Plans to replace the near century old crumbling Westminster staircase in the city’s University neighborhood have run into opposition once again on the Syracuse Common Council. One councilor voiced a last-minute objection that postponed Monday’s vote.
The ambitious project comes with a price tag to match: $3 million. That was a sticking point with councilors under the Walsh Administration, and it still bothers 4th district councilor Patrona Jones-Rowser. Councilors were slated to borrow $1.7 million to complement a state grant and city parks funding. But during the vote, Jones-Rowser made a late objection, stopping the vote and automatically pushing the item to the council’s next agenda in early August.
“These funds can build new playgrounds, fund sports leagues, support summer camps, nature classes, and after-school programming," she said during the meeting. "For me, there's multiple options where this money can be utilized versus a specific niche group of individuals for a set of steps that lead to nowhere other than a parking lot.”
The 178 steps actually lead to Westminster Park, which is no more than a cul-de-sac with a bench that sits atop a 655-foot drumlin offering panoramic views of the city. The city closed the staircase for safety and liability reasons in late 2023.
Chair of the council’s parks and recreation committee Hanah Ehrenreich noted the meeting agenda also included $2.5 million for numerous projects at other parks across the city. All were discussed at a committee meeting July 1 that co-chair Jones-Rowser did not attend.
“These items were crafted specifically to meet the needs across the city," Ehrenreich responded during the meeting. "This is not for a particular niche demographic. It's not for a particular part or segment of the city. These items were meant to go together, and they were meant to demonstrate our commitment across the city to all of our parks and all of our recreation opportunities.”
The remaining parks projects were approved unanimously. In addition to Jones-Rowser, councilors-at-large Helen Hudson and Rasheada Caldwell also oppose funding for the staircase. That still left enough yes votes if the vote was allowed to proceed before Jones-Rowser objected.
Jones-Rowser declined comment after the meeting and Ehrenreich was not available.
