The long-delayed replacement of the Westminster Staircase in Syracuse’s University neighborhood is moving forward. After years of debate, common councilors voted 6 to 3 Monday to approve $1.7 million in bonds needed to fully fund the $3 million project.
Councilor Hanah Ehrenreich pushed for the project. She told WAER News after a vote was delayed three weeks ago that she was optimistic about making progress.
“With getting the bond passed, we can then go to the drawing board with parks, with local contractors, with the community engagement, which thus far has been shut out of the process, and really have a decisive, creative, bid process," she said.
Other funding sources include a $600,000 state grant and saved up parks funding. The 178-step staircase off Euclid Avenue was built nearly 100 years ago. The city closed it two years ago due to deterioration and safety concerns. Construction should begin next year.
Councilors Helen Hudson, Rasheada Caldwell, and Patrona Jones-Rowser voted against the project, saying the funds could be better spent on other parks projects.
