Council approves signage to honor Tom Golisano at children’s hospital

The Syracuse City Council approved an item to install two signs recognizing philanthropist Tom Golisano’s support for local children’s health facilities and scheduled a dedication ceremony for June 3, council members said.

Eileen Pessey, from Upstate, told the council she has worked with Golisano for nearly two decades and described his support for children’s services. "In 02/2005, I was fortunate to meet Tom Golisano to discuss the need for our children's hospital," Pessey said. "Now 19 years later, he has provided funding to the tune of more than $20,000,000 in namings that include the Golisano Center for Special Needs, the Golisano After Hours at Community and most recently the Golisano Pavilion."

Pessey said the request before the council would add two signs: one in front of the Golisano Children's Hospital and one in front of the Golisano Pavilion. "There will be 2 signs, 1 will be in front of the Children's Hospital, which is in my district, and the other will be in front of the Children's Pavilion, which is in Councillor Hogan's district," she said. The council proceeded to a roll-call vote after the presentation; the clerk recorded the vote in favor and the measure was approved.

The council did not provide further implementation details at the meeting record, such as exact placement specifications or which city department will install the signs. Pessey said the dedication ceremony is planned for June 3.

Speakers listed in the meeting record on this item were Eileen Pessey (Upstate) and a council member who introduced the item; the transcript does not name the introducer.

The council took the action during its regular agenda consideration and moved on to subsequent items after the vote.