Bill Simmons to leave Syracuse Housing Authority after yearlong turmoil
Syracuse Housing Authority Executive Director Bill Simmons agreed to retire a year before his contract with SHA is set to expire. Simmons last day with the housing authority will be July 10. The housing authority’s board voted to approve a mutual separation agreement with Simmons by a vote of 4-3. Board commissioners Patricia McBride, Quwanka Ellerby and…
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LATEST REPORTING
How democratic socialists reshaped the Central New York political landscape
DSA members and progressives pulled off Democrats’ second historic election upset in less than a year. An organized campaign and a rising affordability crisis helped topple a CNY titan.
Sean Kirst: At Clinton Square roller rink, for a city and its children, the shared goal of ‘staying up’
Envisioned as a bright and brief chance for community, roller skating takes on deeper meaning in a hard week in Syracuse.
Maurice ‘Mo’ Brown declares victory while Magnarelli concedes in Democratic primary for Assembly seat
One DSA member likened Brown’s victory to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s unlikely rise in 2018, calling it, “Central New York’s ‘Joe Crowley moment.’”
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I-81 AND PUBLIC HOUSING COVERAGE
Inside the disagreement over a $7M commitment from Onondaga County to SHA’s redevelopment of public housing
County executive’s office said they have long made clear that they want to donate $7 million as an in-kind contribution. Developer McCormack Baron Salazar says that won’t work for them.
Syracuse Housing Authority board elects new vice chair; Simmons resolute as Owens’ appointees take majority
Rickey Brown, a close ally of Mayor Sharon Owens, was voted in as the vice chair of the board of commissioners at Syracuse Housing Authority on Thursday.
Mayor set to appoint key ally to Syracuse Housing Authority board
Mayor Sharon Owens is set to appoint Monica Williams to serve as a board commissioner. Williams replaces longtime board member Christopher Montgomery.
CULTURE
Sean Kirst: On Father’s Day, John Kucko’s daughters see even deeper beauty and meaning in the landscape
Family messages of love and gratitude to their dad, beloved digital storyteller in recovery from brain surgery.
Sean Kirst: Syracuse teens find 21st century meaning in new marker for abolitionist giant
Just before Juneteenth, a straight bridge of remembrance and gratitude to Jermain Loguen, ‘underrated’ human rights champion.
Sean Kirst: At Brighton Academy, Alfonzo Whitehurst’s gutsiest coaching move was sharing his own story
An emotional team meeting offered lessons that will resonate far beyond one flag football season.
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EDITOR’S PICKS
Federal immigration agents accessed Syracuse drivers’ data through secret Flock Safety deal
Privacy and civil rights watchdogs have called on Syracuse to terminate its Flock contract. SPD says it’s comfortable contracting with the company, which is facing Congressional investigation.
‘From Snob Hill to Slob Hill’: Tenants say conditions at once luxurious apartments forced them to sue owner
Ten tenants have sued the owners of Nob Hill to push for repairs of the apartment complex, which has 48 open code violations.
A herd, a hide and a 50-year friendship: How the Onondaga Nation brought the buffalo back
A gift 50 years ago has allowed the Onondaga Nation to raise a herd of about 70 buffalo in southern Onondaga County.
SEAN KIRST’S UPSTATE JOURNAL
Sean Kirst: Saturday’s literacy parade ‘lights a candle’ for new dream for Hayden home
Light A Candle For Literacy organizers envision a community literacy center in revered Midland Avenue house.
Watch Sean Kirst’s TEDx talk at Syracuse University
The speaker series featured Syracuse University alumni, students, and faculty along with community residents who explored the theme “What matters next?”
Sean Kirst: Services Friday for Bob Menotti, civic giant and leader of Syracuse Deaf community
An historian describes Bob’s life as “a moving example of how access to community, inclusion, and acceptance can break down barriers around disability.”
