Tax abatement compliance statements were approved by the Syracuse Town Council Tuesday evening.
Recipients of these tax abatements for real estale and personal property are Precision Automotive, Patrick Industries, JP Inc., Syracuse Properties LLC and Polywood.
Attorney Stephen Snyder addressed the council on behalf of Polywood’s owners, who plan to expand their business and buildings. Recently they purchased “the easternmost building on Palm Drive,” said Snyder, and have already begun tearing it down. They intend to build a new structure there and would like 10-year tax abatements on that property and the equipment that will be placed in the building.
Polywood anticipates growing $7.5 million over the next five years, Snyder told the council. The number of employees will rise to 250 with $8.3 million in salaries. The council approved his request and the next hearing on this, after advertising, will be at the May 19 meeting.
Town Manager Henry DeJulia was given approval to spend up to $30,000 for marketing and advertising. He plans to make a promotional video of Syracuse. Council also gave him the OK to include the riverfront district into the town’s comprehensive plan. The last time the plan was upgraded was in 2006, he said.
DeJulia informed the council that state Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann will be in town May 14 at 10 a.m. at the new technology park.
Police Chief Tony Ciriello reported that the major problem for the police department this last month has been the closures at railroad crossings. He said the railroad company CSX is putting down new rails and ties, but the closures have caused police to direct traffic at busy times of the day.
He also told council that they were going to widen the Oak Street crossing eight feet and put in sidewalks. The town will continue those sidewalks toward the proposed new elementary school site.
The council approved a request from the fire territory for the purchase of 12 ballistic vests at $500 each. The vests, said fire territory representative Bill Musser, are to be used in unstable situations which require medical assistance.
In other business, the council:
• Heard from new business owners at the former Leisure Pools about their plans to open a specialty food store.
• Was notified of upcoming events in town: May 2 is the annual Parks Department safety day with fingerprinting and boat and bike safety demonstrations, among other activities; May 9 is the opening of the Farmers Market; and the following weekend is the Cruisin’ Cuse car show; and July 11, the Tour de Lakes bicycle event with proceeds going to the trails.
• Heard that the water department is working to replace meters and hopes to “knock it out” this summer.
• Were informed that the utilities department is looking to fill the position of utilities supervisor.
• Were told that wheel tax money has arrived: $7,298 for February and $11,557 for March.
• Complimented Ciriello for his foresight in ordering body cameras for his police department.
(Story By The Times Union)
