Rescue Mission Alliance to expand with $11.6M facility

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It’s among the Syracuse DRI projects SYRACUSE — The Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse is expanding its footprint with a new, mixed-use building in an $11.6 million project. A groundbreaking event was held on Oct. 9 for the upcoming Mission Exchange Building project, which is part of the city’s Downtown Revitalization […]

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It’s among the Syracuse DRI projects

SYRACUSE — The Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse is expanding its footprint with a new, mixed-use building in an $11.6 million project.

A groundbreaking event was held on Oct. 9 for the upcoming Mission Exchange Building project, which is part of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). It features a two-story building with 25,000 square feet of warehouse space on the first floor, 12,000 square feet of commercial space, and 12,000 square feet of office space on the second floor.

The new Mission Exchange Building will allow for faster processing of donations dropped off by the public. The Rescue Mission will relocate its administrative offices to the new building and create an all-encompassing campus for its operations, the state said.

“We are grateful to Governor Hochul, the New York State Department of State and the City of Syracuse for their support through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. This investment will help us to transform inactive land into a vibrant space that connects the Southwest Gateway with Downtown Syracuse, while expanding our Social Enterprise operations,” Dan Sieburg, CEO of the Rescue Mission, said. “The Mission Exchange Building will feature retail storage, a new 3fifteen thrift store, and second-floor offices for our Rescue Mission team, all thoughtfully designed to put love into action for the people we serve.”

The Mission Exchange Building is part of the Rescue Mission’s plan to develop and build an eight-acre campus in Southwest Gateway, where many of its clients live and work. The project is located at 240-248 West Onondaga St. in Syracuse, which is within the area under development as a brownfield opportunity area (BOA) through a BOA planning grant also funded by the New York State Department of State.

“The Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse has long been a cornerstone of compassion and support in Central New York, ensuring individuals and families find stability, dignity and hope,” New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley contended in the state’s announcement. “By supporting the Rescue Mission’s new facility, we’re investing in a project that gives back in every sense — revitalizing downtown Syracuse, supporting local jobs and expanding the mission’s capacity to serve people in need. This is the kind of impact we strive for through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.”

The Mission Exchange Building project was awarded $1 million from the DRI, as well as a $500,000 grant from Empire State Development’s Regional Council capital fund program. The City of Syracuse was named a DRI round 5 winner for the Central New York region in 2022.

Additional Syracuse DRI projects

Other projects identified by the Syracuse DRI include the effort to restore three vacant buildings — Trinity Church, Gillette House, and the Parish House — into a brewery, office space, and housing.

Another will provide interior and exterior enhancements to the Southwest Community Center, including a new façade material, public-restroom upgrades, and gym improvements.

Plans also call for building a Jubilee Workforce Center, a mixed-use building that will include a workforce-training center on the first floor and workforce apartments on the second and third floors.

The projects also include restoring the Whedon House mansion to include residential apartments, commercial space, and public space. They also include redeveloping the B&B Lounge, a former bar and restaurant, into a lounge space for a restaurant with housing units above the restaurant.

Former East Syracuse elementary school is now St. Matthew’s Condominium

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Education & Training, Subscriber Only

EAST SYRACUSE — The former St. Matthew’s Elementary School in East Syracuse is now St. Matthew’s Condominium, following a $6.4 million project that redeveloped the structure into condominiums and apartments. A subsidiary of Redev CNY, called 214 Redev, LLC and led by Syracuse–based developer Ryan Benz, announced the project completion on Sept. 21. The redevelopment

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A subsidiary of Redev CNY, called 214 Redev, LLC and led by Syracuse–based developer Ryan Benz, announced the project completion on Sept. 21.

The redevelopment converted the former St. Matthew’s Elementary School into an energy-efficient residential community, including 21 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes, modern appliances, and shared community amenities.

Redev CNY describes the project at 214 Kinne St. as “a transformative redevelopment in East Syracuse that delivers high-quality, affordable, and accessible homeownership opportunities to Central New York families.”

