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Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh delivered his eighth and final annual State of the City Address Thursday night, where he emphasized economic and environmental initiatives throughout the last year of his time in office. Looking to the future, Walsh called for continued efforts in housing development and city services.

As his second term now enters its last year, Walsh looked back on his administration’s main objective set in 2018: to create a diverse city that embraces its people and creates opportunities. His hour-long address focused on successes in economic investment, city services, fiscal sustainability and constituent engagement.

The mayor recalled many of the projects completed under his administration, such as the redevelopment of the former Maria Regina campus, a vacant property next to Grant Middle School, where the address was held. Later this year, work will begin to convert the building into affordable senior housing, Walsh said.

He said creating housing remains his administration’s highest priority, with the Syracuse Housing Strategy, a multi-year plan to revitalize the city’s aging housing system, beginning its implementation stages. He said outreach to community stakeholders has started in Tipperary Hill, Salt Springs, Eastwood and Elmwood.

“Our economy is stronger and many neighborhoods are improving, but not all, not yet,” Walsh said. “There is much work to be done, work that will be critical to overcoming the conditions of poverty that impact city residents.”

Walsh said his initial goal set in 2024 to build 2,500 new housing units by the end of his term in 2025 is on schedule, and may be exceeded.

He also announced plans to reopen Fire Station 12 on West Genesee Street for the first time since the 1970s. With a $7.4 million federal grant, the Syracuse Fire Department expects to bring in more firefighters at the location. Michael Monds, SFD’s chief, said in a Thursday evening statement that the reopening will help meet the needs of the city considering economic growth and population.

Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, who is running in the 2025 mayoral race, said Walsh has remained committed to the city throughout his time in office.

“Under his leadership, Syracuse has seen unprecedented progress,” Owens said. “Whether it’s through infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives or his unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, from the Renaissance Neighborhoods Initiative to his tireless advocacy for the Community Grid.”

Ndya’rose Williams, a Grant Middle School student who participated in the address, said she’s excited to be part of the first class of students at the city’s new STEAM high school, which will feature a STEM- and arts-focused curriculum.

“If I were to get accepted into the new STEAM school, I would be able to use the skills and experiences I acquired to become a dancer,” Williams said. “I want to entertain and make others happy through performing, and I plan to give back to Syracuse by performing for the community and teaching others.”

Walsh also provided updates on the school, set to open this year, and presented the first public photos of its interior. The New York State Education Department has approved the school’s curriculum, which will provide students with opportunities in subjects including robotics, data analytics and construction management.

The mayor also pointed to the work he’s done to address the lead crisis throughout the city. In 2022, the mayor enacted the Lead Enforcement Ordinance which he said observed nearly 7,000 lead paint violations, removing and repainting over two-thirds of violated areas.

In Oct. 2024, Syracuse Water Department testing showed the city had the highest levels of lead in its water it had seen in decades. The National Resources Defense Council found that more than 14,000 homes in the city used lead pipes likely to expel high amounts of lead at water taps.

Walsh said the city is in full compliance with EPA lead requirements and is ahead of the service line replacement mandates. Walsh pledged to stay ahead of the mandates and said the water department will replace over 3,000 lines throughout this year.

Concluding his last State of the City address, Walsh spoke of his final year in office and said much work remains undone.

“We’ve shown that rising above is the only sure way to achieve what may feel like the impossible,” Walsh said. “When we continue to avoid partisan bickering, steer clear of revenge politics, turn the other cheek and choose partnership, we will find Syracuse’s best days are still ahead of us.”

Published on January 17, 2025 at 1:09 am

Contact Delia: dsrangel@syr.edu