Shown is a portion of the cover of the town’s comprehensive plan adopted in March 2017.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A suggestion of putting things on paper, or a study, was the latest suggestion by a group of interested business owners and area residents on revitalizing Syracuse Monday afternoon, Oct. 28.

The group met in the town council chambers in the Syracuse Town Hall. A majority of those attending had attended the first meeting, a few were newcomers.

Becky Levinson’s statement of “I feel we’re missing something,” and suggestion of putting something down on paper to shoot for, such as a study, brought to light two charrettes paid for by the town, but have been setting idle.

“Almost 20 years ago, the town had a community comprehensive plan,” stated Dave Wilkinson, Syracuse town manager. He noted the last one was in 2017. “It was a verbatim throw down. Have we done any of this? The answer is no,” he said. However, he noted he has taken a look at the plans and started peeling things out of it, such as the water line infrastructure.

Wilkinson stated the town council could be a little challenging some time, but for the most part it has been smooth sailing. A big issue on some suggestions such as green space, is where to place it, property owners giving up ground and paying for it. “That’s become increasingly hard.”

The two plans will be shared with those who provided emails to the organizers of the discussion. It’s also available on the town’s website. Wilkinson stated comprehensive plans take a while and cost around $30,000. “Most of it are things you read between the lines and grow into it.”

Some of the conversation again centered around affordable housing. But the question was raised what was needed to entice people to move to Syracuse or to stay in Syracuse.

Tad Gongwer, reflected on Wakarusa, where he is from and faces the same problems as Syracuse.

However, he noted families are smaller, which changes things and people are purchasing older homes in Wakarusa and updating those homes.

Comments were made about Shipshewana, that is packed to the gills with every square foot of town selling something. Even towns along Lake Michigan were noted such as South Haven and Holland. The common denominators noted were the greenways, things within walking distances.

Mark Dume noted the signal that is out there is Syracuse is an expensive place to live, which a number of those present agreed. “As soon as you say Syracuse, they already think they can’t afford housing,” said Dume. “They don’t think about Syracuse if its not the lake,” he stated.

Wilkinson noted that the recent Forbes listing of the most expensive places to live listed Syracuse. Nate Scherer, town council president, agreed that housing off the lake is higher per square foot. Mason Slabaugh agreed that even groceries and gasoline are more expensive. “It is expensive to live here.”

Ryan Zimmerman, POLYWOOD, was asked about employment numbers, where employees live, growth. He stated they employee between 800-1,000 people, with many traveling from Fort Wayne, Rochester because of the lack of housing in the area. He also noted the company is currently landlocked, but affordable housing, such as apartments would be a big part of helping the company grow.

Scherer also noted Syracuse has the oldest population in the county. “Why don’t we have younger people?” he questioned. Another question raised was “Why move to Syracuse if you are not from Syracuse. If you’re not a millionaire, there’s nothing here,” one attendee stated.

Melody Cusick noted the beach, park, and trails as drawing points. She also noted the programs Wawasee High School offers such as SuperMileage Car, Robotics. “A lot (of schools) don’t have. The area does have a lot to offer if people know its there.”

That comment promoted the potential of marketing the town. Walkability was also stressed.

Sherm Goldenberg stated “In the aftermath of the pandemic, look around and realize Syracuse is one of the most spectacular places you can ever dream of … the fact is its a spectacular place that needs to put its best foot forward marketing wise. This place is unbelievable.”

Slabaugh thought maybe the question should switch from how to get younger people to the area, to how to get older people.

There was additional conversation on vacant commercial properties, residential properties, and what Urban Oaks Apartments is offering its residents that is drawing people to live there.

Wilkinson stated there is a lot of things that can be done, but it will require a lot of time, money and community by-in. Scherer stated he was told that decisions are made by the people who are in the room … we need people who want to be in the room. We’ve got an older council, people on board forever, we can’t appoint somebody who is outside the town. … talk to people, encourage people to come to the town council meetings, talk to town council members …”

There were again suggestions of extending the Old Fashioned Christmas from one-day to a weekend event, expand events on the Fourth of July beyond the Flotilla. “The road race brings 300 or more participants, plus parents, grandparents,” said Ron Baumgartner. Also reiterated was ways to get owners of vacant buildings to sell or lease.

Scherer stated there needs to be a conversation with people in the area and find out who really cares … engage those people and understand what they care about … figure out what buckets these people are in and then get everybody rowing in the same direction … who are the players who care about Syracuse, put rocket fuel behind them …”

“Big bites, little bites. If we get the small victories even if its a small four unit apartment complex … or if its , one thing can build another thing it’s a momentum thing,” said Wilkinson.

Kay Young noted the top things in her opinion were housing, jobs, shopping childcare, activities/recreation. Which then posed a question what activities? What recreation?

She also stated Syracuse languished for years with people who didn’t want change. She referenced the building of trails that started 20 years ago and has resulted in 12 miles. … “it comes down to planning and money, foresight and vision. The same thing is going to have to happen for the town.”