St. Matthew’s Condominium brings new energy-efficient housing options to the market “at an accessible price point,” Redev CNY said. The project is supported by $4.2 million from New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal’s (NYSHCR) Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP), which provides funding to encourage the creation of affordable homeownership projects that serve low and middle-income homebuyers.

“Owning a home gives families financial stability and the opportunity to build generational wealth,” RuthAnne Visnauskas, NYSHCR commissioner, said in the Redev CNY announcement. “This $4.2 million investment is giving 21 families access to an affordable, modern, and sustainable home that they can call their own for decades to come. We thank Governor Hochul for her vision on increasing affordable homeownership and we are grateful to our partners for their continued dedication.”

The project was also supported by the Onondaga County Housing Initiative Program (O-CHIP) and a Clean Heat award from National Grid.

The project has been designed to ensure that each unit’s monthly costs — including mortgage, homeowners association (HOA) expenses, and property taxes — prioritize affordability, per the announcement. The units will be affordable to homebuyers earning 80 percent of the area median income in Onondaga County, the announcement stated.

“St. Matthew’s Condominium represents more than just housing — it’s about creating generational opportunity,” Ryan Benz, developer and founder of Redev CNY, said in the announcement. “We are committed to making sure Central New Yorkers can own high-quality homes without being cost-burdened, and we’re grateful to our partners at New York State, Onondaga County, and National Grid for making this vision possible.”

Construction begins on $12M supportive housing project in Utica

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

UTICA, N.Y. — The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) on Oct. 6 announced the start of construction on the Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center. The $12 million project will create 20 units of permanent supportive housing in the city of Utica for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness,

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UTICA, N.Y. — The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) on Oct. 6 announced the start of construction on the Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center.

The $12 million project will create 20 units of permanent supportive housing in the city of Utica for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, including veterans and their families. The OTDA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program provided the project with $10 million in funding.

“The apartments being developed at the Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center in Utica will provide those who have experienced homelessness, including veterans and their families, with safe, affordable housing they can call home, as well as easy access to the essential services they need to live stable, independent lives,” New York State OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said in the announcement.

Developed by the Utica Center for Development, Inc. (UCD), the Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center involves extensive rehabilitation and conversion of a two-story building that was formerly used as a YWCA. The project will be built in two phases, with the first segment consisting of the development of 12 units of housing for veterans, and eight units of housing for those diagnosed with a serious mental illness. The second phase, to be developed later with other funding, will include a wellness center that will includes support services space, a fitness center, and the only indoor public-use pool in the city of Utica, the OTDA said.

Additional capital funding for the Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center includes $200,000 from the New York State Department of Veterans Services, $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the City of Utica, $525,000 from UCD, and $200,000 from the Mohawk Valley Rehabilitation Corporation.

The Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by OTDA, is providing operating funding for the project.

“This project is a tremendous step forward in addressing homelessness in our community while also honoring our veterans and supporting those facing some of life’s greatest challenges. The Rev. Dr. Mary Webster Wellness Center will not only provide safe and stable housing, but also connect individuals and families to the critical services they need to rebuild their lives. It is especially fitting that it bears the name of Mary Webster, whose legacy of service and compassion continues to inspire,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said in the announcement.

A key function of UCD is operating the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center (CNYVOC), which assists an average of 2,500 veterans and their families each year offering case management; legal aid; financial and benefits assistance; and necessities, such as food, household items, and transportation. The CNYVOC operates offices in Utica, Oneonta, Rome, and Watertown and serves all of Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Lewis, Jefferson, Otsego, Delaware, Greene, Ulster, Schoharie, Chenango, and St. Lawrence counties.

Governor names Hall chair of Adirondack Park Agency board

Energy, Environment & Sustainability, North Country, Subscriber Only

RAY BROOK — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Oct. 3 announced she has designated Mark Hall as chair of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) board. Hall was originally appointed to the APA board in 2020. As a board member, he chaired the public awareness and communication and economic affairs committees and served on the local government

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RAY BROOK — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Oct. 3 announced she has designated Mark Hall as chair of the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) board.

