April 20, 2024 – Urban CNY

News

Public Information Web Site Notice For Old Route 57 & Soule Road 2R Paving Project

by Urban CNY News
April 20, 2024

The Onondaga County Department of Transportation will host a Public Information Web Site to present the proposed reconstruction of the Old Route 57 & Soule Road Paving Project in the Town of Clay from Monday, April 22, 2024 through Friday, May 10, 2024. To access the Website go to: www.ongov.net Click on the “Old Route 57 & Soule Road 2R Paving Project” Information button. A detailed overview of the project, along with a question and comment tab will be available at the web site. Representatives from the Onondaga County Department of Transportation and the design consultant will answer questions from interested parties and will obtain comments and input for final design. The proposed project involves the rehabilitation of Old Route 57, from Pine Hollow Drive to Calder Court and Soule Road, from Old Route 57 to approximately 500 feet north of Fairway East, in the Town of Clay. Pavement work for this project will include milling and paving, and isolated areas of full-depth reconstruction. The project also includes the replacement of the traffic signal at Old Route 57 and Soule Road and the installation of a new signal at Soule Road and Fairway East. Improvements to the drainage, guiderail, signage, and driver and pedestrian safety are also included in this project. This project is scheduled for construction in 2025. This project is a locally administered federal aid project. It is being progressed by Onondaga County Department of Transportation in coordination with the New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Presently, the project is in the preliminary design phase. Questions from the media regarding this project may be forwarded to Patty Jeschke, Senior Project Coordinator, by calling 435-3205 or by e-mail at patriciajeschke@ongov.net

Cover Stories

Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Hoosock Killed While in the Line of Duty

by Urban CNY News
April 20, 2024

Liverpool, NY –”Tragedy struck our town last night, (April 14th 2024) two officers were shot and killed while in the line of duty, protecting our community” said Town of Salina – Supervisor, Nick Paro. A suspicious vehicle refused a traffic stop in the City of Syracuse, police followed the vehicle to a residence on Darien Drive in the Town of Salina, the suspect opened fire in the residential neighborhood striking the two officers and endangering the neighbors and community as a whole. “Thanks to our brave police officers, this tragic, multi-agency effort resulted in peace and safety after a night of calamity and chaos. Another criminal is off our streets, but at what cost? Criminals should not feel so emboldened.” Town Supervisor Nick Paro was personally in contact with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office last night shortly after the events occurred. Because of this communication from the Sheriff’s office, Nick was able to quickly communicate with many residents in the Oot Meadows neighborhood and give them direction on the situation as well as calm concerns and fears. “I will commend the Sheriff and his entire team, as well as all of the responding officers, EMT’s, Fire Fighters, and other emergency personnel who worked diligently to keep our community safe last night. On behalf of all of the residents in the Town of Salina, we give our most sincere gratitude to the heroes who brought an end to this awful night. Thank you for your commitment to the line of duty, for wearing the badge, for keeping all of us safe and enforcing law and order. We will always stand hand in hand with the men and women who stand in-between the innocent and those who seek to do harm.” “To the families of the officers who fell in the line of duty – our hearts are with you and our community grieves with you. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. We are all thankful for your sacrifice and commitment to the line of duty, … most of us will never truly know the pain you are going through and your families will remain in our prayers. We are thankful for the dedicated service of the fallen officers and are keeping both SPD and OCSO in our prayers as well.” Paro noted that the Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the incident was a longtime friend to the community and known by many Volunteer Fire Fighter’s. His loss has already been felt by many Salina residents.

Health Voices

Voices: Tobacco Industry’s Negative Impact on Environmental Health

by Melanie Drotar
April 20, 2024

Onondaga County, April 19, 2024 – Earth Day comes around every year on April 22 and is used as a time to acknowledge the health of our environment and doing what we can to help. Clean-up events often happen in various settings such as parks, beaches, and schools. Unfortunately, tobacco products are a prevalent source of litter. Not only does tobacco have a negative impact on our health but the health of the environment as well. Litter from tobacco products ends up polluting the air, water and land with toxic chemicals, carcinogens and heavy metals. Cigarette filters are the number one most common polluter on the planet, with a rough estimate of 4.5 trillion filters disposed of each year. Furthermore, plastic from tobacco waste is not biodegradable, which leads to the contamination of the land and water supplies. Within the past decade e-cigarettes/vapes have gained popularity and as a result about 150 million devices are thrown out every year. The lithium-ion batteries contained in e-cigarettes are noted to harm the environment. Another cause of environmental harm from the tobacco industry is the production of tobacco itself. Land is cleared by burning to make room for tobacco plantations, which leads to an increase of greenhouse gases. The production and consumption of tobacco releases a significant amount of CO2 that is equivalent to driving 17 million gas powered cars. After a few years the soil is unable to support plant growth and the cycle is repeated. Tobacco production uses more water, wood, and pesticides than any other crop. Despite the impact of growing tobacco, the tobacco industry promotes what they do to reduce the litter they have caused, which is misleading. This is called green washing, and it is done to make themselves and their products appear environmentally friendly despite the harmful impact they have on the environment. What can be done to counteract the actions of the tobacco industry? Reach out to local, state, and federal representatives and ask them what they are doing to hold the tobacco industry accountable. In honor of earth day, participate in local clean ups to help remove tobacco litter from our community. Thank you, Melanie Melanie DrotarDirector, Public Health CommunicationsOnondaga County Health Department post cover: Pixabay Photo

