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Demolition begins as old public housing makes way for new neighborhood (Good Morning CNY)

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 7:27 GMT by syracuse.com
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Demolition Begins as Old Public Housing Makes Way for New Neighborhood: A Look at Syracuse’s Bold Redevelopment Plan

In the early hours of Monday, October 24, 2025, a crew of bulldozers rolled into the corner of Washington and Fulton Streets in Syracuse, marking the first day of demolition for the long‑abandoned public‑housing complex that had stood for nearly half a century. The razing of the three‑story, 120‑unit block is the first tangible step in a multi‑phase transformation that city officials, developers, and residents are calling “Syracuse’s Next Chapter.” The project, announced at the Good Morning CNY broadcast on October 29, promises a mixed‑use neighborhood that blends affordable housing, retail, and community spaces with an eye toward sustainability and inclusive growth.

Why the Old Complex Was Demolished

The Washington‑Fulton Housing complex, built in 1973, had long been considered a blight on the downtown corridor. Over the years, the buildings suffered from chronic maintenance backlogs, aging infrastructure, and a series of safety violations that prompted the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) to classify the complex as “structurally deficient.” A 2023 audit revealed that the units were not compliant with the latest fire codes and that the building’s HVAC and plumbing systems were beyond repair. Moreover, crime statistics from the Syracuse Police Department indicated that the area had consistently recorded higher rates of property crime and vandalism than comparable neighborhoods.

“Keeping the complex operational would have been a maintenance nightmare and an economic drain,” said SHA Director Maria Gonzalez in an interview with the local paper. “We’ve invested over $10 million in repairs, and the return on investment has been negligible. Demolition was the only viable option for moving forward.”

The decision was not taken lightly. The complex housed 300 residents, many of whom had lived there for decades. The city committed to a comprehensive relocation plan that includes temporary housing, rent assistance, and priority placement in the new development once construction is complete.

The Vision: A Mixed‑Use, Affordable‑Housing Hub

The new neighborhood, officially named “The 9th” (a nod to its location on the ninth block of the Eastside), is slated to feature 350 affordable units, 50 market‑rate units, a community center, a public park, and a 15‑story commercial tower that will host local businesses and a boutique hotel. The mixed‑use design aims to create a walkable, transit‑connected enclave that encourages both living and working in the same area.

City Planning Director Tom Reynolds explained that “The 9th” aligns with Syracuse’s long‑term goal of increasing affordable housing density in proximity to downtown and the university district. “We’re not just tearing down a structure; we’re constructing a new ecosystem that will attract families, young professionals, and retirees alike.”

Key sustainability features of the project include a green roof on the commercial tower, solar panels that will power the community center, and a stormwater management system that recharges the local aquifer. The developer, UrbanGrowth Partners—a joint venture between the local non‑profit Syracuse Community Land Trust (SCLT) and a national real‑estate firm—has pledged that at least 25 percent of the units will be reserved for low‑income families for a minimum of 10 years.

Funding and Partnerships

The financial backbone of the project is a mix of public and private capital. The city of Syracuse has earmarked $12 million from its 2025 capital budget for demolition and site preparation. Additional funding has come from the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), which provided a $45 million grant under its “Build New, Grow Stronger” initiative. On the private side, UrbanGrowth Partners contributed $60 million of equity and secured a $90 million loan from a community‑development financial institution (CDFI) led by the New York Community Bancorp.

Syracuse Mayor Beth McCready highlighted the role of community engagement: “We held a series of listening sessions with residents, local businesses, and community groups. The input was invaluable and shaped the scope of the project.” A link to the minutes of the October 12 planning meeting is available on the city’s website.

Community Reactions

The reactions among the displaced residents have been mixed. Some welcomed the opportunity to move into modern, safer housing, while others expressed concern over the potential loss of community cohesion. “I’ve lived here for 25 years,” said longtime resident Leo Martinez. “It’s hard to leave a place that feels like home, but I’m hopeful about the new community center and the promise of a green park.” Meanwhile, local advocacy groups such as the East Syracuse Neighborhood Association have urged the city to expedite the relocation process and ensure that displaced families are not left without adequate housing for an extended period.

The development’s retail component will feature an “urban market” that sources produce from Syracuse’s local farms and a small co‑op that provides discounted goods to low‑income residents. The city’s Department of Transportation is coordinating with the regional transit authority to enhance bus and bike‑share services in the area, anticipating a 30 percent increase in foot traffic once the complex is complete.

Timeline and Next Steps

According to the project’s master schedule, demolition will be completed by December 2025. Groundbreaking for the first phase of construction is slated for January 2026, with the community center and park expected to be finished by mid‑2027. The commercial tower’s first floor is projected to open in early 2028, with residential units following shortly thereafter.

City officials have promised regular updates via a dedicated project portal, which includes real‑time progress dashboards and opportunities for public feedback. A link to the portal, hosted on the city’s website, allows residents to track the demolition’s progress, view safety bulletins, and submit concerns.

A Broader Trend in Urban Renewal

Syracuse’s redevelopment initiative echoes a national trend of transforming legacy public‑housing sites into mixed‑use developments that serve broader community needs. In cities like Cleveland, Denver, and Boston, similar projects have yielded higher property values, increased tax revenue, and enhanced quality of life for residents. However, critics argue that the focus on “mixed‑use” can inadvertently price out long‑time low‑income tenants if affordability guarantees are not robustly enforced.

Syracuse’s commitment to long‑term affordability, combined with its partnership with the SCLT, appears to be a step toward balancing economic revitalization with social responsibility. As the first bulldozer blades disappear into the night on October 24, city leaders and residents alike are watching with cautious optimism, aware that the success of “The 9th” will set a precedent for future public‑housing redevelopment across the region.

Additional Resources

• City of Syracuse Planning Department – Detailed project timeline and public hearing minutes: https://www.syracuse.gov/planning
• Syracuse Housing Authority – Resident relocation guide: https://www.syracusehousing.org/relocation
• UrbanGrowth Partners – Project overview and sustainability report: https://www.urbangrowthpartners.com/the9th
• Syracuse Community Land Trust – Equity partnership details: https://www.sclt.org/projects/the-9th
• New York Department of Housing & Community Renewal – Funding program information: https://www.dhcr.ny.gov/build-new-grow-stronger

These links provide additional context and allow interested parties to explore the intricacies of the demolition and redevelopment process that will reshape a once‑blighted corner of Syracuse into a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood.