Syracuse housing board clarifies Block Challenge Program rules, keeps front-yard fencing option

The Syracuse Housing Strategies Corporation Board of Directors on a motion carried Tuesday approved clarifications to eligibility for its Block Challenge Program and voted that front-yard fencing should not be listed as an ineligible project.

Michelle, a staff member, told the board the amendments were meant to “be transparent about prior to accepting an application,” and listed examples of work the program would not fund. She said the draft language would bar the program from paying to enclose an open front porch and would allow porch removal only if an in-kind replacement was installed. For private-tree removals, Michelle said the program would consider funding only where the tree is visible from the right of way and where an opinion from “a qualified arborist or landscape professional” shows the tree is hazardous or diseased.

The board spent significant time on whether chain-link fencing in front yards should be explicitly ineligible. Councilor Caldwell and other members disagreed on a firm prohibition; Michelle said the intent was to “encourage investments... aligned with the goals of our housing strategy” but not to “prohibit the use of a chain link fence.” The board ultimately adopted a motion clarifying that front-yard fencing is not an ineligible project, a motion offered and seconded and carried without further recorded opposition.

The board also discussed participant and procurement documentation requirements. Michelle said basic landscaping or small, permit-free projects would generally not require additional paperwork; for larger scopes or work that triggers permitting, staff may request homeowners insurance and proof of contractor liability insurance. On the program’s three-quote procurement expectation, Michelle said staff will accept less formal documentation when the market makes soliciting three bids impractical, for example, an online quote from three suppliers, and that staff will aim to minimize burdens for small, do-it-yourself projects.

Sue, identified at the meeting as corporation counsel, proposed formal ordinance amendments and tweaks to the board’s code of ethics to preserve a resident advisory committee while avoiding conflicts of interest. “What they won’t be able to do as a body is review and determine applications,” Sue said, describing a plan in which the advisory committee would recommend programs to the board, the board would adopt or reject programs, and only then could an advisory-board member apply — provided they disclosed their membership. Sue added staff would review applications “as if they were blind” so no applicant receives preferential treatment.

Board members received a program-launch update. Michelle said the city issued a press release the same day, staff had outreach at neighborhood events, and the program had already received one application from Tippill. The board was told a webinar was scheduled for the following day, neighborhood open houses were planned at Burnett Park warming room, James Commons at LeMoyne and Sewell Library, and postcard mailers and door-knocking would begin in the next weeks. Staff said the program will accept eligible applicants from the Far West Side in this round and intends to roll out larger grant programming by the start of the new year.

Members agreed to return any substantive deviations from the published policy to the board for case-by-case consideration. With no other business, the board adjourned.