Neighborhoods Syracuse - Central Syracuse - East Syracuse - North Syracuse - South Syracuse - West

Mayor Walsh Announces Open House for Syracuse Housing Strategy

by Urban CNY News
April 20, 2024

Syracuse, N.Y.– Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse will host an open house to introduce the Syracuse Housing Strategy, a multi-year framework for improving housing conditions in the City of Syracuse. The open house takes place on Tuesday, April 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center, 716 Hawley Avenue. The Syracuse Housing Strategy is based on community input and the findings of the Syracuse Housing Study, a comprehensive analysis of the Syracuse housing market completed in mid-2023. The study revealed that nearly every housing challenge that exists in Syracuse is tied to having either a market or affordability gap, meaning there is a large gap between the cost to create and maintain housing and the level of willingness (market gap) or ability (affordability gap) to pay for housing in Syracuse. The high cost of rehabilitation in conjunction with persistently depressed property values combine to create an unstable housing environment, especially for low-income households. These two interconnected conditions are the focus of the Syracuse Housing Strategy approach to reducing both the market and affordability gaps and improving city neighborhoods. The City will release the Housing Strategy online at syracusehousingstudy.com on Wednesday, April 24.

Financial Empowerment Urban CNY Excellence Urban CNY Money

Syracuse Cultural Festival Funds Have Been Awarded to 22 Festivals

by Urban CNY News
April 20, 2024

Syracuse, NY – A total of $135,000 in funds have been awarded to 22 festivals that will take place throughout the city of Syracuse. As part of the city’s current budget year, the Syracuse Common Council established the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund to support non-profit community groups in delivering cultural and celebratory events centered on a specific theme that are free for the public to attend, held in public spaces, and provide entertainment and activities for patrons. Funds were administered through an application process by the Downtown Syracuse Foundation. A review panel with members from the Syracuse Common Council, City of Syracuse, CNY Arts and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation collaborated on decisions regarding funding allocations. Organizations were able to apply for amounts between $3,000 and $10,000 to support their events. Supported festivals were able to demonstrate a track record of growth and a plan for future growth, financial need and the impact of the grant dollars on the event. Considerations were also given to geographic distribution within the city. “Cultural festivals are a testament to Syracuse’s rich diversity. The many unique festivals and cultural events in Syracuse strengthen our local economy, brighten neighborhoods, and they are an integral part of what makes city living special,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “I thank Common Council and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation for their continued support of the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund.” “Syracuse is home to tremendous diversity, and it is imperative that we celebrate that. Many of the cultural festivals struggle to raise funds to keep going. The Syracuse Common Council created this fund as a way to show that the City of Syracuse is a partner in the effort to celebrate our diversity. We are home to people from all over the world, they bring their food, language and traditions to us, and Syracuse embraces them. What a beautiful thing that is,” said Jimmy Monto, Syracuse Common Council. Congratulations to the following awarded festivals: 23rd Annual Westcott Art TrailChoose Love Day & Peace FestivalCNY Pride FestivalCrawfish FestivalCuse Culture, The ReunionEverson Community DaysFesta Italiana 2024Hanover Music SeriesJuneteenthLatino FestNeighborhood Health and Wellness FairNortheast Jazz & Wine FestivalNorthside FestivalSouthwest Showcase SundaysSt. Patrick’s ParadeThe Syracuse Orchestra Summer in the CitySyracuse Arts & Crafts FestivalSyracuse Polish FestivalSyracuse VegFest 2024The Syracuse Irish FestivalWestcott Cultural FairWorld Refugee Day The Downtown Syracuse Foundation is 501c3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to conduct research, identify best policies and practices, secure resources, and implement programs and projects to support the revitalization of Downtown Syracuse.

Arrest of David Arnold for Multiple Charges of Sexual Misconduct with a Child

CNY Community Foundation to Premiere Lead Poisoning Documentary

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Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC-06) Endorses John Mannion for Congress in NY-22

Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers Weekly Schedule September 2 -6, 2024

Public Information Web Site Notice For Old Route 57 & Soule Road 2R Paving Project

Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Hoosock Killed While in the Line of Duty

Voices: Tobacco Industry’s Negative Impact on Environmental Health

Onondaga Small Business Development Center Fast Track to Business Start-Up (In-person workshop)

Mayor Walsh Announces Open House for Syracuse Housing Strategy

Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-Staff tor Fallen Syracuse Law Enforcement Officers

Syracuse Cultural Festival Funds Have Been Awarded to 22 Festivals

Destiny USA Announces Free Magic Show with Wade Live

Rep. Williams Applauds Multi-Billion Dollar Chips & Science Act Award to Micron

Jubilee Homes Planning a Tour of their Community and Upcoming Projects

Black Voices