Members of the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission listen as David Wilkinson, center, proposes ideas for a new project. Shown clockwise from Wilkinson is Nathan Scherer, Dave Rosenberry and Mark Madinger. The Syracuse RDC meet Tuesday night, Sept. 23. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — With the Syracuse Technology Park full, the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission needs a new project to tackle, so said David Wilkinson, Syracuse town manager, during the commission’s meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 23.

Some of the projects Wilkinson suggested included tackling commercial buildings that are under utilized, rehabilitating housing, the pedestrian board walk project in Wawasee Village and the creation of a food truck lot. Wilkinson noted one property owner has stepped forward willing to discuss using his property as a food truck lot.

Wilkinson noted while there has been apartments and condominiums built, there is a need for houses. Wilkinson told the commission the former code enforcement officer had identified a dozen distressed properties that could be rehabbed and sold. Tyler Haines, the new code enforcement officer, is coming up with his own list.

Nathan Scherer expressed concern about homes being rehabbed or flipped with poor quality materials and worksmanship. Mark Madinger asked if Wilkinson was considering establishing a program similar to what Kendallville has, asking “why reinvent the wheel?” Wilkinson pointed out Kendallville’s program was a nonprofit.

Turning the discussion back to commercial property, Wilkinson told the commission the Penguin Point building could be purchased and made an asset of the town. He has been in the building and it needs work. He pointed out it is normal practice for a redevelopment commission to purchase property and rehabilitate it for future sale.

As for finances, Wilkinson said he has to provide a financial report to the commission in December. He found an account with $400,000 from the sale of property in the tech park. These funds could be used for land acquisition.

Scherer said he would like to host some type of event to encourage farmers surrounding town to agree to annexation.

There was a question as to where the food truck lot may go. Wilkinson said behind McClure’s gas station as the property was flat, there was easy access and people would find it easily.

Scherer said he was interested in finding someone to partner with for an organization similar to what Kendallville has. There was also the suggestion of talking with KEDCO about what’s needed. Scherer suggested reaching out to the chamber and others about the project.

In old business, the commission agreed to replace 13 lights in the technology park with new solar cells. The cost is not to exceed $5,000. Property owners in the park approached the commission about new lights earlier this summer. The current lights aren’t able to hold a charge throughout the night, especially during the winter time.

The commission is also looking at putting business names on the “sail” sign at the entrance to the park. The sign was originally designed for this reason.

The commission also approved a claim for $16,794.71 from Jones, Petrie Rafinski Engineering for design work on the boardwalk.