The Syracuse Housing Authority is encouraging contractors to make connections as the agency embarks on an $800 million overhaul of its public housing. The SHA hosted the first of what's expected to be many meet-and-greets Thursday evening.
Dozens of people packed a large, noisy room at the OneGroup Educational Center, chatting about the opportunity that lies ahead. SHA Executive Director Bill Simmons says about 150 people registered for the event, but walk-ins probably pushed that number closer to 200.
“Contractors are looking for local workers who live in public housing or just live in a neighborhood with some skills," Simmons said. "So this this kind of event makes that connection for contractors and local hires as well.”
Latrice Boykins of Eastwood was among those networking.
“Trying to look around for some new contracts. You know I work for a firm under Temple property management company. And they are the umbrella," Boykins said. "So now they're opening up a firm for lead abatement. I'm the new inspector, so I'm here to mingle.”
Boykins knows Syracuse’s older homes and buildings have high levels of lead-based paint impacting children and families.
“With the new construction going around, there could be lead anywhere even in soil exterior or interior," she said.
Like Boykins, William Hughes is also getting a bit of a new start. He’s been in the construction business for decades, doing a wide variety of work for other companies. But a year ago, he started his own business called CW Renovations.
“You gotta get in and you gotta start somewhere. You can't take on a $250,000 project with not putting your feet in the door first," Hughes said.
Or, larger projects, for that matter.
“I'm hoping to get a little more of the commercial work," Hughes said. "I do a lot of residential now. I'm trying to expand and get bigger contracts.”
Hughes says he’s not too picky, since he’s done just about everything. He hopes to be one of many to find success in what’s promising to be a busy and lucrative period for the region’s construction industry.
