chase payment processing center in order for payments to be processed immediately. Payments must be made payable to the Commissioner of Finance with the coupon for each property tax bill mailed to:
Commissioner of Finance
P.O. Box 5271
Binghamton NY 13902
· Online – by going to https://syracuse.go2gov.net, payments made online will have payment status updated immediately. The Web site vendor charges one convenience fee per property. Fees vary based on amount paid and method of payment (e-check or credit card).
· By Drop Box – a drop box on the Market Street side of City Hall allows payments to be made anytime of the day by cash (change unable to be given), check or money order. Water bills are also accepted through the drop box. The coupon for each property tax bill must be included in the envelope. To receive a receipt by mail, a self-addressed envelope must be enclosed.
To assist owners with multiple properties, a list of properties and amounts due can be requested through a new service in the payment center. All properties without an escrow account can be pulled into a custom report detailing payment information. To simplify the payment process, the report can be submitted with one check to pay for the taxes due for each property without having to present each coupon for every property owned.
For questions related to tax bills or to request a custom report with a list of properties in order to make one payment, email CityPayments@SyrGov.net or call 315-448-8310.
PRESS RELEASE
MAYOR WALSH AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS OPEN NEW CREEKWALK TRAIL
ON THE CITY’S SOUTH SIDE
Official opening adds to available outdoor activity options in time for the holiday weekend
Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and community partners who have contributed to the project announced the opening of the Creekwalk Phase II trail after a six-year process. The paved trail, a 2.2 mile extension of the Phase I Creekwalk path, begins at Armory Square and continues through the South Side of the city, ending at Rockland and Hunt Avenues behind Kirk Park. Features throughout the trail include rest areas, a marked pathway, newly planted trees, fencing, accessibility lots, continuous lighting and mileage markers along Onondaga Creek.
“Our community celebrated the opening of a beautiful new recreational and transportation amenity that will serve residents of the City of Syracuse and beyond,” said Mayor Walsh. “The extension of the Creekwalk is the product of years of planning and collaboration among many partners in our community. It is my hope that this project serves as a catalyst for additional investment in our neighborhoods, especially in the South Side, as we look to extend the trail south through the rest of the city.”
From 2014-2016, public meetings were held to collect input from community members on the South Side and in downtown Syracuse to help guide the trail route, amenities and safety features. The New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the final design for the $11.4 million (FHWA - $9.2 million; City - $2.3 million). Engineering design was finalized by C&S Companies in 2018. Construction began in February 2019 and was completed in July 2020.
The 13-foot wide pathway allows users to safely pass certain intersections such as the South Avenue underpass near Traveler’s Rest and Lower Onondaga Park. Stop signs, sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian signals facilitate travel across city streets.
Much of the new portion of the trail is outlined by green space created with the help of the Department of Public Works and Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs. In addition to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal of 6% being met by the contractor, Barrett Paving Materials Inc., the minority and female participation workforce goals were exceeded by twice as much as the state standards. Work opportunities were also provided to Onondaga Earth Corps’, a youth empowerment organization, whose employees planted greenery along the project trail.
“Onondaga Earth Corps has had 14 young adult employees participate in training and planting of 75 trees and 70 shrubs along the Phase II expansion of the Creekwalk,” stated Gregory Michael, executive director. “Crew members were trained on how to operate landscape equipment to plant large caliper balled and burlap trees, and installed trees and shrubs to professional standards. We are proud that young people from the community are a part of creating this beautiful neighborhood asset.”
Final touches to be installed consist of the emergency call boxes, security cameras, trail maps, and interpretive signs. A plan to install a charging station for wheelchairs in Armory Square near the MoST Museum is also in the works. Future plans being considered consist of adding three canoe/kayak access points along Onondaga Creek.
PRESS RELEASE
MAYOR WALSH SAYS ONONDAGA AND THORNDEN PARK POOLS WILL OPEN THIS SUMMER THANKS TO #SYRACUSESWIMSON SUCCESS
Community donates more than $100,000 in six days
in response to appeal from Syracuse Parks Conservancy
Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said Thursday that the City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs will open two more outdoor pools starting July 23, thanks to the overwhelming success of a Syracuse Parks Conservancy community fundraising campaign.
The two additional pools scheduled to open are Onondaga Park Pool and Thornden Park Pool. Both pools will open on July 23, a week later than Kirk Park Pool and Schiller Park Pool. The pools will offer free open swim seven days a week from 12 – 6 p.m. Schiller Park Pool and Thornden Park Pool will also offer lap swim Monday - Friday, 6:30 - 10 a.m. for $3. Open swim and lap swim will be by reservation only in 40-minute time blocks. One time slot per day will be allowed.
