From the Mayor: Village Center Plan

   Currently in the center of our Village we have three large uninhabited buildings.  The Village Board will take positive action to assist in the redevelopment of these properties.  Over the years the Village Administration has done a good job of providing a walkable community throughout the Village.  New sidewalks have been developed and sidewalks have been repaired.  There are sidewalks that reach throughout to the east, west, south and north parts of our Village.  There are eight beautiful parks that are reachable with our sidewalks.  While traveling through our parks all of these sidewalks lead you to ourVillageCenter.  I believe that for our Village to thrive as a community, The Village Center must be developed.

     One tool a local government can utilize is a comprehensive plan.  We currently have a Village Comprehensive Plan.  This plan provides demographics that describe the Village such as population characteristics, public infrastructure, economic base, community services, etc.  This plan has been utilized by the Planning Commission and has supported many grant applications.  The Village Comprehensive Plan identified six revitalization areas with general guidance for each area. 

   In 2006 we authorized the development of a Parks Village Plan that  contained detailed guidance for the development of our Parks in theVillageofNorth Syracuse.  This plan was instrumental in the obtaining of thousands of dollars for park improvements.  We have now authorized our engineering/architectural firm to develop a Village Center Plan that will clearly spell out with graphics and text, the future of theVillageCenterin terms of such things as;

• Appearance
  • Building layout and setbacks, signage, public spaces, streetscape, lighting,
• Redevelopment Potential
  • Market overview
• Regulations (Revised zoning, design guidelines etc.)
• Parking needs and appropriate locations

This will all be accomplished with the assistance of Village Residents, business owners, etc.  There will be advertised meetings to solicit input from all who wish to participate in this process.  The Village has done a very good job of developing our sidewalks and parks.  Now is the time to tie this all together by developing ourVillageCenter.  Planning for the future is essential.  Knowing where you are going and how to get there is more critical than ever as federal and sate funds become tighter and tighter.  I believe this is the perfect project for local government to step up to the plate and show Leadership by pulling the community together in pursuit of a common goal.