Syracuse Post-Standard
Shawn Fiato said she believes the next mayor must do more to help save Syracuse's older homes, which have details like the stained glass window and hand-carved staircase in her home. She posing with Ilana Fiato (left), 10; Analysee Fiato, 7; and Azriel Fiato, 12. The West Side is the Syracuse neighborhood that starts at the west edge of downtown and ends at the foot of Tipperary Hill. West Genesee Street's Automobile Row, Erie Boulevard West's business park and busy North Geddes Street divide the neighborhood.
Anyone who took a driving road test on the West Side would remember the Victorian and Queen Anne homes that dominate Park Avenue, in the heart of the neighborhood. That's where we went on Halloween to ask our question: "What's the one thing the next mayor should do to improve life on the West Side?" Here's what some neighbors told us.
People's voices
"I'd like to see the older historical areas like this one on Park Avenue made into a little Cape May," said Shawn Marie Fiato, 44, of 616 Park Ave., referring to the New Jersey resort city noted for its rows of restored Victorian homes. Owners would be encouraged to refurbish if they didn't get socked with higher tax bills as a result, she said. "Why punish the homeowner, expecially in a lower income area, when they beautify their houses?"she asked.
Candidates respond
Matt Driscoll (D): "My administration works closely with the state Office of Historic Preservation, the preservation community, neighborhood not-for-profit agencies and developers to preserve historic homes and structures. Our sponsored projects help preserve the classic character of many houses. Our Comprehensive Plan's preservation and housing components, when adopted by the Common Council, will address long-term sustainability and preservation of our historic assets."
Joanie Mahoney (R-C-Ind): "The city should pass legislation letting Syracuse homeowners use a state law that would provide tax relief on up to $40,000 of added value to those who improve owner-occupied homes. This would supplement Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative programs to increase investment and strengthen neighborhood pride. We might also consider a targeted reinvestment effort in the Park Avenue neighborhood through SNI."
Howie Hawkins (G): "I would reform the property tax with land-value taxation, which taxes land, not improvements (homes, businesses). Properties can upgrade without higher taxes. It's a progressive property tax that penalizes predatory speculation by absentee landlords who concentrate land ownership, downgrade rentals, abandon lots, and generate sprawl."
Posted by syracusegreens at November 6, 2005 03:12 AM