Scott Willis

6 days ago | waer.org | Scott Willis

Syracuse Common Councilors unanimously approved a budget Thursday that holds property taxes flat but also includes broad cuts across multiple departments. It’s an effort to trim what they call over-spending by the mayor’s office. The Walsh administration proposed a two percent property tax increase and using $27 million in reserves to balance the budget. Acting council president Pat Hogan said they didn't make specific cuts.

1 week ago | waer.org | Scott Willis

A party-line vote by Onondaga County Legislators this week approving $27 million to support the semiconductor supply chain is again highlighting a divide in priorities among lawmakers and the community. The loan from the county’s fund balance will be used to buy land for companies hoping to locate here. Supporters like Republican legislator Mark Olson said the bold investment is essential to building the infrastructure needed by Micron and other chip fab companies.

1 week ago | waer.org | Scott Willis

An attorney with the New York Civil Liberties Union in Syracuse says Van Robinson was the driving force behind helping her understand the damage caused by the I-81 viaduct. He died over the weekend at age 87. Robinson’s insight ultimately shaped her career advocating for affected residents as plans evolved to remove the structure. Lanessa Owens-Chaplin said she was a young, budding attorney returning to her native Syracuse when she first met then-common council president Van Robinson.

1 week ago | waer.org | Scott Willis

Syracuse-area families temporarily displaced by lead paint remediation will soon have a place to seek respite. The first-ever Lead Freedom House is taking shape on the city’s south side. It isn’t much more than a shell right now, with missing windows and even entire sections of the first floor. But it’s seen as a major step forward for families who don’t have a place to go while lead is removed from their primary residence.

1 week ago | waer.org | Scott Willis

In a matter of days, those flying out of Syracuse or any other airport will need a Real ID compliant form of identification. TSA Federal Security Director Bart Johnson says starting May 7th, flyers 18 years and older will need a Real ID card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or an acceptable form of ID like a passport. Johnson said otherwise there could be problems.