News Summary

Parkside Commons in Syracuse is planning a major redevelopment to address issues of poverty and crime. The project involves constructing nearly 200 new affordable apartments and renovating existing units. A partnership of housing companies is working to improve safety and quality of life for residents. Plans include a mixed-use building and security upgrades, with city officials expressing support for the initiative. Key approvals are on the horizon as the project aims to rejuvenate the community.

Syracuse to See Major Changes with New Affordable Housing Plans at Parkside Commons

The owners of Parkside Commons in Syracuse are planning a significant redevelopment of the troubled East Side housing complex. The ambitious project aims to construct nearly 200 new affordable apartments directly across from the current site while also renovating 200 existing units and demolishing four severely deteriorated buildings.

This phased redevelopment effort is currently in the early planning stages and is contingent upon securing millions in government funding and navigating necessary regulatory approvals. If all goes well, renovations may commence in the first half of 2026, following the closure of financing in spring 2025.

Improving Community Safety and Quality of Life

The redevelopment project aims to address long-standing issues of crime and poverty that have plagued the 10-building Parkside Commons campus. Currently, this complex houses over 900 residents, including many families with children. Recent security challenges have included violent incidents, notably the killing of two men and a major drug bust occurring in May.

The initiative seeks to provide a balance of market-rate and workforce housing to enhance the community’s demographic makeup and safety. Proposed renovations will incorporate security upgrades, new roofs, improved interior finishes, plumbing, mechanical work, and landscaping. Some existing tenants may need to be temporarily relocated during the renovation process.

Details of the New Construction

New construction plans include a five-story mixed-use building featuring 143 units and a four-story building with 50 units, both situated at the intersection of Fayette and Westmoreland streets. The redevelopment will also involve the demolition of four buildings identified as high-crime areas, with intentions to replace them with a combination of market-rate and workforce units aimed at improving the overall quality of life in the area.

Parkside Commons Ventures LLC, a partnership of two affordable housing companies from Brooklyn and Baltimore, is leading this rehabilitation effort. The complex was purchased for $26 million about a year ago with explicit plans for enhancement and transformation.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

Cautious optimism surrounds the developers’ plans, as city officials and state representatives are supportive of the potential impact on the community. State officials are anticipating possible funding approval by mid-2026, which could further drive the development forward.

A request for a site plan approval is slated for presentation to the City Planning Commission on October 20. Additionally, ongoing discussions are in place regarding the acquisition of land parcels from the Greater Syracuse Land Bank and other owners necessary for the construction of new housing.

Background on Parkside Commons

Parkside Commons has been a staple in the Syracuse community, providing essential rent-subsidized housing for many local residents. However, the complex has faced significant challenges, including safety concerns and a lack of adequate resources for its residents. The upcoming transformation aims not only to rejuvenate the physical infrastructure of Parkside Commons but also to revitalize the community and foster a safer living environment for all residents.

The project is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the concentration of poverty in Syracuse and enhancing community safety. As plans evolve and the project advances, many are hopeful for genuine improvements within the community.

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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

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