News Summary
Parkside Commons, a housing complex in Syracuse’s East Side, will be redeveloped to include nearly 200 new affordable apartments. The initiative aims to enhance safety, address crime, and renovate existing units, with planned upgrades to security and living conditions. The project is spearheaded by Parkside Commons Ventures LLC and requires government funding and approvals. Discussions are ongoing for land acquisition, and renovations are expected to start in 2026, aiming to improve community quality of life and respond to affordable housing needs.
Syracuse, NY – Parkside Commons, a troubled housing complex located on the East Side, is set to undergo a major transformation as its owners plan a significant redevelopment that includes the construction of nearly 200 new affordable apartments. The projected development aims to address longstanding issues of crime and poverty that have plagued the area, which currently houses over 900 residents.
The redevelopment plans involve not only the new construction of affordable units but also the renovation of 200 existing units within the complex. As part of this initiative, four severely deteriorated buildings identified as high-crime areas will be demolished. The phased project is still in the early planning stages and will require substantial government funding and regulatory approvals before it can move forward.
Parkside Commons Ventures LLC, a partnership between two affordable housing companies from Brooklyn and Baltimore, is spearheading the rehabilitation effort. The organization purchased the Parkside Commons property for $26 million a year ago with the goal of enhancing its condition and improving the quality of life for residents.
The planned renovations are extensive and will involve significant upgrades to security, including measures aimed at enhancing safety for tenants. Additional renovations will see new roofs installed, improved interior finishes, plumbing and mechanical work, and upgraded landscaping. Some tenants may need to be temporarily relocated during the renovation process.
To accommodate the growing need for affordable housing, the development will feature a new five-story mixed-use building with 143 units, alongside a four-story building with 50 units, located at the corner of Fayette and Westmoreland. The mixed-use design intends to provide a combination of market-rate and workforce housing that can foster a better demographic mix and enhance overall community safety.
Discussions are underway to acquire additional land parcels from the Greater Syracuse Land Bank and other property owners necessary for the new construction. This redevelopment project is part of a broader initiative to tackle the concentration of poverty in the area while improving safety and living conditions for current residents.
Concerns regarding crime have been prevalent at Parkside Commons, with incidents including two homicides and a major drug bust reported in May. By introducing new units and addressing existing issues within the campus, developers and city officials aim to create a safer environment conducive to community growth.
The timeline for the project anticipates a start to renovations in the first half of 2026, contingent upon securing financing by spring 2025. The City Planning Commission is scheduled to review a site plan approval request on October 20, which is a crucial step in progressing toward construction.
Support for the project has been expressed by state officials, who are hopeful for financial assistance and funding approval by mid-2026. Michael Collins, the city commissioner of neighborhood and business development, has indicated cautious optimism towards the developers’ plans, citing the potential for positive community impact.
The Parkside Commons redevelopment is more than just a housing project; it represents a dedicated effort to improve life for residents of Syracuse’s East Side. Through substantial investment and thoughtful planning, the project aims to foster a safer and more vibrant community for all.
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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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