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