Syracuse Sun

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has announced that the city has reached a land swap agreement with the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA). This agreement is intended to facilitate the redevelopment of Eastwood Heights. According to Mayor Walsh, "At my direction, City of Syracuse Corporation Counsel successfully negotiated a land swap agreement with the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) that provides SHA with the necessary site control to undertake redevelopment of Eastwood Heights."

The agreement includes a financial component where SHA is required to make a $500,000 payment to the city. This payment accounts for the difference in property values between Eastwood Heights and Latimer Terrace. The latter is designated as the future site for the Children Rising Center in the East Adams neighborhood.

Mayor Walsh further explained that "the funds can only be recaptured by SHA if it successfully transfers Latimer to the City, and Blueprint 15 enters into an agreement with the City to construct the Children Rising Center." He emphasized that "the proposed agreement puts the needs of residents first."

The mayor expressed gratitude for "the continued support and involvement of the Common Council" and mentioned anticipation towards finalizing this agreement with SHA, contingent upon Council approval.