The future of Syracuse housing: New strategy plan taken in by the public

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Facing a severe shortage of affordable places to live, likely to only to get worse as Micron comes to town, the city of Syracuse launching a major housing initiative.

The plan builds on work already underway to quickly increase the housing stock in Syracuse.

“The strategy is taking all that data and building upon that foundation and finding a path forward for how we move forward with implementation,” said Michelle Sczpanski, the Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Development.

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That path forward includes developing affordable homes and enhancing current city housing conditions by fixing up vacant properties, improving sidewalks and making communities greener.

“If we don’t focus on the neighborhoods that are adjacent to the strong neighborhoods then they themselves could face decline,” said Michael Collins, the Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development. “That’s not what we want to do. We want to make sure our neighborhoods are strong and continue to be strong.”

Construction is underway to create 2,500 housing units, starting in the East Adams neighborhood.

“I don’t think their is an issue more important than housing and where you lay your head at night,” said Sczpanski. “Housing and neighborhood conditions are something that affects every resident in our city.”

Enthusiasm is high among neighbors after they got their first look at the housing strategy plan.

“I think it’s a good plan and that’s because you have to think about what neighborhoods people want to move into,” said Cyndie Davis who lives in Strathmore. “They’ll want to move into Elmwood. They’ll want to move into those neighborhoods so that’s a good focus.”

“I believe it’s one step closer to bringing equity across the board in the city. Improving communities and increasing wages,” said Jose Marrero, who also lives in Strathmore.

The city will be hosting another open house on Thursday, May 9 at Beauchamp Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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