This is a fact sheet meant to be a companion to Central Current’s “A Place to Call Home” exhibit at ArtRage and a panel discussion moderated by Central Current and contributor Eddie Velazquez.
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 inOnondaga County
Onondaga County legislators likely to dump transparency for aquarium donations
The county has made similar exceptions for the Erie Canal Museum and Rosamond Gifford Zoo. An open government expert says it’s not best practice.
Posted inHousing
Syracuse needs more affordable housing. City, Land Bank explore public developer model to get it
A revolving loan fund could allow the city and Land Bank to spur the development of affordable housing. Could it work in Syracuse?
Posted inOnondaga County
Legislature pulls plan to replace Democrat county legislator on Land Bank board 5 months into term
Onondaga County Legislature Chair Tim Burtis appeared ready to force a vote to remove Democratic legislator Mo Brown from the Land Bank board. The Legislature pulled Wednesday a committee vote on the removal.
Posted inOnondaga County
Why is the County Legislature chair trying to replace his own Land Bank appointee 5 months into the term?
Legislator Maurice Brown was named vice chair of the Land Bank board last month. The Chair of the Legislature is now recommending the appointment of another Democrat.
Posted inHousing
Syracuse legislators to vote on $25M lead pipe replacements, water testing
The $25 million would pay for the replacement of 2,790 lead service lines.
Posted inHousing
Report finds city used improper process in testing Syracuse water for lead: ‘They’re putting our residents at risk’
The report was conducted by Elin Warn Batanzo, an engineer who helped uncover the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
Posted inHousing
‘Good cause’ becomes a cold case as Syracuse Common Council pulls legislation for more ‘investigation’
After a seven-month odyssey to educate themselves on the legislation, the council decided it still needs to learn more.
Posted inHousing
How a New York state program is helping cover back rent to prevent evictions
The SAEF program pays for up to six months of rent for households to prevent evictions. The money is eventually funneled to the tenants’ landlords.
Posted inHousing
As ‘good cause’ stalls in Syracuse, DeWitt considers the legislation
‘Good cause’ legislation has become a lightning rod topic for landlords as tenants. Tenants believe the legislation will help fight the housing crisis.