March 20, 2025
Now and Later - 300 E Washington St
In Attendance:
Dr. Eric Saxton - Cuse Chiro; Mike Blowers - The Effect Group, Inc.; Betsy Elkins - Resident; Bill Elkins - Resident; Merike Treier - Downtown Committee; Tom Campanie - Downtown Security; Justin Hayward, Resident & JK Tobin; Jennifer Walls - The Sweet Praxis; Michael John Heagerty - Wildflowers; Cathy Fischer - Resident; Alice Lin - City of Syracuse; Kevin Race - City of Syracuse; Kara OConnor - Kara Anne; Josh Wilcox - Parks Department; Javier - Resident
Security Update
SPD is still having technical issues but overall they have reported crimes have decreased over this time last year
Discussions were had about loud motor cycles and ATVs
The SPD has recommended reporting motorcycles and ATVs to ATVtips@syracusepolice.org
There will be a ALL DOWNTOWN SECURITY meeting next Thursday, March 27th 2:30 - 4 pm at the Redhouse (400 S Salina St).
At this meeting, attendees will have an opportunity to speak with Deputy Chief Mark Rusin, Capt. Ben Conklin, and representatives from behavioral healthcare providers that are working in partnership with the city of Syracuse on new programs, such as SCIPP. Topics covered will include an overview of current security initiatives, an introduction to services currently available to support individuals struggling with behavioral health challenges, and Q&A. Please RSVP to mtreier@downtownsyracuse.com
Philanthropy
Our food donation box has been a bit of a flop
We discussed options to pivot
Suggestions include selling water during Hanover Thursdays and use the proceeds for monetary donations for the pantry
Fountain Update
Parks has chosen the contractor but have not notified them yet so they can’t tell us who yet
The project is over budget, but has already secured the extra funding needed from the city
The project will block off the entire triangle around the fountain through October
Hanover Thursdays
The event will need to pivot this year, and they have talked about branding it as ‘315 Thursdays’
Some options for staying adjacent to Hanover were tossed around but no options have been chosen yet.
Earth Day Hanover Style
The HSA will be getting together the Friday before the Downtown Committee’s Earth Day Cleanup on April 26th
We will gather in the square at 3pm Friday April 25th. Please RSVP in our google form before next week to secure a free t-shirt
This event will take place of our regular scheduled April Meeting.
New Business
Ideas were discussed about planning something family friendly around the holiday skating season to draw families into the square.
Next official Meeting will be May 15th @ TBD
February 20, 2025
Elite Gaming
In Attendance:
Mike Blowers, The Effect Group, Inc.; Betsy Elkins, Resident; Bill Elkins, Resident; Sarah Tietje-Mietz, Downtown Committee; Bridget Rooney, Visit Syracuse; Ian Conroy, Elite Gaming; Rob O’Connor, Elite Gaming; Justin Hayward, Resident & JK Tobin
Updates
• Brewer Harris Projects had grand opening reception 2/14
• Fountain update: Josh Wilcox from Parks willing to come in to share more info with group and answer question
◦ Association would like this, and Sarah from DTC will reach out to have him join the next meeting
• Pantry Donations: EDR collected over 140 items for the pantry and Mike Blowers made a considerable donation of items.
◦ Question asked if we could challenge groups/offices to host drives to collect items to donate
◦ Question asked if we should reevaluate State Tower Location as donation site
New Business
• Issue of snow removal in Hanover Square not happening on weekends
◦ This impacts experience of visitors coming to all the restaurants and bars
◦ Question of enforcement of odd-even parking at night with the snow, as it gets very difficult to navigate the narrow streets, cars, and snowbanks
◦ Many crosswalks are not cleared
◦ CityLine suggested as a way to document and report excess ice and snow
◦ DTC asked if they can facilitate reminders or conversations with building owners about their responsibility of clearing ice and snow
◦ Question raised about whose responsibility bike lane is
▪ Has been like a river of ice, and no one sure who should salt/clear this
▪ DTC will look into who is responsible
• Issue of increase in trash around Hanover Square
◦ Trash collecting and blowing around streets and parking lots
◦ Many trash bins overflowing, especially in front of businesses and do not seemed to be emptied by bity enough
◦ Question of if it would be possible to set up communal garbage/recycling space in a corner of the nearby
◦ Question if grant money could be used to create this and fund a large skid holder for this
◦ Topic was asked to be put on next agenda, and that DTC look into if this is possible.
Other Updates/Items:
• Earth Day Clean Up
◦ Downtown Committee Event, Taking Place April 19
▪ ***NOW UPDATED TO APRIL 26***
▪ Everyone encouraged to sign up to participate
▪ Hanover Square would like to do a clean up as part of this, on the Friday before
▪ It was noted that this has happened in past, and that the Downtown Committee has assisted with this
▪ Sarah/DTC will look into this and update at the next meeting.
• Meeting Engagement
◦ Question if changing time would encourage more people to attend
◦ A survey could be sent to the mailing list to get info on best times, why people attend or do not, etc.
