Brian and Harry Murphy, a father and son landlord duo, has been under investigation by the AG’s office since late 2023 for renting out properties with rampant property code violations.
Eddie Velazquez
Eddie Velazquez is a Syracuse journalist covering economic justice in the region. He is focused on stories about organized labor, and New York's housing and childhood lead poisoning crises. You can follow his work on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ezvelazquez.
Eddie is a frequent contributor to Central Current and can be reached at edvel37@gmail.com
Posted inLabor & Employment
‘A rising tide lifts all boats’: Syracuse University professors and researchers aim to make the university a union campus
If the educators and researchers at Syracuse University vote to form the union, they could add another 350 unionized workers to 3,000 already unionized.
Posted inHousing
Courts, advocates to start new program seeking to blunt Syracuse’s sharp eviction rate
In Syracuse, renters lose about 65% of their eviction cases, according to state court data.
Posted inOnondaga County
Stewards of Onondaga County’s now sold film hub funneled $5.7 million to the aquarium to be a ‘marquee sponsor’
Some Onondaga County Democrats believe the money breaks a commitment to stop using public funds on the aquarium. The county executive’s spokesperson said the funds were generated through a private sale.
Posted inElections
Can New York’s program to match campaign contributions help an upstart progressive close a fundraising gap with an entrenched incumbent?
Maurice “Mo” Brown believes so. Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli plans to launch a matching campaign of his own.
Posted inHousing
Landlords, tenants make last cases on ‘good cause’ before Syracuse lawmakers plan to vote
Debate over ‘good cause’ eviction protections has consumed landlords, tenants and Syracuse lawmakers for about two weeks.
Posted inHousing
How Syracuse lawmakers say they’re going to vote on ‘good cause’
Syracuse lawmakers are split on ‘good cause’ without about half saying they will vote for the legislation.
Posted inHousing
Syracuse lawmakers disappeared ‘good cause’ from their agenda. After a year, it’s back.
Housing advocates have heralded the legislation as a step forward for tenants. Now that ‘good cause’ is back, will it pass?
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Local advocates want to ‘melt’ Syracuse’s links to ICE. Will lawmakers listen?
A coalition of civil rights organizations is calling on common councilors to put companies facilitating deportations — like Flock Safety and Axon Enterprises — on the hot seat.
Posted inSyracuse Housing Authority
Section 8 has expanded for Pioneer Homes residents. Is Onondaga County’s housing stock ready?
In August, Section 8 expanded for Pioneer Homes residents. Just five families of 34 who took a Section 8 voucher to temporarily leave public housing have found new housing.