Syracuse officials to seek up to $10 million in state pro-housing funds for East Adams infrastructure

Brianca Hill, director of business development in the mayor’s office’s MBD unit, told the Syracuse City Council the city plans to apply for up to $10 million through a New York State Consolidated Funding Application for the Pro Housing Supply program to support infrastructure work in the East Adams neighborhood.

Hill said the grant, if awarded, would pay capital costs for roads, water, sewer and electrical utilities and some design expenses. The program requires a 50% match; Hill told councilors the city intends to use past and planned investments — including funds from the Syracuse Housing Authority and development-related investments from private developers — to meet the local match so no new city general-fund contribution would be necessary.

“...we are looking to apply for up to $10,000,000 to support infrastructure improvements needed to create affordable housing, in the East Adams neighborhood,” Hill said. She noted the city is eligible as a certified pro-housing community.

Hill also told councilors that the city’s $30 million Reconnecting Communities grant remains at risk and that the Pro Housing Supply funds would help backstop infrastructure needs if that federal funding is not secured.

Councilors asked whether the match would rely on funds already invested or on money the city or partners plan to invest; Hill said it would be a combination of both existing investments and future investments tied to Syracuse Housing Authority projects and other development activity. She said the city would prepare and send a formal letter as part of the CFA application and would include required detail in legislation.

The transcript records council discussion and questions but does not include a recorded council vote on the application during the segment captured. Staff said they plan to submit the CFA application before the deadline and return with any required approvals.