Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) is currently evaluating a proposal from SUNY Upstate Medical University that could significantly alter the landscape of the Pioneer Homes public housing complex. The university seeks to construct an eight-story optometry school on land presently occupied by 92 Pioneer Homes apartments, situated near Interstate 81. This development introduces a new dimension to the SHA’s pre-existing $800 million initiative aimed at revitalizing its aging public housing infrastructure.
SUNY Upstate’s Optometry School Plan
SUNY Upstate Medical University’s ambitious plan envisions a state-of-the-art optometry school, backed by a substantial $125 million allocation from the state budget. SUNY Upstate President Mantosh Dewan underscored the project’s importance in a letter supporting SHA’s federal grant application. According to hospital spokesman Darryl Geddes, the Pioneer Homes site is a leading contender for the optometry school, contingent upon securing necessary funding. The proposal comes as state lawmakers deliberate Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal, with an April 1 deadline for voting. However, inquiries to the Governor’s budget staff regarding this specific plan have gone unanswered.
The proposed facility extends beyond just an optometry school. Plans indicate it would also incorporate a health clinic specifically for public housing residents and serve as the new headquarters for the hospital’s police department.
Community Concerns and Questions
Assemblywoman Pam Hunter, representing a large portion of Pioneer Homes residents, expressed surprise and concern upon learning of the proposal. Finding no mention of it in the proposed budget, she raised critical questions about the implications for the community. Hunter questioned the transparency of the process and the potential displacement of current residents. “Do the tenants know about the proposal?” she asked, highlighting the need for resident awareness and input. She also probed the broader strategy of incorporating private or public-private partnerships within the larger public housing redevelopment, which involves the demolition of over 1,000 apartments. Furthermore, Hunter questioned the necessity of a new health clinic, given the recent expansion of the Syracuse Community Health Center on South Salina Street, suggesting potential overlaps or redundancies in healthcare services.
Benefits for Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA)
Despite the concerns, SHA Director Bill Simmons outlined several potential advantages of the proposed partnership with SUNY Upstate. The deal could generate substantial funds for the housing authority, which could be reinvested into constructing new apartments on the west side of I-81. This relocation aims to move residents away from the immediate vicinity of the highway and the existing industrial hospital buildings, potentially creating a more desirable living environment. Beyond financial gains, Simmons emphasized the promise of enhanced resources for residents, including improved access to healthcare, heightened security measures, and job training opportunities. Specifically, the hospital has proposed a 1,200-square-foot health clinic within the new building to offer eye care and primary care services to residents. Additionally, SUNY Upstate has pledged 10 paid positions and internships for a summer youth program, along with job shadowing opportunities for 40 young people residing in public housing, representing a significant investment in the community’s future.
Resident Relocation and Options
Addressing the crucial issue of resident relocation, Simmons clarified that current Pioneer Homes tenants would be offered new apartments to be constructed on the west side of I-81 as part of the broader redevelopment project. Alternatively, residents could opt for a Section 8 voucher, providing them with the flexibility to secure housing anywhere in the country. Simmons assured that tenants would receive a comprehensive briefing on the proposal in the upcoming week to ensure they are fully informed about the changes and their options.
Broader Pioneer Homes Redevelopment Project
This optometry school proposal is set against the backdrop of a large-scale redevelopment plan for Pioneer Homes and surrounding public housing. The SHA’s ambitious $800 million project aims to rebuild over 1,000 public housing units situated near the elevated Interstate 81 viaduct. This initiative coincides with the state’s plan to dismantle the I-81 viaduct and transition traffic to a street-level grid, promising a significant reshaping of the city’s infrastructure. The initial focus of the redevelopment has been on the area west of the highway, along East Adams Street and towards South Salina Street. SHA is collaborating with private developer McCormack Baron Salazar to demolish existing public housing and construct at least 1,400 new mixed-income apartments, alongside new streets, parks, and a child learning center, aiming to create a revitalized and integrated neighborhood.
Site Considerations and Financial Aspects
Simmons explained that the proposed optometry school site, located on the east side of I-81 adjacent to the SUNY Upstate campus, is considered less ideal for residential development. He cited the less appealing views overlooking the hospital’s service areas, congested with delivery trucks and dumpsters, as a factor. “We want to have high-quality, mixed-income housing on that footprint,” Simmons stated, acknowledging the challenges of achieving this facing the hospital’s service areas. He argued that utilizing the land for the optometry school and reinvesting the proceeds into housing on the other side of the highway represents a more strategic allocation of resources. The financial agreement between the SHA and SUNY Upstate is still under negotiation, with options including property sale or a long-term lease. Simmons mentioned that a common practice for redeveloping former public housing land involves a 99-year lease to a private developer, with the land eventually reverting to SHA ownership. Any agreement would require approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Simmons also indicated that the commitment from SUNY Upstate would bolster SHA’s application for a $50 million HUD Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant, as federal authorities prioritize projects with support from local anchor institutions, contributing financially and attracting residents who can afford market-rate rents. The city’s previous attempt to secure this grant was unsuccessful, making the SUNY Upstate partnership even more crucial.
City and Community Response
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, who appoints the majority of the SHA board members, is reportedly aware of the discussions with SUNY Upstate but has not yet received a formal plan for review, according to his spokesman. “Our priority is to ensure any new development benefits the surrounding neighborhood and protects existing residents by avoiding displacement,” Walsh stated, highlighting the city’s focus on responsible and community-centric development. Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, representing the district, was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
The proposal to build an optometry school at Pioneer Homes Syracuse marks a significant development in the city’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public housing and reshape its urban landscape. While presenting potential benefits for the SHA and Pioneer Homes residents through financial gains and enhanced services, it also raises important questions about resident displacement, community input, and the overall vision for the Pioneer Homes redevelopment. As discussions progress and more details emerge, the Syracuse community will be closely watching how this proposal unfolds and its ultimate impact on Pioneer Homes and the city as a whole.
