WAER News Round up: Oct. 17 - 21

WAER | By Yoki Tang

Published October 21, 2022 at 7:18 PM EDT

A graphic of notebook paper lists the top stories of the week of Oct. 17-21, 2022.

There were big investments this week from Micron and the governor's office. Plus the president's advisor stopped by to check on the I-81 replacement project in Syracuse. Find more of the week's news below.

1.Micron dedicates $250 million to community development through unique fund

A man in a grey suit with glasses speaks into a microphone at a press conference. — Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra announces 100 billion private investment in mega-complex of computer chip plants in Central New York, creating 9,000 jobs over 20 years. It will be the largest single private investment in New York State history.

Micron has promised $250 million to a community investment fund for projects enhancing the area's workforce.

2. White House infrastructure coordinator highlights I-81 replacement as a key priority

Multiple cars sit in a parking lot under a bridge. — Cars park in an adjacent lot to the I-690 Interchange on Oct. 17, 2022.

The Biden administration’s infrastructure coordinator is closely watching how the pieces come together for the I-81 replacement project in Syracuse.

3. Hochul announces $150 million in workforce development grants

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivers the weekly COVID-19 update briefing for New York State at the governor’s New York City office, Sept. 30, 2021.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has unveiled new workforce development grant programs totaling $150 million.

4.Proposed shuttle for Syracuse city employees receiving praise, criticism

Common councilors listen to Walsh administration officials as they discuss the viability of a shuttle service for some city employees.

Syracuse Common Councillors are considering a plan that would provide a shuttle for employees who park at a parking garage a half mile or more from their workplace.

5. ESF faculty union calls for more funding to get out of deficit

A building at the center SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry campus in Syracuse, April 27, 2022.

SUNY campuses are dealing with a deficit for the current fiscal year. The massive operating deficits threaten the future viability of the institution.

6. NYCLU wants guarantees for equitable housing spelled out in Rezone Syracuse plan

This home on E. Genesee St. in Syracuse were recently renovated into affordable units by Housing Visions.

The CNY chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union was expressing some serious concerns about Syracuse’s comprehensive rezoning project.

7. Months before process unraveled, legislative leaders prepared for redistricting turmoil

The New York State Legislature has spent over $500,000 for legal counsel on redistricting.

Leaders in the New York Legislature were prepared to spend millions of dollars drawing their own redistricting lines and fighting resulting litigation.

8. Central New York has the right mix of assets for its growing film industry

A green-painted Syracuse graffiti on a brick wall. — Downtown Syracuse graffiti dedicates Syracuse as "the mighty Salt City."

The Syracuse International Film Festival attracted movie producers to shoot in Syracuse and Central New York. The film industry has taken off in Syracuse over the past seven to eight years.

9.Superstorm Sandy 10 years later: New York bracing for future

An aerial image shows homes flooded under the high waters along the New Jersey shorline. — An aerial image shows homes flooded under the high waters along the New Jersey shorline following Super Storm Sandy in 2012.

This week, ten years ago, New York City was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy. It was considered a once-in-a-lifetime disaster, but storms of the same magnitude are becoming regular occurrences.