A Message from the County Executive

Dear Neighbor:

I hope everyone has been able to enjoy their summer so far as well as get out and explore one (or more) of our great County parks!

This past month we continued executing on our agenda to aid in our economic recovery, invest in our people and upgrade our infrastructure. I was honored to join local officials at the former Great Northern Mall to announce that a deal had been struck for a local developer to take over and redevelop the site. The current plans call for it to be a "town center" type development that will have housing, restaurants, medical offices and more!

I always enjoy visiting with our local community groups and senior centers and continued to do so in July. Our seniors especially, are the backbone and foundation of our community and I appreciate greatly hearing from them - as well as any member of our great County.

As you know, my administration has placed a laser like focus on addressing lead in our community. We have made historic and unprecedented investments in this space and will continue to do so. Recently, Health Commissioner Dr. Anderson and I, joined several community partners to unveil our new Mobile Lead Van. This van will fill an important gap for those families that are unable to get to a doctor or other testing site to have their child tested for potential lead poisoning. I want to thank the Health Department for their steadfast efforts in helping us tackle this issue.

Last, but certainly not least, Micron continued to demonstrate their commitment to Onondaga County. in addition to hosting another town hall, Micron donated new flag poles to the Cicero American Legion and even sponsored a brand new (and permanent) exhibit about semiconductors at the MOST.

The momentum and progress is on our side and I am grateful every day to have the opportunity to serve as your County Executive. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

July 2023

Micron Momentum

July was a busy month for Micron and its historic investment in Onondaga County. Over the past few weeks Micron and it's partners in local government have taken many vital steps in preparation for its $100 billion megafab campus at the White Pine Commerce Park in the Town of Clay:

Submitted a formal application to the Onondaga County IDA requesting its purchase of the White Pine Commerce Park and associated tax credits. "Its really a landmark document," said County Executive Ryan McMahon. "That triggers intent from the company."

Made a $1.4 million land purchase for a childcare center a half-mile from the chip fab site in Clay.

Clay Town Board voted to rezone 900 acres of the White Pine Commerce Park for industrial use.

Announcement of a new exhibit at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) that shows how integral memory chips are to our everyday lives.

Visible evidence of Micron's pledge to invest in STEM education, which include a cleanroom at Onondaga Community College and chip/science camps for younger students.

County Executive at ribbon cutting of new Micron exhibit at the MOST

County Executive visits North Syracuse Chip Camp

Chip Camp at OCC

New Micron DECONSTRUCTION Exhibit

Onondaga County Debuts New Lead Testing Van

County Executive Ryan McMahon along with Onondaga County Health Commissioner Kathryn Anderson unveiled a new mobile lead testing vehicle that can bring quick blood tests into neighborhoods with children most at-risk for lead poisoning.

The mobile testing vehicle will travel to community gathering places, such as non-profit partners, health fairs, and festivals. The mobile van will take both scheduled appointments and walk-ins. Two lead testing machines inside can provide results within minutes. Children who test positive for high levels of lead will receive additional blood work and assistance with managing the child's lead levels.

The County continues to invest an unprecedented amount of funding ($8.7 million) in a comprehensive approach to combat lead exposure and lead poisoning. Testing in at risk neighborhoods is a key component of the strategy.

For more information, please click below:

Click here: Lead Prevention

Onondaga County: Leading on Lead

Signed Executive Order in 2019 withholding rent payments for every apartment multi-family where a lead hazard is found even if it is only one-unit;

Onondaga County has invested nearly $19 million to tackle lead-More than any other administration;

Dedicated $100,000 to abate lead specifically in the homes of foster families;

Onondaga County committed to invest $8.7 million a comprehensive approach to combat lead exposure and lead poisoning;

Launched "Lead it Go" to provide enrichment services for children with elevated blood levels who do not qualify for other services.

County Executive Visits with Onondaga County Senior's

County Executive Speaks with Seniors in the Town of Onondaga

County of Executive Meets with Seniors in Town of Fayetteville

County Executive Ryan McMahon had the pleasure of speaking with seniors in the Towns of Onondaga and Fayetteville. The County Executive discussed recently passed legislation that changed income qualifications for the Senior STAR Property Tax Exemption, providing thousands of Onondaga County Seniors with greater property tax relief.

County Executive Ryan Mcmahon, "My administration has worked tirelessly to lower the property tax rate for all residents of Onondaga County. In fact, since I joined county government, we have cut property taxes nearly 30%. My administration is also keenly aware of the rising costs that are hitting local families, especially our seniors. That is why we were proud to provide qualifying seniors with a stimulus payment last year and why I am proud to announce this legislation which will provide additional and much needed breathing room for our local seniors on their property tax bill."

