Brianca Hill seeks $10M for East Adams affordable housing infrastructure

The Common Council Study Session held on July 2, 2025, in Syracuse, NY, focused on several key agenda items aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and recreational programming.

The session began with Brianca Hill, the Director of Business Development, presenting item 69, which pertains to the pro housing supply funds program. Hill announced plans to apply for up to $10 million in funding to support infrastructure improvements in the East Adams neighborhood. This initiative is particularly crucial as the city faces potential risks to a $30 million grant aimed at reconnecting communities. The proposed funding would cover essential capital improvements, including upgrades to roads, water, sewer, and electrical utilities, as well as design costs. Hill emphasized that the program allows for a 50% match, which would be sourced from existing and future investments by the Syracuse Housing Authority and other partners, ensuring no additional city funds would be required.

Following this, Councilor Jones raised questions regarding the matching funds, seeking clarification on whether they would come from previously invested resources or new contributions. Hill confirmed that the match would indeed be a combination of both, alleviating any financial burden on the city.

The meeting then transitioned to item 70, presented by Connor Muldoon, Chief Operating Officer. Muldoon discussed the expansion of the enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) to include a work order management system for the parks department. This initiative aims to streamline operations and improve response times for maintenance and repairs within city parks, utilizing software already in use by the water department.

Finally, item 71 was introduced by Chris Abbott, Deputy Commissioner of the Parks Department. Abbott outlined an agreement with the Red House Arts Center to provide performing arts programming as part of the city’s summer recreation offerings. He highlighted the program's long-standing success and its importance in enriching the community's cultural landscape.

The session concluded with a sense of progress on multiple fronts, as the council addressed critical infrastructure needs and community enrichment programs. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as these initiatives move forward.