Syracuse City holds public hearing on $4.5 million 2025–26 municipal sidewalk program

Syracuse City held a public hearing on a proposed 2025–26 Department of Public Works municipal sidewalk program that staff said would cost no more than $4,500,000 and would be authorized pursuant to Local Law No. 2 of 2021. City staff opened the hearing by summarizing the program scope, listing associated costs (labor, equipment, legal and engineering fees, inspections, advertising, administrative and miscellaneous costs) and noting that special assessments are detailed in the 2025–26 proposed budget.

The hearing drew several residents who raised questions and concerns about how the program would affect private property and street trees. Donna Schmidt, a Syracuse resident, said a sidewalk installed at her property in 2011 later produced problems when city contractors worked nearby: “there was a problem with the fence, and it was 12 inches away from the old sidewalk … they ripped the … they took part of my land,” Schmidt said, adding that contractors did not immediately restore the ground and that a mower operator nearly fell where the trench had not been filled.

Resident Mary Pat Walsh asked whether the program on Lockwood Road would include sidewalks on both sides of the street or only replace sidewalks across from her property; she said mature landscaping and a stone fence on her side should not be disturbed. Daniel McCarthy of 109 Wendell Terrace asked whether listed blocks would have all sidewalks replaced or only damaged sections. Peter Koval, a resident of 108 Wendell Terrace, said he was concerned that two mature trees between his sidewalk and curb could be damaged or removed during construction: “I certainly don't wanna see the damaged trees or even have a tree cut down,” Koval said.

City staff told speakers the hearing was a listening session and that staff would record questions and follow up after the meeting; the hearing officer declined to answer detailed procedural questions during the public hearing itself. At the close of public comment, the hearing officer said, “I declare the public hearing closed and the legislation will be considered during the regular ordinance of business.” No vote or formal action on the ordinance occurred during the hearing.

Why it matters: the program as presented would use special assessments described in the 2025–26 proposed budget and could affect property owners adjacent to sidewalks proposed for construction or repair. Residents’ concerns about property boundaries, restoration of disturbed ground, protection of mature trees and whether sidewalks would be added to both sides of streets will be part of the record staff is keeping for follow-up when the ordinance is considered by the council.

What happens next: the hearing record will be transmitted to council members for consideration during the council's ordinance business; staff committed to contacting residents who raised questions but did not provide a timeline at the hearing.