◦ Suggestion of creating a sub-committee to address this
▪ Reach out in person to residents, businesses, and building owners to remind them about meeting
▪ Create and distribute survey with questions related to meeting time and attendance to be distributed to mailing list
• SPD/DTC Security at Hanover Sq Association Meetings
◦ Bridget from Visit Syracuse asked if SPD rep could be invited to and attend these meetings to give safety updates and news, field questions and concerns
◦ DTC Director of Security Tom Campanie could also be invited to attend to share updates and take questions/concerns
• Elite Gaming
◦ Will have a grand opening in April, and bar will be open for evening hours
◦ They will be location for Syracuse Fashion Week Underground Fashion Show on April 5
Next Meeting: 4:30 PM Thursday, March 20, 2025 at TBD.
January 16, 2025
Palladium Hall, The Treasury
In Attendance:
Betsy Elkins, Resident; Bill Elkins, Resident; Dr. Eric Saxon, Cuse Chiro; Sarah Tietje-Mietz, Downtown Committee; Joe Violette, Downtown Committee; Laura Heyman, Brewer Harris Projects; Joanne Rauch, C.R. Fletcher; Michelle Jevis, C.R. Fletcher; Kara O’Connor, Kara Anne; Bridget Rooney, Visit Syracuse; Steve Breitzka, EDR; Dawn Schmidt, Palladium Events.
Update from SPD
• Dr. Eric met with SPD morning of 1/16/2025 to discuss issues and reviewed last year’s crime stats. Stats are lower than in previous years, minus car thefts (break-ins and thefts).
◦ SPD is making changes with how they are handled and are optimistic about where this is headed in reducing crime.
Food Drive Update:
• Not many donations according to Betsy
◦ Questions/ideas on how we can improve visibility
▪ Send another email about this to HAS group
▪ Create digital poster
• Send to Visit Syracuse, DTC, etc.
• Betsy will create and email
▪ Suggestion to put up posters at businesses such as Stories, ProntoFresh, Kara Anne, etc.
Other Updates/Items:
• Downtown TNT Meeting this week
◦ One Hanover Square project that is promising
▪ Erie Canal Museum project to expand green space where the gravel bed is. Proposed to replace gravel with garden and wildflower space
▪
• Art in the Atrium
◦ New exhibit up: Short Notice
▪ Bridget asked how we can help support and share info about these events, and the bars and restaurants right nearby for visitors to the show to patronize.
▪ Idea of inviting Scott Herrmann (Arts in the Atrium) to come to a meeting to share info and ideas of support
• Student film project filming in Hanover Square in Feb outside of Orbis
◦ Sarah to confirm date: 11 am – 2 pm on February 2nd (updated after meeting)
• Brewer Harris Project:
◦ Gallery owners Laura Heyman and Miesha Shih
▪ Laura was at meeting to share information about Gallery:
• In Bank Alley
• Will exhibit emerging, local, and national artists
• Will also have panel discussions, acoustic music
• The grand opening to the public will be Feb 14 with artist Manuel Hernandez
◦ There will be additional programming around this
• Gallery Instagram is live
• Fountain Update:
◦ Work is supposed to start in Spring 2025 and go through Sept/Oct 2025
◦ Should not affect outdoor seating during Hanover Thursdays
▪ Good idea to look at what other options are in case it does impact this series of events
• Reorienting Stage?
• Swap months with Westcott Thursdays?
• Dawn offered to look into whether the Treasury/Palladium space can do anything to help with this or as a rain space
▪ Question of whether plans are available now to review?
▪ Question if this will impact the proposed date of June 2 for Memorial Garden unveiling?
• Tree Lighting along Hanover Square
◦ Question if this can be extended throughout the square
▪ Could TNT funds be applied to for this?
Next Meeting: 4:30 PM Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Elite Gaming (in Atrium Building).
November 21, 2024
Community Bank, State Tower Building
In Attendance:
Betsy Elkins, Resident; Bill Elkins, Resident; Dr. Eric Saxon, Cuse Chiro; Mike Blowers, Resident/Gere Building/The Effect Group; Sarah Tietje-Mietz, Downtown Committee; Peter Mehlek, Downtown Committee; Lekia Hill, Community Bank; Alexis Salamino, Dwyer Architects; Veronica VanTassel, Dwyer Architects; Kelly Yahi, Dwyer Architects; Cha McCoy, The Community; Laurie Heyman, Brewer Harris Projects.
Philanthropy Projects
Collection station for non-perishable food items for the Little Pantry at St. Paul’s
State Tower Building Mailroom location secured
Bins ready to be brought over to location designed to be stacked and moved with a hand cart
Discussed need to create volunteer structure to organize collection and drop-off
Betsy and Mike discussed options
Looking at other location options in the future, but will currently stick with one location for now
Other locations mentioned: Sweet Praxis, Atrium
Easy to upscale if interest is there
Other Updates/Items:
Question was raised to group about any connections with a Lawyer because the Association needs to rewrite bylaws
Dr. Eric requested anyone with suggestion to let him know
Raised question of HSA becoming a C3 instead of C4 to better work with grants and funding?
Lekia suggested reaching out to Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, and will share her contact
Cha McCoy shared that The Communion is having extra tasting events during the holidays
Shop can also host events if people are interested
Sarah Tietje-Mietz shared info about the Window Wonderland contest
Ground level businesses in Downtown can decorate windows, public votes, and top 3 winners get a prize
Kara-Anne almost ready to open!
The Post building will be renovating spaces into new apartments
Betsy shared that the butterfly bushes in Hanover Square need to be cut
She will reach out to Josh at Parks
Lekia shared that Community Bank is a Torch Stop for the 2025 Empire State Winter Games
Torch stop will be January 27th , 2025
Bond, Schoeneck & King might also be a stop
Next Meeting: 4:30 PM Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Wildflowers.
