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