Mayor Sharon Owens

When Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens cut the ribbon June 23, opening a free pop-up roller skating rink at Clinton Square, she intended it to last one week, but its popularity has stretched plans by several weeks.

New high-speed I-81 interchanges are now open, permanently shifting Syracuse commutes and marking a major milestone before the downtown viaduct comes down.

The furniture company is closing its South Salina St. location this summer after 99 years.

The Syracuse Common Council approved a city budget that relies slightly less on reserves, trims spending in some areas, but invest more into parks and housing. Mayor Sharon Owens praised the agreement.

Mayor Sharon Owens presented the spending plan to councilors Wednesday, though her administration has been meeting with councilors regularly over the past several weeks.

The repaving will take place during the spring and summer and includes around 20 miles of streets that need repairs.

The $354.4 million spending plan is an increase of 6.5% over last year, mainly due to inflation and soaring energy costs.

Mayor Sharon Owens announced the interim replacement will serve until the next election.

Community members can submit feedback on the draft plan through April 21 before leaders revise it and send it to the Common Council.

Syracuse mayor Sharon Owens said Veo bikes and scooters are back for the season. She noted they proved transportation for many without cars to get to work, shopping and connect to mass transit.