Hall was originally appointed to the APA board in 2020. As a board member, he chaired the public awareness and communication and economic affairs committees and served on the local government services and park policy and planning committees.

In addition to serving on the Adirondack Park Agency board for the last five years, Hall has worked on behalf of and alongside Adirondack Park communities for decades, per the announcement. He previously served on the Town of Fine’s board for 13 years, including eight years as town supervisor, where he spearheaded an environmental-cleanup effort to remove hazardous waste and industrial blight at a former iron-ore facility near that St. Lawrence County town. He also helped improve rural telecommunication and broadband coverage and secured Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Smart Growth grants for the town.

Hall presently works as the Town of Fine’s water superintendent, where he oversees the water district for the North County community. In 2019, he led an $8.4-million water system infrastructure improvement project for the town, which was awarded “Project of the Year” by the American Water Works Association. He also serves as a board member for the St. Lawrence County IDA and the Development Authority of the North Country. Hall previously held board roles with the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board, the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages, and the Clifton-Fine Hospital.

“The Adirondack Park is one of New York’s crown jewels and a cornerstone of the North Country economy,” Gov. Hochul said in the announcement. “Balancing environmental protection while promoting sustainable economic development is key to the Park’s long-term success. Mark Hall has worked tirelessly on behalf of North Country communities and the environment for decades. He will excel as the next Chair of the Adirondack Park Agency and help build a better and brighter future for the North Country.”

APA Chair Hall stated, “The Adirondack Park Agency has grown under [the governor’s] leadership and today is well positioned to achieve its mission. From my earliest days, I have devoted my life to serving this Park and its people. I look forward to working with my colleagues and all stakeholders to ensure that the Agency continues its dual commitment to protecting the environment and supporting communities.”

The Adirondack Park Agency was created in 1971 by the New York State Legislature to develop long-range land use plans for both public and private lands within the boundary of the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. The APA, headquartered in Ray Brook in Essex County, is a New York State governmental agency with an 11-member board, and staff of more than 50, according to its website. The board meets monthly to act on Adirondack Park policy issues and permit applications. The APA’s executive director is Barbara Rice.

New APA headquarters project proposal

The Adirondack Park Agency is currently planning to replace its 1970s-era headquarters building in Ray Brook. The agency said the current preferred site to construct a new headquarters is at 1-3 Main St. in Saranac Lake. This proposal would cost about $40 million to restore the Paul Smith Electric Light and Power building and construct a new energy efficient office building, according to a Sept. 11 announcement on the APA website. Combined, the buildings would create about 28,000 square feet of office and meeting space if built. A project dashboard with details, reports, renderings, and updates on the proposed headquarters project is available at: https://apa.ny.gov/headquarters-project.html.

Tops store remodels in Fayetteville, Manlius wrap up

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

MANLIUS — Work crews recently completed remodeling projects at the Tops Friendly Markets stores at Towne Center at Fayetteville and in the village of Manlius. Tops held two ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Oct. 1, beginning at the 41,000-square-foot store at 119 West Seneca St. in the village of Manlius, where it completed a $2.15 million renovation.

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MVCC expects to finish work on Applied Technology Center in late 2027

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Education & Training, Mohawk Valley, Technology

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) expects its upcoming Applied Technology Center (ATC) to be completed by late December 2027. MVCC on Sept.

Oswego Hospital to expand emergency and imaging department

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Health Care, Subscriber Only

It’s a $14 million construction project OSWEGO — A $14 million, multi-phase construction project at Oswego Hospital will renovate and expand its emergency and imaging department. The effort is “designed to enhance emergency care, streamline diagnostic services, and create a safer, more efficient hospital experience for patients and their families across CNY,” according to

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It’s a $14 million construction project

OSWEGO — A $14 million, multi-phase construction project at Oswego Hospital will renovate and expand its emergency and imaging department.

The effort is “designed to enhance emergency care, streamline diagnostic services, and create a safer, more efficient hospital experience for patients and their families across CNY,” according to an Oct. 6 announcement from Oswego Health, the hospital’s parent health system.

