Community

Advocates at a Syracuse agency that helps formerly incarcerated people re-integrate into society are heartened to see Governor Hochul’s state of the state proposals to improve their chances of success.

Onondaga County’s proposed $85 million aquarium project is one step closer to a vote in the legislature after getting cleared to go before the ways and means committee. But some lawmakers and others are questioning the impartiality of a feasibility study that county leaders are using to make the case for the project.

Onondaga County legislators are continuing their discussion around the viability of an $85 million aquarium proposed for Syracuse’s Inner Harbor. It’s still unclear if and when the project will advance through the legislature.

Syracuse-area health, safety, and parent advocates want the state DOT to ensure those living and attending school near the I-81 viaduct are properly protected from lead dust exposure when the bridge is torn down. They gathered in front of Martin Luther King school Wednesday, which lies in the shadow of the highway.

The Syracuse City School District is among those feeling the seismic shift in the workforce as people leave their jobs in search of other opportunities. The district is holding a job Thursday in hopes of filling a wide variety of open positions.

Syracuse Common councilors continue to postpone voting on an agreement with Syracuse University to maintain a portion of neighboring Thornden Park. The matter was first presented in early October, and has generated concerns among neighboring residents.

The annual Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival is back in person this weekend for its 51st year after going virtual for its milestone 50th anniversary due to the COVID pandemic. It’ll also be at a different venue…the Science and Industry Building at the State Fairgrounds.

Syracuse’s inventory of affordable housing has grown by 66 units following the renovation of 20 buildings on the city’s east and north sides. State and local officials gathered Monday to celebrate the completion of the $22 million Winston Gaskin Homes project.

Syracuse Common Councilors are holding off on spending more than a half million dollars of federal pandemic relief funds with Microsoft to modernize the city’s email and other office software. One councilor is taking issue because the company hasn't followed through on plans to bring a technology hub to the city.

State Attorney General Letitia James brought her Heal New York tour to Utica and Syracuse Tuesday, delivering nearly $37 million to the region to combat the opioid epidemic. The nearly $1.5 billion being distributed statewide comes from different settlements negotiated by her office following the March 2019 lawsuit against manufacturers and distributors of the painkillers.