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Council reviews renewed agreement to expand downtown camera network
Summary
City staff and the Downtown Committee presented a proposed two-year agreement to add nine cameras to an existing 16-camera network wired into Syracuse Police Department systems; the Downtown Committee would fund cameras and maintenance while the police retain access to footage.
The Syracuse Common Council heard a presentation on an agreement with the Downtown Committee to expand downtown video surveillance, adding nine cameras to an existing 16-camera network that feeds directly into the Syracuse Police Department system.
Supporters said the cameras are a continuation of a program that began in 2014 and are meant to respond to rising visitor and resident activity in the central business district. Meredith and Bridal Trier of the Downtown Committee explained the Committee would pay for cameras and maintenance; the Police Department would have access and monitor performance.
Bridal Trier, representing the Downtown Committee of Syracuse, said, “Back in 2014 was when we did our first round of camera installation ... Right now, we have 16 camera locations throughout the downtown area.” She described the latest proposal as adding nine additional cameras focused on the Montgomery Street and Jefferson Street corridors to respond to increased foot traffic and new hotels.
First Deputy Chief Rich Shaw told councilors the arrangement would be a two-year contract with two one-year renewal options. He said the cameras would be wired into the Police Department network and monitored by SPD staff. Under the proposed terms, if Downtown Committee members want to view footage they must be escorted by a member of the Syracuse Police Department.
Councilors asked about geographic coverage, maintenance responsibilities and whether a formal service agreement existed. Trier described current camera locations (Erie Boulevard near East Water Street, Fayette Street, Bank Alley, Armory Square, Clinton Street and the Warren–Onondaga intersection) and said the newest additions track development around Salt City Market and the new hotel corridors. She said the Committee has used a mix of funding sources to purchase cameras over time and seeks a standard city agreement to replace the previous practice of sending six-month renewal letters.
Shaw said the Police Department has an internal monitor for camera performance and that the Downtown Committee would typically work with SPD’s approved contractor for installation to ensure all cameras function on the same system. Councilors requested a copy of the Downtown Committee’s service agreement; Shaw said he would provide it before the next meeting.
The council did not record a vote on the item during the tentative session. The proposal as presented would allow camera installation on city-owned street poles or in the right-of-way, with footage accessible to SPD and controlled public access by escorted viewing by Downtown Committee representatives.
The discussion next moves to committee review and to a future council vote if formal approval is sought.
