News Summary
Parkside Commons in Syracuse plans a significant transformation to combat crime and poverty. Nearly 200 affordable apartments will be built, existing units renovated, and deteriorating buildings demolished, aiming to enhance community safety and living conditions for residents.
Syracuse is set to witness a major transformation as the owners of Parkside Commons plan to redevelop the East Side housing complex, which has long struggled with issues of crime and poverty. The ambitious project aims to construct nearly 200 new affordable apartments, renovate existing units, and demolish severely deteriorated buildings, marking a pivotal moment in the effort to revitalize the community.
The redevelopment project is being spearheaded by Parkside Commons Ventures LLC, a partnership between two affordable housing companies based in Brooklyn and Baltimore. The plan includes the construction of a five-story mixed-use building featuring 143 units and a four-story building with 50 units at the intersection of Fayette and Westmoreland. In total, nearly 200 new affordable apartments will be built across the street from the current housing complex.
Alongside the new constructions, approximately 200 existing units will undergo significant renovations. These improvements are expected to include security upgrades, new roofing, enhanced interior finishes, plumbing enhancements, mechanical upgrades, and landscaping improvements. Notably, four buildings that have been identified as high-crime areas will be demolished and replaced with a mix of market-rate and workforce housing to improve the overall quality of life for residents.
The project is currently in its early planning stages and requires substantial government funding and regulatory approvals. Parkside Commons Ventures purchased the property for $26 million a year ago with the intention of enhancing the living conditions for over 900 residents, primarily families with children, who currently rely on rent-subsidized housing in the complex.
With a history of security and crime issues, including two recent homicides and a significant drug bust in May, the need for this transformation is urgent. The project aims to alleviate the long-standing challenges faced by the community while focusing on creating a safer and more integrated neighborhood. Plans for renovations also indicate that some tenants may be required to temporarily relocate during the construction process.
City officials, including the commissioner of neighborhood and business development, have expressed cautious optimism regarding these redevelopment plans, emphasizing the potential positive impact on the resident demographic and community safety. State officials are similarly supportive, with expectations of significant funding approval by mid-2026. A site plan approval request is scheduled for presentation to the City Planning Commission on October 20.
If all goes according to plan, renovations are slated to commence in the first half of 2026, with financing expected to close in the spring of 2025. Discussions are currently underway to acquire additional land parcels from the Greater Syracuse Land Bank and other private owners to facilitate the construction of the new buildings.
This redevelopment effort is part of a broader initiative to address the concentration of poverty in Syracuse and enhance community safety. The proposed changes at Parkside Commons serve as a symbol of hope for many residents in the area who have long awaited improvements to their living conditions.
In conclusion, the Parkside Commons redevelopment project represents a significant investment in affordable housing and community well-being in Syracuse. With nearly 200 new affordable apartments and targeted renovations, the project stands to provide much-needed relief in a neighborhood that has faced numerous challenges over the years.
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Additional Resources
- Syracuse.com: Owners’ Vision for Parkside Commons
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- CNY Central: Five Arrested in Drug Bust at Parkside Commons
- Google Search: Parkside Commons Syracuse
- Syracuse.com: Man Shot Near Parkside Commons
- Google Scholar: Urban Renewal Housing Complexes
- Syracuse.com: Firefighters Rescue Five at Parkside Commons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Architecture
- Syracuse.com: New Owners of Notorious Syracuse Complex
- Google News: Redevelopment Housing Syracuse
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