Last week, the Syracuse Parks Conservancy started a GoFundMe campaign to help ensure #SyracuseSwimsOn, in spite of the financial impact of COVID-19 on the City budget. With only one week available, the Conservancy set an aggressive goal of $100,000 to help offset the costs of opening two more pools for the 2020 summer season.
“When challenged, the Syracuse community always rallies,” said Mayor Walsh. “The outpouring of support this campaign received is incredible. In six days, the Syracuse Parks Conservancy raised $105,534.00 from both individual and corporate donors. I want to thank each and every donor, with special acknowledgment to National Grid, KeyBank, and The Central New York Community Foundation for helping us get over the top. Because of you, summer will be a lot more fun for city kids.”
Information on the campaign can be viewed at charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/syracuseswimson.
In keeping with New York State guidance on gatherings, new protocols will include a maximum of 50 people in the pool area at one time. Reservations must be made by calling direct lines designated for each pool location. Reservations for Kirk Park Pool and Schiller Park Pool will begin being accepted July 14 and July 23 for Onondaga Park Pool and Thornden Park Pool between 12 – 6 p.m. Families should arrive 20 minutes prior to their reservation time for safety checks.
Reservations will not be held for late arrivals, and will not be extended for inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Children under the minimum height requirement must be with a parent or responsible adult over 18 years old. A maximum of three children per adult are allowed. The accompanying adult must be in the water within an arms-reach of children at all times, even when a child is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard Approved flotation device.
The following changes will be in effect:
· Reservations can be made for up to a maximum of 10 people for open swim and two people for lap swim by calling each pool site. Time slots of 40 minutes will be allocated and the pool area will be closed for cleaning in between those times. To reach Kirk Park Pool, call 315-399-0518; Schiller Park Pool, call 315-382-3430; Onondaga Park Pool, call 315-412-3822; and Thornden Park Pool, call 315-412-6207.
· When reservations are being made, visitors will be asked to select a time period they wish to reserve. Lap swim time slots for Schiller Pool and Thornden Pool will be from 6:30 to 7:10 a.m., 7:30 to 8:10 a.m., 8:30 to 9:10 a.m., 9:30 to 10:10 a.m. Open swim at all four pools will be from 12 to 12:40 p.m., 1 to 1:40 p.m., 2 to 2:40 p.m., 3 to 3:40 p.m., 4 to 4:40 p.m., and 5 to 5:40 p.m.
· Pool patrons should arrive already dressed in appropriate swimsuit as dressing rooms will not be open to the public.
The following health and safety precautions will be taken at the pool area:
Masks must be worn on the pool deck and in restrooms by everyone 2 years of age and older.
Families will need to provide names and contact information for each member included in their reservation.
Temperatures will be taken for each pool patron prior to entry.
Families of 10 or less will be assigned an area on the pool deck that will be spaced six feet apart from other families.
Staff will clean pool areas throughout the 40-minute time slot and will conduct a deep clean in the 20-minute window between sessions, when the pool area is completely emptied out.
Swimming lessons are canceled until further notice. The remaining outdoor pools at Burnet Park, Lincoln Park, McKinley Park and Wilson Park will not open. The indoor pools at Huntington School, Valley, and the Southwest Community will also remain closed through the summer.
For more information, call the City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs at 315-473-4330.
PRESS RELEASE
PERMITTING FOR PUBLIC FESTIVALS AND LARGE EVENTS IN CITY OF SYRACUSE
SUSPENDED THROUGH THE SUMMER AND FALL OF 2020
Syracuse, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse today announced that it has suspended permitting for large-scale gatherings and events through the summer and fall of 2020 due to COVID-19 and its impact on city operations. Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs staff notified organizers of festivals, parades, walks, and runs conducted annually in the City during the past week.
“The pandemic has placed the City in a tough situation financially. These events and programs are labor intensive for city workers, so we need to consider the reduced size of our staff which helps to coordinate many of these events and the fact that COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Making the decision to suspend permitting for these events is difficult, but it is the right thing to do,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “We look forward to next year with hope that the many programs that contribute to the fabric of Syracuse can return.”
The following events are impacted:
· Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival – July 24 and 25
· Arts & Crafts Festival – July 24, 25 and 26
· Latino Festival – August 8
· Bacon Festival – August 14 and 15
· Valley Nature Run – August 22
· Citrus in the City – August 29
· Irish Festival – September 11 and 12
· Northside Festival – September 13
· Italian Festival – September 18, 19, and 20
· CFA Cat Show – September 18, 19, and 20
· Light the Night Walk – September 24
· Strathmore Parks Run – September 20
· Westcott Festival – September 27
· Inner Harbor 5K – October 4
· Eastwood Run – October 18
· Syracuse Half Marathon – November 10
In accordance with COVID-19 public gatherings guidance from New York State, permits for gatherings of 50 people or less on city property are still being accepted and reviewed. Organizations and groups with small-mid-sized scheduled public events should contact Special Events Coordinator, Britney Farmer by email at bfarmer@syrgov.net.
