Syracuse Board Approves TIF Money For Paving Projects
By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews
SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Manager David Wilkinson and Public Works Superintendent Mark Aurich made a proposal to use funds from the Syracuse Tax Increment Finance District to the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission during its monthly meeting Tuesday night, May 17.
Wilkinson explained the TIF was established about 10 years ago for improvements along the SR 13 corridor. These funds have never really been utilized and have now accumulated to about $1 million. With the town updating its comprehensive plan, Wilkinson believes it’s time to start making use of these funds.
The Syracuse TIF is restricted to utility projects, so Aurich recommended using the funds to increase the number of streets to be paved this summer. The TIF, which receives about $250,000 a year, would be used to pave Harkless Drive to Pickwick, as well as Medusa Street to Front Street and Main Street to Railroad.
The total amount used from the TIF for paving projects would be approximately $205,705. “I think that’s a great use of TIF dollars,” said Larry Siegel, president of the redevelopment commission.
Another suggestion Wilkinson made was using TIF dollars for a facade program. It was suggested he email the commission members explaining what a facade program would entail for further discussion.
The commission also approved several resolutions notifying taxing units impacted by the economic development area of the commission’s intent to capture all the available TIF revenues for budget year 2023.
The TIFs the commission intends to capture available revenue from are Oakwood, Syracuse, Syracuse-Polywood Economic Develop areas and South Benton Economic Areas.
The commission also passed declaratory resolutions to establish the Oakwood Redevelopment Area and Residential program and the Allen Development Area and Residential Housing Development program.