During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the current state of the eviction process, particularly in the wake of changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. A local landlord highlighted that the timeline for evictions has dramatically increased, shifting from an average of six weeks to approximately five months. This slowdown has created a bottleneck in the housing market, where potential tenants are unable to move into available apartments due to ongoing eviction proceedings.

The landlord expressed frustration over the prolonged process, noting that it not only affects their ability to manage properties effectively but also incurs higher legal fees. The discussion underscored the broader implications of the slow eviction process, suggesting that it may deter investment in the local housing market as landlords weigh the viability of their equity in Syracuse against other potential markets.

While acknowledging the emotional toll of evictions on tenants, the landlord emphasized the need for a more efficient system that balances the rights of tenants with the operational realities faced by property owners. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for stakeholders to address these challenges to improve the housing situation in the city.