Syracuse to Apply for $700K Oakwood Grant
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Kathy Cone-
Board members unanimously approved a resolution to apply for a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant along with the buyer of Oakwood Foundation, Dr. Rex Parent’s LLC.
Kristine Christlieb, Community Development Planner for the Economic Development District and Regional Planning Commission Region III-A, took over the meeting to conduct the first public hearing on the matter. Christlieb explained that approximately 60 percent of the funds would be used to create about 70 low- to moderate-income jobs. These would be mostly hotel and restaurant employees, she explained.
“The town is a lead applicant,” Christlieb said, “benefitting the town with jobs.”
Being the lead applicant, however, did raise some questions by board members.
Councilman Brian Woody wanted to know, “How do we pay back the $700,000 if they default, and by when?”
Town attorney Michael Reed told the council that he has been working on documents that would provide relief to the town in the event of a default or failure to close the sale.
“The town will get a second mortgage on the property, that will be signed at the closing,” he said.
Despite confidence that the sale would take place, the council wanted assurances that the town would be protected.
Christlieb further explained the grant application process of sending the initial forms within the week, conducting another public hearing, then distribution of the funds within five days of receipt. Then all Oakwood needs to do is open and hire employees.
A couple other matters pertaining to Oakwood Park were approved.
The council accepted the roads there into the town highway system, and approved taking down the chain link fence surrounding the land.
Public Works manager Jeremy Sponseller explained how that would also be a good time to install storm sewers. He was given permission to spend up to $15,000 for the sewers when he takes away the limestone rocks that currently run along the property, smooth out the grade, and plant grass.
The town also unanimously approved a change order to the North Industrial Park project. A water booster station adjustment saved the town $106,669.
In other matters the town heard a reading of the 2013 budget with no public comments. The budget estimate is $3,332,796 with estimated funds to be raised at $1,766,194, up from the current tax levy of $1,553,210.
Sponseller reported on a few street projects, including paving which is complete. He was authorized to use $7,500 of street funds for striping. Also, he is preparing to install new decorative lights in town.
A new lift station will be installed at the Pickwick/Arthur’s location. Currently there is only one pump working at this important site, so the town authorized funds to deal with the problem.
Two residents spoke of problems: Sharon Fowler asked if the town could do something about drugs in town, and Linda Neff brought up concern about people crossing SR 13 between the town hall and Crosson Park, site of the weekly Farmers Market. The council agreed with her concern and said they would investigate possible solutions, and Fowler was asked to call the town police department when she sees something suspicious.
Upcoming events include the Harvest Festival from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 13, and a preview day with youth football at the new sports complex, also that day. The clerk’s office will be closed Oct. 18. Trick or treating will take place Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]
Board members unanimously approved a resolution to apply for a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant along with the buyer of Oakwood Foundation, Dr. Rex Parent’s LLC.
Kristine Christlieb, Community Development Planner for the Economic Development District and Regional Planning Commission Region III-A, took over the meeting to conduct the first public hearing on the matter. Christlieb explained that approximately 60 percent of the funds would be used to create about 70 low- to moderate-income jobs. These would be mostly hotel and restaurant employees, she explained.
“The town is a lead applicant,” Christlieb said, “benefitting the town with jobs.”
Being the lead applicant, however, did raise some questions by board members.
Councilman Brian Woody wanted to know, “How do we pay back the $700,000 if they default, and by when?”
Town attorney Michael Reed told the council that he has been working on documents that would provide relief to the town in the event of a default or failure to close the sale.
“The town will get a second mortgage on the property, that will be signed at the closing,” he said.
Despite confidence that the sale would take place, the council wanted assurances that the town would be protected.
Christlieb further explained the grant application process of sending the initial forms within the week, conducting another public hearing, then distribution of the funds within five days of receipt. Then all Oakwood needs to do is open and hire employees.
A couple other matters pertaining to Oakwood Park were approved.
The council accepted the roads there into the town highway system, and approved taking down the chain link fence surrounding the land.
Public Works manager Jeremy Sponseller explained how that would also be a good time to install storm sewers. He was given permission to spend up to $15,000 for the sewers when he takes away the limestone rocks that currently run along the property, smooth out the grade, and plant grass.
The town also unanimously approved a change order to the North Industrial Park project. A water booster station adjustment saved the town $106,669.
In other matters the town heard a reading of the 2013 budget with no public comments. The budget estimate is $3,332,796 with estimated funds to be raised at $1,766,194, up from the current tax levy of $1,553,210.
Sponseller reported on a few street projects, including paving which is complete. He was authorized to use $7,500 of street funds for striping. Also, he is preparing to install new decorative lights in town.
A new lift station will be installed at the Pickwick/Arthur’s location. Currently there is only one pump working at this important site, so the town authorized funds to deal with the problem.
Two residents spoke of problems: Sharon Fowler asked if the town could do something about drugs in town, and Linda Neff brought up concern about people crossing SR 13 between the town hall and Crosson Park, site of the weekly Farmers Market. The council agreed with her concern and said they would investigate possible solutions, and Fowler was asked to call the town police department when she sees something suspicious.
Upcoming events include the Harvest Festival from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 13, and a preview day with youth football at the new sports complex, also that day. The clerk’s office will be closed Oct. 18. Trick or treating will take place Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]
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