October 17, 2024
SideArm Sports, State Tower Building
In Attendance:
Betsy Elkins, Resident; Bill Elkins, Resident; Alice Lim, City of Syracuse; Kevin Race, City of Syracuse; Dr. Eric Saxon, Cuse Chiro; Mike Blowers, Resident/Gere Building/The Effect Group; Merike Treier, Downtown Committee Executive Director; Sarah Tietje-Mietz, Downtown Committee Marketing and Events; Lekia Hill, Community Bank; Jim Knittel, InArchitects, Steve Breitzka, EDR; Michael John Heagerty, Wildflowers.
Fall Philanthropy Projects
• Collections for non-perishable food items for the Little Pantry at St. Paul’s
◦ Will be getting bins for residential buildings
▪ Helps to also connect with residents we do not see at meetings
◦ Mike B. looking at U-Line for bins
◦ Betsy to make graphics/details to put on poster to go with bins
◦ Possible locations:
▪ Atrium, Sweet Praxis, State Tower Building, Treasury Building, Water St Bagel, Mike’s building.
• Merike/Sarah to help connect with State Tower Building
◦ Details to be addressed: who empties and brings bins over, who checks/cleans areas around bins?
▪ Might need volunteers to help with this
◦ Goal to make year-long, but start this fall
◦ How to get info out to area and keep fresh in minds?
▪ Reminders in Downtown Committee newsletter
▪ Update posters
▪ Move locations of bins each season?
▪
Memorial Garden Dedication
• Put off until later date: Spring or early June
• Get plaque made for it
◦ Arrange for event to take place after plaque has been made
◦ Merike suggested reaching out to Parks Conservancy about possible grant funding for this
◦ The Downtown Syracuse Foundation (501c3 arm of Downtown Committee) could help with this
TNT Funding
• More planters
◦ Suggested location: down Water Street
• Suggestion of public bathrooms
Other Updates/Ietms
• Community Bank donated $10,000 to Downtown Syracuse Foundation to support community-based initiatives in the Hanover Square neighborhood.
• Mike brought up Erie Boulevard section near Hanover
◦ Doesn’t always feel part of community, lots of dumpsters, snow removal not attended to as frequently, etc.
• Fountain Update:
◦ Work has started, timeline to finish is next August
• Syracuse Area Music Awards Community Champion Award honors Michael John Heagerty and Joe Driscoll for the Hanover and Westcott Thursdays
• Syracuse Urbanism Club:
◦ is now a Non-Profit
◦ Now Syracuse Urbanism Collective
◦ Hosting Smart Growth in CNY Conference on November 15 in McCarthy Mercantile
▪ Walking tours, presentations, conversations, etc
◦ Syracuse Urbanism hosting wildflower/pollinator planting in Perseverance Park on 10/27
▪ Free and open to sign up and join
◦ Javier, a Hanover Square Resident, has been working on wayfinding for creekwalk and a $3k grant was secured to help with this
▪ Looking to use eco-friendly pain on ground
▪ Points out info on neighborhoods near creekwalk
▪ Will be doing a weekend event to paint/install wayfinding in Spring
• Alice asked that if anyone notices problems or issues that need to be addressed throughout the City, to use to the Syracuse City Line
• J. Ryans in review for new business
• Amanda at Ice Cream Stand will be closing for season, but will still do Ice Cream Club
• Wildflowers expanding 200 sq ft
◦ Will add new vendors and cultural orgs to space
▪ Anticipated opening by Thanksgiving
• Lekia from Community Bank asked what Community Bank can do in neighborhood around holidays and beyond
◦ Suggestions welcome
Next Meeting: 4:30 PM Thursday, November 21
July 18, 2024
The Erie Canal Museum
In Attendance:
Betsy Elkins, Resident; Bill Elkins, Resident; Javier Zavaleta, Resident; Alice Lim, City of Syracuse; Kevin Race, City of Syracuse; Dr. Eric Saxon, Cuse Chiro; Mike Blowers, Resident/Gere Building/The Effect Group; Heather Schroeder, Downtown Committee Economic Development; Sarah Tietje-Mietz, Downtown Committee Marketing and Events; Taylor Westerlund, Erie Canal Museum, Development and Membership.
Prep work for Hanover Thursdays in August
• Updates on planning shared:
◦ Sweet Praxis opening special hours (5pm- 7 pm) and having outdoor seating.
◦ Two street food vendors: Across the Hall Café and Stories. Mike helping to facilitate location and coordination (possibly in front of his building?)
◦ Other restaurants operate as usual
◦ Wayfinding signage to be set up. A-Frame signs to be used, borrowed from Downtown Committee
▪ Downtown Committee will need to know how many needed and by when. Email Sarah Tietje-Mietz at stietjemietz@downtownsyracuse.com with info.
◦ The idea of expanding footprint of event, including more businesses in Hanover Sq., possible street closures, and future fundraising brought up
Unveiling/Dedication of the Memorial Garden
• Betsy brought up that the garden needs more work and attention.
