The Center for Justice Innovation’s Community Ambassador program has helped more than 1,000 tenants remain in safe housing over the last five years.
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 inHousing
Nob Hill Apartments tenants rally for quicker fixes by apartment owners
Nob Hill’s ownership has been the subject of 10 individual lawsuits by tenants and another by the city of Syracuse.
Posted inUncategorized
‘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.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
New York state legislators approved a nonprofit contract overhaul. The governor has yet to sign it.
Some state agencies have been late to pay nonprofits, including the Volunteer Lawyer Project. Gov. Kathy Hochul will review the legislation approved to combat the problem, said a Hochul spokesperson.
Posted inHousing
In 2024, a state law allowing tenants to sue landlords took effect. Advocates say it could be less effective without more action.
The Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act has helped Syracuse tenants force landlords to repair homes. But advocates say tenants are still afraid to sue their landlords.
Posted inNews
Who’s stopping New York from launching a piece of its landmark climate law?
Six years after passing ambitious climate legislation, the state says federal opposition has slowed its implementation. Environmental and energy advocates say it has another foe: itself.
Posted inNews
Could Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ doom New York’s energy efforts?
As New Yorkers stare down increasing energy rates and demand, OBBB will make it harder for New York to build renewable energy, experts told Central Current.
Posted inNews
Central New York’s housing discrimination watchdog fears budget wipeout as federal budget season looms
President Donald Trump proposed cutting funding that fuels housing discrimination watchdogs. If money to fund those organizations is not appropriated by Congress, CNY Fair Housing could lose 70% of its funding.
Posted inNews
New York wants clean energy. Is nuclear energy the answer?
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced plans for the state’s power authority to develop another nuclear reactor to provide more energy to the state. The announcement touched off debate among renewable energy advocates.
Posted inCity of Syracuse
Hanah Ehrenreich, Rasheada Caldwell glide to wins in Common Council primary
Incumbent Rasheada Caldwell earned 37% of all votes in the race for two at-large Common Council seats. Ehrenreich pulled off an upset bid, beating incumbent Amir Gethers.