Syracuse Council honors Chad Norton with Webster Pond Parkway street designation

The Common Council of Syracuse convened on March 31, 2025, for a regular session that addressed several key agenda items, including the adoption of resolutions and a special recognition for community contributions.

The meeting commenced with the approval of items 50 through 55, all of which passed unanimously without objection or discussion. Following these procedural votes, Councilor Jones Rausser introduced item 56, which focused on honoring Chad Norton for his advocacy in wildlife preservation, particularly concerning local bird populations. Councilor Rausser expressed gratitude for Norton’s dedication and highlighted his contributions to the community, particularly through the Anglers Association.

Chad Norton was invited to speak, where he acknowledged the support he has received from the city and the community in his efforts to enhance Webster Pond. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the work done at the pond and invited council members to visit the site. The council then discussed the installation of an honorary street sign to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Webster Pond, designating a portion of Valley Drive as Webster Pond Parkway. The resolution for this recognition was also passed unanimously.

The meeting proceeded with item 57 being held for further discussion. Before adjourning, a council member expressed concern regarding the behavior of the city’s mayor, who reportedly confronted a councilor after a previous meeting. The council member called for an apology from the mayor, reflecting the tensions present in local governance.

The session concluded with a motion to adjourn, marking the end of a meeting that balanced community recognition with underlying challenges in city leadership dynamics.