◦ Suggestion of setting up a watering schedule with Parks to ensure receives enough attention, and will ask city to set up a plan
◦ Suggestion of exploring native plantings in garden
▪ Betsy and Bill to set up meeting with Josh Wilcox at Parks to address
• Timeframe for unveiling: Fall
◦ More outreach is needed to get more supporters and people involved, as well as reach out to relatives of those memorialized
◦ Downtown Committee will help expand list of other business owners in Hanover Square to be contacted
Business News
• Community Bank going in State Tower
◦ Mike to get progress report by next meeting
• Kara Anne’s has work already being done on the interior. Will sell clothing, house goods, items for children and pets, etc.
◦ Owner is also a resident
• Koolakian building fully rented
• New gallery in Bank Alley
• New tea and cocktail shot to open in former 210 Tea space
• Inka’s: Still under construction
• 809: No updates
• 300 East Washington: No updates on any of the potential businesses to go in, and visible construction still going on in interior of building
◦ Alice and Kevin of City to check on this
• Board and Bar had changed up menu offering more options
• Peter Muserlian may be opening around 100 apartments in building (building name?)
Other News:
• New funding period for TNT coming up
◦ Dr. Eric asked that everyone bring new ideas and suggestions for projects to next meeting
Next Meeting: 4:30 PM Thursday, August 15 at Hanover Thursday.
February 15, 2024
This month we started our rotating meeting venues and were graciously hosted by The Sweet Praxis.
In Attendance: Brianca Hill, City of Syracuse Business Development; Betsy Elkins, Resident; Bill Elkins, Resident; Mike Blowers, Resident/Gere Building/The Effect Group; Amy Wilson, Mixed Methods; Josh Wilcox, City of Syracuse Parks; Kyle Volz, QPK Design; Kelly Yahi, Dwyer Architectural; Veronica VanTassel, Dwyer Architectural; Michael John Haggerty, Wildflowers/McCarthy Mercantile/Hanover Thursdays; Gavin Maloney, 132 E. Genesee St/The Granite Building; Jen Walls; The Sweet Praxis; Heather Schroeder, Downtown Committee Economic Development; Jim Knittel, in-ARCHITECTS; Dr. Eric Saxton, Cuse Chiro; Tracy Mergler, Safe Space CNY; Laiza Semidey, Home HeadQuarters; Lowell Niemetz, Home HeadQuarters; Javier Zavaleta, Resident; Tom Campanie; Downtown Committee Security.
Downtown Security
Tom Campanie, Director of Security, Downtown Committee of Syracuse addressed concerns about noise complaints, loitering in businesses, crowds in parks after dark,
and public urination.
Questions: If someone is trespassing/won’t leave my place of business, who should I call?
Call 911 and, if it’s between 8am – 8pm, also call Downtown Committee Security at 315-423-HELP. This two-call sequence ensures police are notified and may also result in faster on-site response by Downtown Committee Security.
Fountain Updates
Josh Wilcox, landscape architect with City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs, shared updated plans for the Hanover Square Fountain in 2024:
QPK Design is under contract to assess and design the Hanover Fountain Rehab Project. Project budget is $500,000. QPK will share conceptual designs once available.
Fountain will include lighting elements and water in the upper portion of fountain, with plantings below.
In the interim, Parks is purchasing seasonal self-watering planters from Earth Planter (Auburn, NY) that will be placed in the former fountain pools and planted with seasonal plants/flowers. These square planters each hold 22 gallons of water and are also weighted with stone fill, so they are difficult to move/vandalize. When the fountain project is completed, the planters will be used to replace the deteriorating concrete planters in Hanover Square Park.
Questions: Is there an opportunity to brand the planters, e.g., sticker with Hanover Square Association logo?
Who will water/refill the self-watering reservoirs in the planters?
Parks Dept.
Is there an opportunity for community planting as part of I Love My Park Day this spring?
Yes
Will construction occur during Hanover Thursdays, the August music series?
Timeline: Plantings in summer; construction will not begin until after Hanover Thursdays concludes (after August 2024).
Is there an opportunity to change the brutalist design?
Plan is to use the existing concrete structure/design and identify new outer materials.
Is Parks envisioning seasonal or more permanent plantings?
More permanent plantings
Hanover Gives Back
Spring 2024 neighborhood volunteering event: Downtown Earth Day Cleanup
Downtown Committee (DTC) organizes Earth Day Cleanup every year on Saturday of Earth Day weekend. In response to feedback from Hanover Square businesses, DTC is organizing an additional Hanover Square clean-up on Friday, April 19 th from 3pm – 5pm.
To register for the Friday Hanover event, please email Heather at hschroeder@downtownsyracuse.com. Include: Name, # people in group, T-shirt sizes, and Business/Organization name. Sign-up deadline: March 15.
Hanover Thursdays
Michael John Haggerty shared information on this year’s Hanover Thursdays music series:
Free outdoor concerts in the square, every Thursday evening in August (possibly more)
Sponsorship opportunities available (see attached brochure)
Previous years indicate NYS Fair does not negatively impact Hanover Thursdays crowd/attendance
Opportunities for Hanover-area businesses to sell at the event (e.g. Storys, normally open only for breakfast and lunch, stays open to sell take-out dinners during Hanover Thursdays, sold out every week)
Downtown Committee Events
Spring 2024 is all about food!
Downtown Dining Weeks, March 1-14
Downtown Progress Breakfast, April 10 – This spring’s speakers include local food reporter Don Cazentre, and restauranteurs who have expanded their Downtown business to open additional eateries. Details to come!