Oswego Health has selected the Hayner Hoyt Corporation of Syracuse as the general contractor on the project. The health system expects the renovation effort to conclude by the end of 2026.

A New York State Healthcare Facility Transformation Program grant and contributions from community donors are helping to fund the project.

“This is a critical investment in the health and safety of our community — one that comes at a time when every dollar must be stretched, but also when the need is greatest,” Michael Backus, president and CEO of Oswego Health, said in the announcement. “Thanks to state support and community generosity, we can finally reimagine how emergency and diagnostic care is delivered locally. This is more than a construction project — it’s a promise to the families we serve.”

Project details

The project targets 17,800 square feet of space on the first floor of Oswego Hospital.

The first phase, which is expected to last about 15 weeks, focuses on patient experience and hospital security by creating a single, secure point of entry into the acute care community hospital. The current main hall will close, and all patients and visitors will enter through a new centralized lobby area, where they will be welcomed and issued badges.

The second phase, which is expected to last about 32 weeks, will expand Oswego Hospital’s emergency department from 17 to 20 treatment rooms and is described by Oswego Health as the “centerpiece” of the project.

The final phase, which Oswego Health expects will last about 13 weeks, will consolidate all imaging services into a modernized medical-imaging department on the hospital’s first floor.

The effort will include a new CT scanner and upgrades to the existing unit, along with new rooms for X-ray, mammography, bone density, ultrasound, and echocardiograms.

Former fire chief in Wayne County sentenced for $101,000 theft from department

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Subscriber Only

NEWARK — William Storrs, the former chief and treasurer of the Marbletown Volunteer Fire Department in Newark in Wayne County, was recently sentenced to four months of weekends in the Wayne County Jail and five years of probation for stealing more than $101,000 from the department. Storrs was also ordered to pay a total of

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Storrs was also ordered to pay a total of $101,394.50 in restitution, according to a Sept. 3 announcement from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.

“William Storrs abused the trust of the community he was sworn to serve and protect by stealing over $100,000 in fire department funds for his own profit,” the comptroller said. “Thanks to our partnership with the New York State Police and District Attorney Callanan, he has been held accountable for his crimes and the money he stole will be recovered.”

DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police launched a joint investigation into the Marbletown Fire Department in 2024, looking into allegations of theft. They found Storrs used his position as treasurer and then later as chief to steal $101,000-plus over four years. From January 2020 to July 2024, he made numerous personal purchases with the fire department’s debit cards and made direct payments from the department’s bank accounts to his personal accounts. Storrs also made payments to his wife’s credit card and purchased items from various retailers, per the announcement.

The theft was discovered when a member of the Marbletown Volunteer Fire Department attempted to make a purchase with the department’s debit card and it was declined due to lack of funds. Fire department officials then reported the unauthorized activity to the State Police, who partnered with DiNapoli’s office. In July 2024, Storrs was replaced as fire chief and suspended from the fire department.

“Public funds exist to serve the community, not to line the pockets of those in power. Mr. Storrs’ theft was a serious breach of duty, but today he has been held to account and ordered to repay every dollar he stole. Let this outcome serve as a warning: anyone who abuses their position for personal gain will face consequences, and the resources they took will be restored to the people they belong to,” Wayne County DA Callanan said.

Storrs was sentenced before Judge Richard M. Healy in Wayne County Court.

Lockheed Martin boosts dividend, stock buyback

Manufacturing & Engineering, Subscriber Only

The Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) board of directors has authorized a fourth quarter 2025 dividend of $3.45 per share, up 4.5 percent from the $3.30 a share that the defense contractor paid last quarter. It is Lockheed’s 23rd straight year of dividend increases, the company said in its Oct. 9 announcement. The dividend is

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Rome Community Foundation awards $45K in grants to area nonprofits

Nonprofits, Mohawk Valley

ROME, N.Y. — The Rome Community Foundation said it awarded $45,344 in grants to a group of Rome–area charitable organizations in its latest distributions for

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It’s among the Syracuse DRI projects

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New APA headquarters project proposal

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