WAER News Round up: Sept. 12 - 16

WAER | By Yoki Tang

Published September 16, 2022 at 7:39 PM EDT

A graphic of notebook paper lists the following top stories from WAER for the week of Sept. 12-16: Syracuse's new district map; eminent domain debate; county exec's budget plan; Tesla chargers at the mall and connecting younger vets. — A graphic of notebook paper lists the following top stories from WAER for the week of Sept. 12-16.

For this week, Onondaga County Executive McMahon focused his proposed $1.4 billion spending plan on lead paint removal, youth development, and decreasing property taxes. Also, Onondaga County officials are trying to get young former service members engaged in veterans’ group. Meanwhile, Syracuse finally has a new district map. Read on for the details.

1. Syracuse Common Council narrowly approves citizen-drawn district map

The city of Syracuse map of current geographical districts and proposed reshaped district lines. — The map at left was drawn in 2001, and actually underwent few changes from the previous decade. The city did not redraw lines in 2011. The "proposed," now final map, is the first true redrawing of district lines in 30 years.

Syracuse has earned the distinction of becoming the first city in New York State to have a council district map drawn by citizens and not by politicians.

2. Anti-war group blocks Syracuse air base gate to protest post-9/11 drone strikes

A signed framed in brick denotes the entrance to New York Air National Guard Hancock Field, Sept. 12, 2022.

Members of an anti-war group blocked the main entrance to Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in a demonstration timed around the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

3. Burnet Road residents near White Pine blame Onondaga County for neglected properties, crime

burnet rd 8668.jpg — The front porch at 8668 Burnet Rd. has collapsed, and overgrown weeds have taken over the front yard.

Homeowners on Burnet Road in Clay were blaming Onondaga County for the deteriorating condition of numerous vacant homes that are beginning to attract crime.

4. Onondaga County Executive McMahon presents proposed county budget for next fiscal year

Chairman Jim Rowley sits and watches Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon as he presents the proposed budget. — Chairman Jim Rowley and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon at county meeting.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon prioritized children and wished to slash property taxes by 11% in his proposed budget.

5. Onondaga County is trying to get more young adults engaged in veterans' groups

Mattydale VFW.jpg — The place in the picture is the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Onondaga County officials were trying to get more young adults who’ve served in the military engaged in veterans' groups.

6. Common Council OKs sale of former Syracuse Developmental Center parcel

common councoil.jpg — Deteriorating buildings sprawl across the 47-acre site. The city has been maintaining and securing the site since seizing it in 2019, when this photo was taken.

The long-vacant former Syracuse developmental site on the city's Westside forwarded an agreement on a plan to inject new life in future decision.

7. 12 new EV Tesla Supercharger stations have been added at Destiny USA in Syracuse

Four men stand together to cut the red ribbon for the opening of the Tesla supercharging station. — Syracuse Common Councilor Pat Hogan, Danny Liedka, President of Visit Syracuse, Jeff Knauss, founder of profound, and Rob Schoeneck, General Manager of Desitny USA, cut the ribbon at the opening of the Tesla supercharging station, Sept. 14, 2022.

An outer parking lot location of Destiny USA now has a bank of 12 red and white Tesla chargers.

8. New York prepares disadvantaged communities for climate change effects

Globalclimatechangefiles.Wordpress.Com

New York State has been working to ensure disadvantaged communities aren't so vulnerable to the effects of climate change.