Downtown Farmers Market, Tuesdays 8am – 2pm, Clinton Square; June 11-Oct.8
Business News
New businesses
Three new businesses coming to McCarthy Mercantile: SeaKissed Blends; Manny Rivera art bodega; vintage store
Inka’s restaurant (White Memorial Building) opening this spring
Former Otro Cinco restaurant space in the University Building has been leased to owner of Gaudalajara Mexican Restaurant, who plans to open a new Puerto Rican restaurant in this location
September 21st, 2023
Call To Order - 9:05AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Dr. Eric Saxton (Cuse Chiro), Kimberly Cronk (State Tower Building), Mike Blowers (Owner, The Effect Group and Owner, 119 E. Water St), Bill Elkins (Resident), Betsy Elkins (Resident), Heather Schroeder (Downtown Committee of Syracuse - Economic Development), Derrick Pratt (Erie Canal Museum), Taylor Westerlund (Erie Canal Museum).
Elections
Vice president and Treasurer positions are now open. Mike Blowers accepted the nomination for VP and Bill Elkins accepted the nomination for Treasurer. Both were unanimously approved. Thank you, Mike and Bill!
(Thank you to Kimberly Cronk, our previous Treasurer, who is moving to Florida with her family. Best wishes for your new adventure, Kim!)
Vice President duties: Run the meetings in the President’s absence. Attend officer meetings with city representatives once/month, preceding the monthly Hanover Square Association meeting.
Treasurer duties: File two transactions each January for the website; file tax forms in April; process payments for grant administration (e.g. Hanover Thursdays).
Security
Several security concerns were voiced, including threatening behavior from panhandlers (threats of violence if money not provided). Heather will invite Deputy Chief Rusin to the next general Hanover Square Association meeting.
Beautification
Dr. Eric provided an update on the electrical box painting project – Ally Walker’s design concept was submitted to the Syracuse Public Art Commission. Approval is pending National Grid approval. Heather will follow up with Kate A. from the City and Chris Gorman from National Grid.
Plantings: Betsy reported the spring plantings are doing well, despite zero watering provided by Parks during the season. Weeding is needed by City Parks. She will not be organizing a fall clean-up this year due to low participation previously.
Fountain: Josh Wilcox sent updates, which Dr. Eric shared: the bricks will be replaced with a polished concrete surfacing. Mike will follow up with Josh to request details on timing of the work and subcontractor hiring for spring 2024. He will ask whether a spigot can be installed to facilitate watering plants in the park.
Public restrooms: Members discussed the need for a public outdoor restroom. Mike shared an example from Montreal -- $400,00/each, serves 1,000/day. Self-cleaning.
Dr. Eric shared updates from the Syracuse Flag Initiative, which is encouraging the public to download the flag specifications and print flags. The specifications are available for free here: https://www.syracuseflag.com/specs
Downtown News and Updates
The Downtown and Lakefront section of Tomorrow’ Neighborhoods Today will host a social event at Board and Bar Charcuterie on Oct. 18 from 5pm- 7pm.
St. Paul’s Church will host the groundbreaking for Phase I of their Open Doors construction project on Oct. 17 th at 4pm.
The Erie Canal Museum is hosting “Eerie Canal: A Behind the Scenes Weighlock building Spooktacular” on Oct. 20 at 7pm: https://eriecanalmuseum.org/event/the-eerie-canal-a-behind-the-scenes-weighlock-building-spooktacular/
New Business/Updates
Heather noted the need to revise the Bylaws to reflect the non-profit Hanover Square Association’s current structure. We are actively recruiting participation from attorneys from the neighborhood who have non-profit experience and wish to become involved.
We discussed some possible time and location changes to hopefully grow our organization.
We discussed meeting together with some of the other associations downtown.
We should create another poll for the organization priorities.
Meeting Adjourned - 10:03AM
August 17th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:03AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 13 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Heather shared updates to the ARPA Commercial Corridor grant provided to the Downtown Committee by the City of Syracuse:
Street tree illumination will be installed in early October and will be up for minimum 3 years. Provides pedestrian “wayfinding” path between Armory Square, theatre district, and southern downtown.
Gateway signs – next up – will create approx. 8 labeled entrances into Downtown Syracuse. If you are interested in participating in this design process, please contact hschroeder@downtownsyracuse.com, subject line “Gateway Signs.”
Memorial Project:
The final touches are being added to our submission to the art council and it should be voted on during the next meeting.
Events
Hanover Thursdays
Joe shared that Hanover Thursdays received funding from an M&T Bank sponsorship and a Syracuse Festivals Fund grant. The crowds this year have been bigger than last year. Jose of Storys restaurant has been doing dinner service on Thursdays during the event and sold out every week; Storys has also been the hospitality tent meal provider. Buried Acorn’s beer station is cash-only. Joe shared flyers for neighbors to help distribute.
CNY Arts has a temporary pop-up art show in the Atrium building over the next 6 months.
Sarah shared that 4,000 people are at the OnCenter for a conference this week.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
New Business/Updates
The association will need to fill the positions of Vice President and Treasurer going forward. A call for nominations will go out with next months meeting reminders and we will vote at the next meeting. Nominations can be sent to hello@hanoversquaresyr.com.
