Syracuse Construction Update (Walton, Clinton, Fayette: stats, yard, deal)

[urbanplanner]

New technology from Syracuse University researchers could change the way we communicate | syracuse.com

I hope this new technology translates into new jobs and the advent of a new high-tech software industry for CNY. I think it is a very useful and important technology.

[urbanplanner]

Gov. Cuomo to visit Syracuse tomorrow for economic development announcement at the NJP Convention Center...hey, maybe he is going to fund the balance needed for the Oncenter Hotel project?

Gov. Cuomo to visit Syracuse tomorrow | syracuse.com

Not likely, but I can dream!

[urbanplanner]

Novelis expansion in Oswego will add 100 jobs

Novelis Inc. in Oswego will invest about $200 million to expand its aluminum-rolling operations in Oswego to meet growing demand for aluminum sheet in the U.S and add 100 jobs. Novelis says it will construct two new "high-performance" aluminum-processing lines for automotive applications. The Oswego plant is an integrated recycling, hot rolling and cold rolling complex producing aluminum sheet for the beverage can, automotive, and building construction industries. Novelis says it has more than 50 percent of the global market share for aluminum sheet used for making structural components and exterior body panels in cars and trucks. Novelis aluminum is used in 117 different vehicle models produced by automakers around the world. I think this is great news for CNY exports!

There seems to be a trend of local manufacturers planning expansions recently, they include:

Fulton Thermal's 112,000-square-foot addition includes 82,000 square feet for manufacturing, 10,000 for research and development and 20,000 square feet for a corporate office center that will create 50 jobs.
Chobani's $97 million expansion that will retain 386 jobs and creat another 450 (plus $115 million investment into its New Berlin facility over the past five years).

Syracuse may be transitioning to a green-technology based economy, but manufacturing can still play a vital role in its future! I wish we had that level of economic diversity down here.

[RollsRoyce]

Originally Posted by urbanplanner

Gov. Cuomo to visit Syracuse tomorrow for economic development announcement at the NJP Convention Center...hey, maybe he is going to fund the balance needed for the Oncenter Hotel project?

Gov. Cuomo to visit Syracuse tomorrow | syracuse.com

Not likely, but I can dream!

The OnCenter is a strange venue for an economic development announcement. Typically, the announcement would be made at a business or development site where a project will occur. As such, I'm not getting my hopes up. The selection of the OnCenter seems more in-line with Cuomo's already announced roll out of regional economic development councils. A press release issued last week stated Cuomo would be touring the state in an attempt to push his new plan. A gathering of local business leaders, politicians and economic developers to discuss Cuomo's plan and perhaps announce members of the local Economic Development Council would require a centrally located venue like the OnCenter with adequate room for the press and the local politicos. Several weeks ago, Cuomo staged another PR stunt at the Geddes home of a typical middle class suburban family as part of his much touted property "tax cap." Cuomo made identical appearances in suburban Rochester, Buffalo, Binghamton and Albany.

Unless Cuomo is going to announce a tangible project (with funding) that will actually benefit CNY's economy, he should stay in Albany.

http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/a...e-of-phase-ii/

[syrajason]

there was a whole slew of development news in the Post Standard today:

SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor, business group leader Robert Simpson will recommend CNY business projects for state aid | syracuse.com

Will $9 million renovation of HSBC Tower help revive Syracuse's Warren Street? | syracuse.com

and this has resurfaced:
Syracuse IDA approves tax break for proposed Marriott hotel in Armory Square | syracuse.com

I worry about "eliminating retail" in a part of the city with very active street life...

[acknight]

Originally Posted by syrajason

and this has resurfaced:
Syracuse IDA approves tax break for proposed Marriott hotel in Armory Square | syracuse.com

I worry about "eliminating retail" in a part of the city with very active street life...

Some retail space was eliminated from the hotel project, though I'm not sure that's a huge concern. It's not eliminating any existing retail space (the plot is currently a parking lot) and there are currently a (very) few vacant retail spaces in the nearby vicinity. It's still a decent project, and better than a parking lot.

[syrajason]

Originally Posted by acknight

Some retail space was eliminated from the hotel project, though I'm not sure that's a huge concern. It's not eliminating any existing retail space (the plot is currently a parking lot) and there are currently a (very) few vacant retail spaces in the nearby vicinity. It's still a decent project, and better than a parking lot.

agreed -- this is a million times better than a parking lot; although, what worries me is that all the recent new construction (Jefferson-Clinton, Washington Station, and now this) contain little-to-no ground floor retail, deterring people from traversing past them and in effect, "containing" armory square instead of letting it expand outward. On top of that, the retail space in the back of the landmark was lost with the expansion. A lack of storefronts deter people from walking further; whereas a (semi)continuous retail presence encourages exploration.

[RollsRoyce]

Originally Posted by syrajason

agreed -- this is a million times better than a parking lot; although, what worries me is that all the recent new construction (Jefferson-Clinton, Washington Station, and now this) contain little-to-no ground floor retail, deterring people from traversing past them and in effect, "containing" armory square instead of letting it expand outward. On top of that, the retail space in the back of the landmark was lost with the expansion. A lack of storefronts deter people from walking further; whereas a (semi)continuous retail presence encourages exploration.

I agree with you 100%. The reduction of the proposed hotel from 8 floors to 7 floors also concerns me. In an effort to trim costs, I hope the developer didn't make changes to the facade and remove windows on the ground floor where storefronts were planned. Although the design isn't that great, it looks far better than the proposed Westin at the OnCenter. I would like to see a rendering of the hotel without the eighth floor.

[acknight]

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

I agree with you 100%. The reduction of the proposed hotel from 8 floors to 7 floors also concerns me. In an effort to trim costs, I hope the developer didn't make changes to the facade and remove windows on the ground floor where storefronts were planned. Although the design isn't that great, it looks far better than the proposed Westin at the OnCenter. I would like to see a rendering of the hotel without the eighth floor.

Entertainingly, the rendering with the article only looks like a 6 floor structure, if you count the levels of windows going up.

[urbanplanner]

Originally Posted by syrajason

agreed -- this is a million times better than a parking lot; although, what worries me is that all the recent new construction (Jefferson-Clinton, Washington Station, and now this) contain little-to-no ground floor retail, deterring people from traversing past them and in effect, "containing" armory square instead of letting it expand outward. On top of that, the retail space in the back of the landmark was lost with the expansion. A lack of storefronts deter people from walking further; whereas a (semi)continuous retail presence encourages exploration.

I share your concern syrajason regarding the retail and, it is better than a parking lot! However, I think this is a missed opportunity if there is no retail! I don't believe in settling for the sake of a project.