Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse University will give the city $11 million over five years and will be able to help maintain parts of Thornden Park under a controversial contract approved by the Common Council on Monday.
In a 6-3 vote, the council agreed to move forward with the contract despite objections from a vocal group of Thornden Park neighbors who worry that it gives Syracuse University too much power over city property.
Councilors and city officials have tried to address concerns brought forward by the Thornden Park Association and various community members, said 5th District Councilor Joe Driscoll. That included tweaking language in the agreement so the university can’t do any maintenance in the park without explicit permission from city government.
Small community organizations that rely on the agreement for funding, including the University Neighborhood Preservation Association and the Westcott Community Center, have been waiting months for money.
But as recently as a public meeting on Friday, some neighbors were still unconvinced that the contract should move forward as written.
New 1st District Councilor Jennifer Schultz said she thought the contract language was “unclear” and overly complex. Schultz, Councilor-at-large Amir Gethers and 4th District Councilor LaToya Allen voted against the agreement.
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