Ben Walsh

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stopped in Syracuse Tuesday as part of a victory lap of sorts to celebrate much-awaited federal relief for residents, businesses, and municipalities. The House is expected to take a final vote Wednesday on the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

Syracuse has a lot on its to-do list in the new year. Primarily, the city is trying to find ways to fiscally and physically recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. But they’re also working on police reform, long-standing economic development initiatives, and anticipating progress on the I-81 project.

Onondaga County’s yellow zone has expanded and parts of it have transitioned to an orange zone as coronavirus cases continue to rise. Most of the city of Syracuse in addition to parts of Dewitt, Lyncourt and Solvay are in the designated orange zone. Orange zone rules go into effect Wednesday, and includes the closure of high-risk, nonessential businesses such as salons and gyms.

Central New York has progressed through the four phases designed by the state to restart the economy. But where do we go from here?

17-year-old Chariel Osorio passed away Thursday, a week after being shot at a party in downtown Syracuse. The Police Department has a few suspects, and believes it was a multiple-shooter, gang-related incident. Various social media posts suggest the organizers of the party told the police the gathering was a Black Live’s Matter rally. 

Central New York officially got the green light from the State Thursday to start Phase One reopening. Businesses, both who are just starting to operate and those who have been operating, will need to certify that they have reviewed the guidance and create a safety plan.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh joined Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon at the daily COVID-19 briefing to discuss some of the findings from the Economic Resilience Task Force. The Task Force is focused on how Syracuse and Onondaga County will slowly resume economic activity following weeks of shut down.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh stopped by the Onondaga County daily COVID-19 briefing Tuesday. Walsh discussed social distancing policies in the city and how police are handling those who are have not been complying.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh joined Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon at his briefing Wednesday in an effort to encourage 2020 Census participation. Walsh said one way anyone can help in the midst of the outbreak is by filling out their census, and helping the community get a complete count.

The City of Syracuse is forging ahead on one of mayor Ben Walsh’s State of the City initiatives to build 50 single family homes to fill gaps left by vacant and abandoned properties in the city. Common councilors have approved a $2 million state application for an Infill Housing Program, which the city will match with $1.75 million in federal housing funds.