Syracuse Redevelopment Commission held a special public hearing Wednesday, March 18, to dispose of the 14 parcels of land owned by Syracuse Technology Park.

The meeting was scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Syracuse Town Hall, but Henry DeJulia, town manager, was the only  person in the room. DeJulia opened the meeting at 11 a.m., stated the purpose of the meeting, and closed it all within five minutes. He then opened the floor for public comments, of which there were none.

The meeting was held for the purpose of opening bidding to interested parties. Public members could bid on any combination of parcels, or all of them. Bids could be submitted March 16 through 18, and became open to public inspection at 11 a.m. March 18.

“Now we are allowed to actually negotiate and we can sign agreements, and we can actually sell the land,” said DeJulia. “We couldn’t do that until this hearing was done. The state requires us to do that.” DeJulia continued on to say the land was appraised by two separate entities, and the average of those appraisals will be the cost of that land.

DeJulia cited several examples as to why these public hearings can be beneficial. “I think what (the state) is worried about is that someone has a sweetheart deal with someone,” said DeJulia, “we don’t want that either.” DeJulia said they have to look at each bid that comes in and make a fair assessment. “If somebody says, ‘I want to build two lots, I’m going to build this factory…’ we have to look at that. We have to say ‘does this meet what we’re trying to do.’” This public hearing gives people the opportunity to do that.

DeJulia admitted he didn’t expect anyone to show up for this meeting, unless it was someone who wanted to buy a large portion or all of the property.