Andy Cripe, right, came to the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission to address a problem with the solar powered street lights in the Syracuse Technology Park. Listening are clockwise from left Don Bokhart, Jeff Goralczyk, David Wilkinson, Nathan Scherer, Mark Aurich and Steve Snyder. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE —  Andy Cripe came before the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission during its regular meeting Tuesday night, March 18, to discuss the street lights in the Syracuse Technology Park.

He told commission members the solar powered street lights are not making it through the night especially during the winter time. Those working in the tech park have taken turns going out to the park at midnight to 2 a.m. to check on the lights only to find them not working.

Cripe explained during the winter the batteries for the solar-powered lights aren’t able to get a full charge.

Those with businesses in the park would like a solution. Cripe said “there’s crazy stuff showing up on the cameras” noting one business was broken into and “silly stuff” was stolen.

Cripe said better lighting in the park would help deter some of the issues happening late at night.

Attorney Steve Snyder also attended to represent business owners in the park and agreed with Cripe.

David Rosenberry, RDC president, noting it is a safety and security issue, he said a solution needed to be found.

There are 15 lights in the park.

Member Mark Madinger asked if the RDC could go back to solar vendor, but was told it’s been a few years since the lights were installed.

Mark Aurich, public works director, said replacing the lights wouldn’t be expensive since the bases and lights were already there. The costs would come in providing a new power source and boring for it, which would not be expensive.

The commission decided to keep looking into the matter.

A resolution for approval of an application for property tax deductions was approved. This was the final step in providing tax abatement to Aluminum Insights, which is located in the technology park.

Aurich put in a funding request for a new work truck. He currently has two that are 15 years old and in need of being replaced. He requested one be replaced using funds from the Benton Tax Increment Finance District monies. The cost of the new Chevy truck would be $63,594.

David Wilkinson, town manager, explained T.I.F. money can be used to purchase equipment that benefits the T.I.F. such as heavy duty work trucks. Rosenberry asked if Aurich checked with Eby Ford about a truck. Aurich said he is moving the fleet away from Ford and Dodge to Chevy.

Nathan Scherer asked about funds in the equipment budget. Aurich said most that money has been earmarked for other projects.

After some more discussion, the motion was approved for Aurich to use T.I.F. money.

Scherer asked the other members of the commission to be proactive in town growth. He suggested offering some town hall type meetings to educate land owners about annexation.