The Syracuse City Council unanimously approved proposed resolution R-25-41 authorizing the sale of real property at 3000 West Antelope Drive to Hawkins Development LLC and authorizing the mayor to sign closing documents.

The measure, approved after a brief public hearing with no members of the public speaking, instructs staff to enter a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that — if all conditions are met — will form the development agreement for the site. Council members emphasized the MOU structure during debate and noted the sale is contingent on performance items in the agreement.

Council discussion noted the MOU is not a final development contract and that Hawkins Development may withdraw before closing. One council member said, “this is not a contract, a development contract,” and reminded colleagues the developer can exit the agreement prior to closing. Council members also raised questions about a $100,000 performance bond mentioned in packet materials; the council discussion did not specify the precise role or conditions for that bond.

Packet materials and discussion list potential restaurant or retail tenants the developer is pursuing for the site; the packet referenced interest from national chains and allowed substitutes including Chick-fil-A (with carve-outs if Chick-fil-A locates elsewhere), Olive Garden, Red Robin, LongHorn Steakhouse, Outback, Texas Roadhouse, Cheesecake Factory, Chang’s, Market Street Grill, and Goodwood Barbecue. Council members said those lists reflect potential options the developer is pursuing rather than guaranteed tenants.

Council members also noted the timeline for the project is multi-year. One council member observed that even if the MOU proceeds, some development milestones would not occur until 2029, and the council repeatedly characterized the item as a forward step but not an immediate construction start.

Motion and vote: A motion to approve R-25-41 was made and seconded; the resolution passed unanimously.

What passed: Approval authorizes the mayor to execute closing documents and directs staff to proceed with the MOU process; no additional binding development contract was adopted at the meeting.

Next steps: The MOU must be completed and conditions satisfied before closing; if conditions are not met the developer may withdraw, and council and staff will return with any required contract documents for formal adoption.