2020-21 (UNSAAC) Funding Recommendations
The City of Syracuse is happy to announce the award recipients for the University Neighborhood Service Agreement Advisory Committee(UNSAAC) funding allocation. Please find attached the amended Ordinance by the City of Syracuse and the 2020-21 (UNSAAC) Funding Recommendations below. The allocations below represent the full amount to be received over a one year period for a total of $375,000 of local grant funding.
A VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING will be conducted by the Michael Collins, the Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development and held on Monday, June 15th, 2020 at 5:00PM. Cisco WebEx Public Meeting: https://syrgov.webex.com/syrgov/j.php?MTID=m5509db83115b070a7e6611286f11ef58 to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. NBD invites you to join this WebEx meeting to promote community engagement and comment on all funding recommendations. Please feel free to contact our office for Wenona Timmons regarding any additional information or concerns by calling 315.748.3921 All comments on the funding recommendations can be sent to nbd@syrgov.net. Thank you!
Meeting number (access code): 129 024 2770
Meeting password: pmVxM4q3HE2
Brady Faith
Brady Farm will operate a year-round farm market at Cafe Sankofa, located on S. Salina St. and open to the broader community city residents. Syracuse University students visiting the farm stand will receive 50% off their purchase. Students may also order online and receive free delivery on their order. Brady Farm will provide the extra staff necessary, due to COVID-19, to operate the Sankofa Farm Market and offer discounted produce and delivery to students.
Cooperative Federal Credit Union
Cooperative Federal will provide housing services and will expand access to homeownership by increasing the staff levels of the HUD Housing Counseling Program and delivering services from two locations within the UNSAAC target market around Syracuse University and the Southside Neighborhood.
Dunbar Association | Project Invincible
Project Invincible will positively impact the neighborhood by keeping youth engaged in positive programming, connecting with Syracuse University interns to build educational and career skills, while also providing University students with developing positive relationships with neighboring youth and residents. Dunbar Association, Inc. will offer a comprehensive SUPER Summer Virtual Program for 100 students in grades K through 12. The program will be held virtually for eight (8) weeks and will operate from 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday.
Outer Comstock Neighborhood Association | Homebuyer Assistance Grants + 1% Improvement Loans
The Outer Comstock Neighborhood association will continue to replicate the University Neighborhood Preservation Association (UNPA) homebuyer assistance grant program and the 1% home Improvement loans program in the Outer Comstock Neighborhood. These programs would incentivize owner-occupancy and support quality housing stock in the neighborhood. While OCNA would receive the funds, UNPA would act as fiscal sponsor and administer the funds.
UNPA On Behalf of Southside TNT | Sankofa District Homebuyer Assistance 1% Improvement Loans
The program focus is to build a thriving community and initiate a greater sense of pride in a community filled with vulnerabilities. 1% Home Improvement loan program in to assist new and existing h
Homeowners within the Sankofa district located in the South side Neighborhood with exterior home repairs.
University Neighborhood Preservation Association – Financial Incentive Programs
The University Neighborhood Preservation Association (UNPA) works to encourage owner-occupancy in the Special Neighborhood District, particularly in the area immediately adjacent to Syracuse University through its homebuyer’s assistance grant program, 1% home improvement loan program and “Save Our Streets” program.
Westcott Community Center | Programming
The Westcott Community Center will continue to deliver programs to improve quality of life in the University Neighborhood, including 11 human service programs, 8 arts and cultural programs, and 10 community programs on an annual basis. They will also continue to provide opportunities for University students to become involved in the community through participation in these programs as well as opportunities for volunteerism.
Questions about this grant or the application process can be directed to Wenona Timmons with the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development at 315- 315.748.3921 or nbd@syrgov.net.
University Neighborhood Service Agreement Advisory Committee:
Maribel Arce, Chair, University Neighborhood Preservation Association (UNPA)
Michael A Stanton, Southeast University Neighborhood Association (SEUNA)
Matt Oja, Thornden Park Association (TPA)
Patrona Jones, Southside appointee
Khristopher Dodson, Outer Comstock Neighborhood Association (OCNA)
Hon. Latoya Allen, Syracuse Common Council
Hon. Joseph Driscoll, Syracuse Common Council
Bea Gonzales, Syracuse University
Damian Vallelonga, Westcott Neighborhood Association
NBD Staff Administration:
Michael Collins, Commissioner, NBD, City of Syracuse
Wenona Timmons, Staff, NBD, City of Syracuse
Wenona Timmons
Community Development Block Grant Administrator
City of Syracuse
201 E. Washington Street, Suite 600
Syracuse, New York 13202
Remote Work Phone # 315.748.3921