If your community group would like to host the County Executive, please contact our office at (315) 435-3516 or e-mail us by clicking below:

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Great Northern Mall Update

County Executive Ryan McMahon along with developer Guy Hart Jr, of Hart-Lyman Cos. and representatives from Conifer Reality discussed plans for redevelopment of the aging facility. The envisioned town center, a part of the county’s comprehensive plan for community-centered growth, is expected to include various apartment options, medical offices, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.

County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "We're excited to see a local developer take the reins on this ambitious project, breathing new life into Great Northern Mall and the surrounding region. This redevelopment aligns with the county's vision to accommodate the influx of thousands of workers expected at Micron Technology, as well as the tens of thousands of supply-chain jobs. This represents a significant step towards achieving our goals of fostering unprecedented growth and opportunity."

Investments For Our Future

Released "Plan Onondaga" the first update to our County Comprehensive Plan since 1998. The plan focuses on five areas: strong community centers, housing and neighborhoods, mobility, greenways and blueways and agriculture;

Implemented an "All of the Above" approach to address housing including investments in the land bank and $10 million to construct new homes on the Southside of Syracuse;

Established $10 million housing fund called O-CHIP (Onondaga County Housing Initiative Program) to assist with closing funding caps and stimulate investment in new construction;

Invested additional $5.5 million into our successful Main Street/ Town Center Program for projects across all Onondaga County Towns and Villages;

Created a $1million planning grant to assist towns and villages and awarded first of those grants to the Towns of Cicero and Van Buren.

Onondaga County's Strong Fiscal Management Confirmed

County Executive Ryan McMahon announced that Onondaga County's bond rating is "Aa2" from Moody's Investors and S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed their "AA" rating. Moody's noted, "The county's tax base is sizeable and has undergone steady growth, with significant additional growth expected due to several large manufacturing and commercial developments."

County Executive McMahon said, “Responsible management of taxpayer dollars has been one my top priorities. My administration has made historic investments in reducing poverty, directed millions of dollars to finally and comprehensively address the lead issue plaguing our community, as well as make critical investments in our infrastructure and economic future. We are able to take an ‘all of the above’ approach in our investments while also lowering the county property tax rate to its lowest level in history.” McMahon continued “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the members of the Legislature who have supported the efforts that have put Onondaga County in this strong financial position and I sincerely appreciate their partnership."

County Executive Attends Syracuse Housing Authority Basketball Tournament

County Executive Ryan McMahon had the privilege of speaking at the 2023 Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) Basketball Tournament and was the ceremonial official for the opening tip. In addition to the basketball tournament, the County Executive was proud to take part in trainings facilitated by the SHA that focused on financial empowerment, health and wellness and job training.

Affordable housing has been a key component of the County Executive's P.I.E Initiative. The Syracuse Housing Authority own or manage fifteen residential developments in Onondaga County, with more than 2,500 apartments. The County Executive and SHA share the same goals: provide safe homes in safe communities, caring for and developing neighborhoods that have a positive impact on the community.

Extreme Makeover: Onondaga County Edition

The following revitalization efforts throughout the county were made possible by the County Executives Municipal Grant, Main Street and Community Development Block Grant Programs.

Town of Skaneateles

The town of Skaneateles was able to upgrade offices, remodel their Community Outreach Shed and purchase a new tractor.

Village of Minoa

Lewis Park in the Village of Minoa was completely renovated with new tables, pavilion and digital sign.

Town of Geddes

The Town of Geddes continues to make improvements to the State Fair Boulevard Corridor.

Village of Manlius

The Village of Manlius continues it revitalization.

Town of Marcellus

The Town of Marcellus added pickle ball courts and brought new life to its tennis and basketball courts.

Town of Salina

The Town of Salina has enhanced Schaffer Park with recent addition of a new open-air pavilion, picnic tables, trash receptacles and new fence.

A Day in the Park is Never the Same...

Canoeing and Kayaking

Experience Beaver lake in a whole different way with a leisurely paddle across the lake.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Nature on Wheels Tour

Beaver Lake Nature Center offers weekly tours aboard the NOWmobile, an electric vehicle that connects visitors to the fascinating natural areas around Beaver Lake.

Nature on Wheels Tour

Asian Elephant Extravaganza

Come celebrate the Rosamond Gifford Zoo's Asian Elephant herd and the cultural traditions of their native countries in South Asia. Friends of the Zoo and the Zoo's elephant team have a daylong slate of activities planned, which include demonstrations with our eight-member elephant herd-including our Asian Elephant miracle twins Yaad and Tukada!