Heather shared that the Downtown Committee submitted three applications for state funding in July; the state will announce in December which projects received funding. The three proposed projects are:
The first-ever public downtown playground – proposed for the Creekwalk Trailhead in Armory Square
New York Main Street Grant – proposed for façade improvements and interior buildout in properties near Cathedral Square
Downtown Master Plan – this public engagement process would outline redevelopment opportunities and provide a road-map for redevelopment across the next decade. Comments surrounding a Downtown Master Plan proposal included: Preference for using local consultants who know downtown Syracuse; having outreach opportunities at the I-81 outreach center in the Hills Building (217 Montgomery St.), coordinating with the Allyn Foundation on their Blueprint 15 initiative.
Suzy shared that City Hall Commons is moving to One Park Place. The city is in contract negotiation with Hanover Development to sell the City Hall Commons building for mixed-use development with 30 upper-floor, mixed-income apartments.
300 W. Washington – permits received and ready to start construction on next venture from Now & Later owner Jason Purdy.
State Tower Building has a few 2-bedroom apartments available, and a 600 sq. ft. office available.
Mike shared that a new gym, Edge Strength and Conditioning, will be opening in the Barclay Damon Tower.
Michael John shared that the Bank Alley Urban Market was a success. They might organized another market in October.
Michael John also shared that SinBun has signed a lease at McCarthy Mercantile.
Matt shared that 1675 sq. ft. of commercial space is available at the Renaud Wicks/Falker buildings on E. Water St.
Matt also shared that the former Anything But Beer space has been leased by a new restaurant (TBA). They are doing renovations and plan to open in October 2023.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:55AM
June 15th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 7 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Restrooms: Can we find a place for some portapoties for options for public facilities. There are no options for public restrooms downtown.
Fountain Update:
The project started this week.
Memorial Project:
The voting has been completed and the Hanover Square Association has chosen the Fence and Flowers design.
The next step will be to complete the application process for the public art commission which will hopefully be completed before the next meeting.
Events
Farmers Market started this week and will continue through the summer.
CXTech is moving in later this month.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
Seems like there is an influx of drug users and we should send them to *211.
315--412-7878 text pictures of sleeping individuals.
315-442-5111 is the non-emergency number.
We should tell anyone that is trespassing that they are trespassing and call 911.
New Business
Luke has decided to step down as President of the Hanover Square Association as the arrival of his child draws near. We would like to thank him for all that he has done for the Association.
A motion was made by Mike Blowers, and Seconded by Heather Schroeder to have the Vice President, Dr. Eric Saxton, assume the roll as President. The vote unanimously passed.
Kim has also decided that it was time for her to step down as Treasurer for the Association, as she will be moving out of state to be closer to her family.
The association will need to fill the positions of Vice President and Treasurer going forward.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:43AM
May 18th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 11 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
Fountain Update:
We now have a plan for the future of our fountain!
The city will begin repair on the loose bricks and structure of the fountain to be completed by Hanover Thursdays.
The water element will be repaired at a later date, with a slight design change to keep the water contained in the top portion of the structure (no more cascading water down the bricks).
The lower part of the fountain that once contained water, will be transformed into more planting beds.
TNT Memorial Proposal - Contact josh and see if we can get a finalized on the plants. Can we get some more direction or what plants we can use, and what would be more sustainable.
Quotes and speakers from Historical Society. Many people passed through
1903 the sultry summer quote
heart of the city, mud pit,
Matilda Hayes
Sketches for the electrical block:
Events
TNT Downtown/Lakefront will be hosting a social in June for residents.
Tuesday June 13th 5:30-7pm at Meiers Creek Brewing in the Inner Harbor.
RSVP would be helpful to lindallewellyn75@gmail.com
Farmers Market starts next June 13th. Live music from 11:30 - 1:30
CNY Regional Market will be providing the mobile market (meats and things).
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:43AM
April 20th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 11 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
We have been told that the Hanover Gates are no longer going to be accessed by people outside of the city. So in the near future, we should only be seeing city vehicles/personnel parking inside the gates. If we see anyone parking on the sidewalk or in front of the gates, we should call the city police line.
TNT Memorial Proposal - Contact josh and see if we can get a finalized on the plants. Can we get some more direction or what plants we can use, and what would be more sustainable.
We can start shopping for our plants for the memorial project and hopefully we can get them ordered before our “I love my park day” social event.
We are waiting for our sketches for the art project but should have some soon.
Hanover Thursdays.
We had a quick update on Hanover Thursdays including some very interesting statistics out of Visit Syracuse.
Our Hanover Square banners have been attached to the new gates.
Fountain Update:
The lack of progress has some of our neighbors concerned about safety in the summer time.
We have outlined the following action steps
Find out the architects, remove all loose bricks, drain the standing water out of the fountain, can we cover the fountain better, perhaps with a printed screen for safety and beautification, and get a plan.
Events
Hanover Earth Day Cleanup this Saturday. We have had over 30 participants sign up and we will be meeting at 8am in Hanover Square.
TNT Downtown/Lakefront will be hosting a social in June for residents. More details to follow in the future.
First or 3rd week in May for the planting/networking event. 10am meetup
We will look to sponsor some sort of food or drink for that going forward.
The city has asked for our input on what to plant.
A flier will be sent out to the neighbors and landlords.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
When there are trash cans overflowing, or there are trash carts on the street after 9am, we identify them and submit them to CityLine app..
Cleanliness outside of Wolf’s Beirgarten. We have decided to draft a letter to the business to express our concerns.
