By Judy Tassone
Fourth District Legislator
At our April County Facilities meeting, we welcomed the executive director from CNY ARTS and the managing director of Symphoria for an update on their successful season and what to expect in the upcoming season. The president of Onondaga Community College, Dr. Casey Crabill, provided an update on their capital projects and a preview of their upcoming budget needs. The committee also accepted funding from Syracuse University for improvements to the civic strip and authorized two bonding resolutions for road and bridge repairs.
Symphoria is the newest version of Syracuse’s symphony. Seven performances were sold out this year and three concerts have been added to the upcoming season. The legislature has been placing funding for Symphoria in a contingency account, requesting that they report on their financial stability to the County Facilities Committee before releasing budgeted funds. Each year, since 2012, Symphoria continues to build its audience. They are finishing their season in the black and are able to provide their musicians with a pay increase. The Facilities Committee authorized the release of $75,000 for distribution to Symphoria. On July 4, Symphoria is hoping to perform a free concert at the Lakeview Amphitheater with a fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day.
Onondaga Community College provided an update on their satellite location in Liverpool and the various capital projects they are completing on their main campus. This past summer, OCC focused on revamping their Liverpool site. Located in Seneca Mall, it is a convenient location for people in the northern suburbs that would like to attend classes. Inside it resembles any other campus; six classrooms, a 30-station computer lab, small office and a commons area. Enrollment has increased by more than 70 percent since the renovations. At OCC, the west quad underwent some major renovations. The quad had a number of grading issues and staircases made it difficult for individuals with mobility issues. The result is an all access gathering place for students. There is seating along the base of the clock tower, there are fewer stormwater runoff issues, and it is much easier to find your way around this section of the campus.
Syracuse University and Onondaga County have been working together for the past several years on the connective corridor and civic strip. With the connective corridor projects nearly complete, there is a new focus on the civic strip, the area near the museums and government buildings. The civic strip is being improved with funding from Syracuse University for entry enhancements to the Erie Canal museum, way-finding signage and interactive kiosks. The museum entry enhancements include installation of new brick pavers and resetting existing pavers to level the entry and reduce pooling water. Bike racks and new signage will also be added. The county will install the concrete structure, data and power that the kiosks need to operate. Syracuse University will work with WCNY to supply the content and keep them up-to-date with what is going on in the community. The three kiosks will be installed along Water Street, Montgomery Street and South State Street.
Last but not least, Onondaga County’s Department of Transportation (DOT) reported on the bridges that will be repaired and roadways that will be resurfaced. A total of $880,000 will be bonded to fund bridge projects and $5,920,000 for improvements to various highways. The 2016 plan includes an additional $1 million from the operating budget to fund capital projects. There are several federal aid projects that provide a favorable funding split: 80 percent federal, 15 percent state and 5 percent county. As roadwork gets underway this season, I will provide updates on my Facebook page (Judy Tassone, Onondaga County Legislator) if there will be road or bridge closures in our area. Lastly, please be considerate of our DOT employees as they perform this work along our roadways — pay attention and slowdown.
Judy Tassone represents the fourth district, which includes the town of Salina, the village of Liverpool and portions of the town of Geddes. Judy welcomes constituent feedback; she can be reached by email at, [email protected] or at home, 457-5458.
