Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Right Of Way Permitting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Syracuse council approves 90-day extension for SU Comstock project amid concern over right-of-way fees
Summary
The Syracuse Common Council voted 7–2 to grant a 90‑day extension for the SU Comstock project after councilors urged a legislative fix and raised questions about how the city's right‑of‑way fee schedule treats linear footage and permit compliance.
The Syracuse Common Council voted 7–2 to extend for 90 days the SU Comstock project permit after several councilors pressed the administration to address questions about the city's right‑of‑way fee structure and permit compliance.
The item asked the council to approve an additional 90‑day extension for work on Comstock. Council member Donna opposed further extensions until the council could review how the fee structure accounts for occupied public right‑of‑way, the treatment of linear footage and separate schedules for different users. "Permits exist for a reason. They provide oversight, establish conditions for work in the public right‑of‑way, and help ensure accountability to the public," Donna said, urging the council not to grant another extension before those issues are resolved.
Hannah, who said the council had held the item for months seeking clarification, said the council needs a "level playing field" so regulations are applied fairly "from very large builders like Hiner Hoyt to very small builders, startups from our communities." The committee chair added that the current legislation intended to collect fees from developers is "inefficient" and that staff and council should pursue a legislative fix and clearer enforcement mechanisms.
Supporters of the extension said staff and the administration are working on a revised fee structure that would make the city's approach more consistent with the project's scale. One council member noted the current authorization expires June 28 and urged anticipation of an additional piece of legislation to authorize an extension beyond that deadline.
The council approved the extension by roll call. The meeting record shows a 7–2 outcome. The passage allows the work to continue for the 90‑day period while the administration and council pursue clarification and possible legislative changes.
Next steps: council members who pressed for changes said they expect staff to draft and present a legislative fix and recommendations for clearer permit enforcement before any further extensions.