Lets find out what the policy is for placement of city trash cans. Again we should highlight overflowing city trash cans with the CityLine app.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:56AM
March 16th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 14 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
Residents have noticed people continuing to drive on the sidewalk and having vehicles parked after hours inside the Hanover Gates
TNT Memorial Proposal
We are waiting for our sketches for the art project but should have some soon.
Floral Garden with Butterflies
Music Jukebox
Typography Mural
Ally Walker has requested a submission of quotes that we could use.
Planter Boxes should be moved back into the square once the bases have been fixed.
Hanover Thursdays.
Solvay Bank has joined the sponsor list.
TNT Syracuse has also become a sponsor for the event.
Banners will be placed on the gates.
Fountain Update: The fountain is still being assessed and there are a number of options that are being discussed.
Events
Hanover Earth Day Cleanup with the Downtown Committee. April 22nd
First or 3rd week in May for the planting/networking event.
We will look to sponsor some sort of food or drink for that going forward.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
There were some reports of the tall street lights being out. We will look to identify them and submit them to CityLine.
New Business
Continued issue with trash containment from the commercial spaces. Some trash is not being contained within containers or the containers are blowing open or over, allowing the wind to spread the trash all through the neighborhood.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:48AM
February 16th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building by SideArm Sports. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 14 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Hanover Square Outlook 2023
We have decided to put together some goals and a strategic plan heading forward.
Increase member participation at monthly meetings and annual events
Increase the Association's exposure within the City
Increase member confidence in fulfilling the Association's vision and mission
Provide the highest level of service to its members
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
The gate has been open for deliveries and such and seems to be closed at night. However, it appears that some vehicles are using deliveries as an excuse to open the gates and will remain parked there for hours.
Maybe there can be more of a time frame for “deliveries” to lighten the load for the Parks Department.
TNT Memorial Proposal
Our funding for the memorial planter bed has been approved. Last month we voted on the suggestions that Ally Walker made for painting the electrical box and we will present the following winners to Ally for some sketches or drafts.
Floral Garden with Butterflies
Music Jukebox
Typography Mural
It was noted that quotes from people who have been to Hanover Square might be nice (PT Barnum as it pertained to the Cardiff Giant etc),
We would like it to continue to be inclusive
The Planter Boxes are currently in the care of the Downtown Committee, and will be placed back soon (once the necessary repairs have been made). We spoke a little bit today about where to place those planters once they are up and running. One suggestion was to place them in the sidewalk between Genesee St and the buildings to further limit cars from driving on the sidewalk to avoid the gates.
Hanover Thursdays.
We will submit a funding request to TNT because there were some additional funds left over from their capital projects.
There is an extra week of music this year and the bands are already signed up.
The vendor village may extend down City Place to allow for more displays.
Someone mentioned the prospect of blocking the Warren St.
Banners will be placed on the gates.
Fountain Update: The fountain is still being assessed and there are a number of options that are being discussed.
We will be doing a neighborhood cleanup with the downtown committee and then we’ll do a planting event a few weeks afterward.
Events
Downtown Dining Weeks March 1-15th 50 restaurants signed up this year. downtownsyracuse.com for menus
March 15th “315” day. If you have any specials, send them to the Downtown Committee
This weekend is Winterfest
Hanover Earth Day Cleanup with the Downtown Committee. April 22nd
First or 3rd week in May for the planting/networking event.
We will look to sponsor some sort of food or drink for that going forward.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
There were some reports of the tall street lights being out. We will look to identify them and submit them to CityLine.
New Business
Continued issue with trash containment from the commercial spaces. Some trash is not being contained within containers or the containers are blowing open or over, allowing the wind to spread the trash all through the neighborhood.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:48AM
January 19th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 12 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Hanover Square Outlook 2023
Looking back over the last year, we seem to keep running into the same problems over and over again.
We have decided to put together some goals and a strategic plan heading forward.
Increase member participation at monthly meetings and annual events
Increase the Association's exposure within the City
Increase member confidence in fulfilling the Association's vision and mission
Provide the highest level of service to its members
I will send out an email for open comments on improvements to this list, and steps we could take to accomplish these goals.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
The gate lock has been cut and people have been parking in the street.
Capt Bowering has informed us that if this occurs, you can call the non-emergency police line to direct parking enforcement in that direction. You can also call the parks department to get a lock put back on the gate.
TNT Memorial Proposal
The proposal is in and will be voted on at next month’s TNT meeting (3rd Wednesday in Feb @ 5:30 pm via Zoom). I hope as many of you can attend as possible for voting.
The electrical unit is likely City property and will then be public art and it will need to go through the public art commission. Josh will help us connect those dots with the city so we know what the next steps are. In the mean time, we will be sending around some of the suggestions by Ally Walker Inks for what we could do with painting the electrical box.
The Planter Boxes are currently in the care of the Downtown Committee, and will be placed back soon (once the necessary repairs have been made).
Fountain Update: The fountain is still being assessed and there are a number of options that are being discussed.
City Place park benches are still being assessed for sustainability and a work order is is going to be placed to repair the benches.
We will be doing a neighborhood cleanup with the downtown committee and then we’ll do a planting event a few weeks afterward.
Events
Downtown Dining Weeks March 1-15th
Stories will be opening up soon in place of Today’s Special
Oncenter convention for FFA at the end of the month.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
There was an individual who was hit by a car when crossing in the crosswalk and it was suggested that there is not enough lighting in that area which made it difficult for the driver to see the pedestrian.
