Members of the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission met to pass resolutions regarding capturing TIF moneys. Clockwise from left are Mark Madinger, David Wilkinson, Syracuse Town Manager, Nathan Scherer and David Rosenberry, president of the redevelopment commission. Present but not seen in the photo is Virginia Cazier, Syracuse clerk-treasurer.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — After not having a quorum for its regular meeting Tuesday, May 20, the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission held a special meeting Tuesday morning, May 27.

The commission quickly approved resolution 2025-02, which allows the commission to capture all revenue from the following tax increment finance districts and economic development areas: Oakwood, Syracuse, Syracuse-Polywood and Allen Residential Economic Development Area in 2026.

Resolution 2025-03 was also approved, which allows revenue from the following TIF districts and economic development areas for 2026: South Benton Economic Development Area.

The meeting turned to what the redevelopment commission’s response should be to businesses in the Syracuse Technology Park. A few months ago, Andy Cripe came to the commission on behalf of the business owners, asking the street lights be changed.

The redevelopment commission installed solar lights, which don’t work well in winter. They aren’t able to hold a charge so they are as bright as they need to be throughout the night.

Dave Rosenberry, commission president, said he would be willing to split the cost of replacing the lights with the business owners.

“We told them we would give them lights. They aren’t light experts. The problem is the lights didn’t work as we thought,” said Nathan Scherer.

His position has been the commission promised it would put in street lights and it has a responsibility to make sure they work.

“It was worth a shot,” he said. “They can be cost effective, but not if they don’t perform.”

Scherer did suggest looking at swapping out the current solar cells for ones that are more efficient in collecting solar power, even on cloudy days, before paying to wire the current street lights.

David Wilkinson, town manager, did get two quotes. Moyer Electric was for $50,890 while Middlebury Electric quoted $54,000.

After some more discussion, Wilkinson said he would look into whether the more efficient ones will work. He will also get with the business owners to make sure they are aware that if the lights are wired for electric, they will now have an electric bill to pay.

Before the meeting adjourned, Scherer asked to circle back to food trucks. He suggested the commission look for a location for a food truck court where vendors would have access to utilities and restrooms.

“We already have a problem with the town being disjointed and not pedestrian friendly,” Scherer said.

Scherer explained he thought such a project should start with the redevelopment commission. Commission member, Mark Madinger, asked how the property would be maintained. Scherer also asked about rental fees and what potential properties could cost.