From the optimistic to critical, the city of Syracuse’s new housing strategy stirs mixed opinions.

​

Presented in May 2024 and adopted by the Common Council in September, the Syracuse Housing Strategy aims to combat the city’s housing crisis. The 70-page plan outlines a multi- year framework that will provide resources for improving the low-quality and high costs of Syracuse houses.

​

2nd District Common Council Member and Greater Syracuse Land Bank Chairman Patrick Hogan said he was “stunned by the amount of people who wanted to take a chance on this housing.”

​

These chances, explained by Hogan, are being taken to achieve the goal of creating strong, stable neighborhoods that meet people’s housing needs.

​

The council member’s own thoughts on the plan were enthusiastic. “There’s a need for housing now,” Hogan said. “There are always obstacles, but we have to do this. It’s a good thing to fight for.”

​

A part of this fight– revitalizing middle-class neighborhoods through funding and additive work.

​

Tipperary Hill and Salt Springs were named the first neighborhoods to be worked on. These neighborhoods, according to Hogan, have the best chance of success. Investing in middle neighborhoods where there is a need but also opportunity for self-sufficiency can create the kind of stable neighborhood sought after by Syracuse residents.

​

“We have very old homes here,” Janice McKenna, President of the Tipperary Hill Neighborhood Association said. “It takes a great deal to keep them up, so the fact that there will be some funds available for us is heartening.”

​

Previously, many residents were unable to request to get work done on their homes. “Because of the income level in our neighborhood, we don’t have access to a lot of grant programs,” McKenna said. “But income is not a part of this program.” This means that every person in need of improvements will be able to apply for it– there will be public support for these homeowners.

​

The city has and is continuing to meet with the Tipperary Hill Neighborhood Association to explain the plan and its next steps.

​

“I can’t ask for anything more. We are lucky to be a part of the initial project,” McKenna said. 

​

County Legislator Maurice Brown said the plan isn’t perfect, just the best of a bad situation.“The plan treats Syracuse as a standalone,” Brown said. “It doesn’t take into account what outside actors can do.”

​

Brown does not agree with the limited budget given. According to the Syracuse Housing Strategy, Syracuse’s housing crisis is a billion-dollar problem given the funding of nearly a tenth of that.

​

“There could be more funding leveraged with the county or state,” Brown said. “But, the plan is data tested. I think it will work because it is something we all can get behind to achieve a goal.”

​

With its ambitions in some areas and overlooking in others, the residents of Syracuse have expressed anticipation for the long-awaited first step toward alleviating the city’s housing issues.

​

“This is just one piece of the pie, but it is a piece we need for sure,” Brown said.