New Business
Noise Complaints (even after hours) can do non-emergency numbers.
At 8:15 am an individual got into the Maxwells buildings who should not have been there. Make sure you close your doors all the way as some people are looking for places to escape the cold.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:48AM
December 15th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:08AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the SideArm Sports in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 9 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Out TNT grant will be submitted for flowers, painting of the electrical box, and a plaque for the planter box in city commons.
We will not be able to dedicate the space directly, but will need to bring that up to the city council for a vote.
We still need to find a way to get water for Hanover planter flowers and hopefully the project to fix the fountain could have an option included.
The city parks department has received funding for downtown park improvements and we should express our need for Hanover Square.
The crows can make a big mess and we should reach out to the parks department to see if we can do something to manage them.
Events
Earth Day Cleanup April 22nd.
Our planting session should be after that.
We would also like to create a time for weekend cleanups in the neighborhood (say Saturday mornings 9-10am)
Tis the Season: Downtown holiday promotions are in full swing.
7th annual window wonderland event
Holiday promotions can be sent to the DTC for social blasts.
Parthenon Books is having a Book Launch Party noon (to 2pm) this Saturday.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
Paid SPD patrol is at the skating rink at nights.
At bar closing time there still seems to be a lot of noise and a patrol pass through should be timed for that time frame.
Some of this may be addressed with signs to “be cognizant of our neighbors”
New Business
Cars are parking on the Genesee Street that is closed.
We are still waiting to hear when the completion of the gates will take place.
Meeting Adjourned - 10:06AM
November 17th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 12 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
The square is looking pretty good lately.
There are some new gates going in to prevent traffic from utilizing Genesee St which will be a better deterrent than our planters were.
We should start working on a proposal for TNT if we would like to apply for something else next year.
We seem to like the idea of a memorial garden to commemorate the loss of entrepreneurs that helped to make Hanover Square what it is today. There are two possible locations for this garden. We will reach out to the city and to the parks department to see what our options are.
The planter on the left will need to be built up to better facilitate flower and plant growth.
Events
Tis the Season: Downtown holiday promotions are upon us.
7th annual window wonderland event has started.
Hanover Square has several participants this year, and we hope to bring home the win. You can vote once per day per device starting after Thanksgiving.
Holiday promotions and deals can be sent to the DTC for the newsletter and social blasts.
Chittenango Select Choir will be doing a performance the night of the tree lighting (November 25th).
The Gingerbread display will open at the Erie Canal Museum today with a “grand opening” on November 25th with hours to 8pm.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
We need to connect with the SPD to see where we are at for a dedicated presence downtown, especially on the weekends.
New Business
There is a trash situation at Erie Blvd and Montgomery St that doesn’t seem to be getting address. It was suggested that this be posted on the SyrCityLine.
Is there a downtown leaf/foliage debris pickup that is scheduled? This may also be posted on the SyrCityLine.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:45AM
October 20th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 7 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Last weekend was the Neighborhood Social/ Fall Clean Up “Litter and latte’s”
Four women joined the session and did some cleaning and then sat down and enjoyed some snacks and sat down and enjoyed each others company.
We should start working on a proposal for TNT if we would like to apply for something else next year.
Events
Tis the Season: Downtown holiday promotions begin in November!
7th annual window wonderland event
Holiday promotions can be sent to the DTC for social blasts.
New York State School Board Conventions will be the week of Notre Dame football game and will be the biggest convention of the year.
Syracuse Bike Party is the last Saturday of each month at 6:45pm for a light fun bike ride that comes back to Hanover Square at the end.
Chittenango Select Choir will be doing a performance the night of the tree lighting (November 25th).
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:25AM
September 15th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted by SIDEARM Sports in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 15 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
We will be looking at changing some of the plants that will hopefully do better next year, but overall we were happy with the look of the square
Cleanup Clan
We will try to schedule a fall cleanup and social event on OCTOBER 15st 10am that we can call Leaves and Lattes.
We are hoping to turn this into a monthly Saturday Cleanup next year.
Hanover Square Bike Rack
The installation will be happening this week.
Hanover Fountain is being inspected and hoping to have a plan together. Once the report is back, we will hear about what the options are out there.
Events
Hanover Thursdays: hanoverthursdays.com
Out preformed our expectations
Next year we will be targeting the 5 weeks of August next year.
A number of sponsors are already excited for next year.
GeniusNY teams arrived downtown for the next 4 months and are competing for a million dollar prize which should be awarded in November.
16th Annual Downtown Living Tour “Live Downtown For A Day” with free museum tours for the day. For tickets, visit Downtownsyracuse.com
Saturday Sept 24th 4 out of 5 stops are Air BNBs and all the museums are on the tour. Free admission to all the museums and there are also some Downtown Deals for participants.
Hanover’s own Gere Building is on the tour this year.
New York State School Board Conventions will be the week of Notre Dame football game and will be the biggest convention of the year.
Syracuse Bike Party is the last Saturday of each month at 6:45pm for a light fun bike ride that comes back to Hanover Square at the end.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
We have had some reports of harassment from the unhoused population near the square next to the Atrium.
New Business
Communion Wine and Spirits will be opening soon here in the State Tower building. There will be a wine and dinner experience as a grand opening event with the Chef at Eden.
MetroFitness has opened up a spin studio with their recent expansion and now provides the only spin experience downtown.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:51AM