Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh believes the most recent American Rescue Plan Act funds approved by the Common Council on Monday will make Syracuse neighborhoods stronger. Walsh said in a statement that $500,000 will go towards a neighborhood-based program intended to improve community centers. The money will help the centers that have been providing vital services during the pandemic to some of the most vulnerable residents.
Another $261,000 will fund a comprehensive study of the city's housing market. The coronavirus pandemic exposed serious issues within Syracuse's housing market, and Walsh hopes that this study will lead the way to healthy and sustainable neighborhoods.
The final part of the approved plan for the ARPA funds is a pilot project on semi-automated trash pickup. The city is going to spend $195,000 on 3,200 trash and recycling carts.