Ryan, a Democrat, kept the New York State Senate’s 50th District blue. His predecessor, John Mannion, was the first one to flip the seat in decades.
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 inElections
John Mannion unseats Rep. Brandon Williams in CNY Congressional race
Mannion will be the first Democrat to represent Syracuse in Congress since Dan Maffei’s term ended in 2015.
Posted inHousing
About 40% of Syracuse’s water service lines are made of lead, city’s inventory shows
The city released the data as part of new regulations by the US EPA.
Posted inElections
2024 election Q&A: Chris Ryan looks to keep NYS Senate’s 50th district blue
The district had consistently elected Republican representatives until John Mannion flipped the seat in 2020.
Posted inCity of Syracuse
Advocates demand Syracuse city officials declare state of emergency over lead in drinking water
“It is worse than Flint in Syracuse and I can say that very confidently,” said Lanessa Owens-Chaplin, the director of the NYCLU’s Racial Justice Center.
Posted inHousing
As Syracuse lawmakers consider ‘good cause’ protections, auditor weighs in to support protections with data
“Good cause” protections have become controversial among lawmakers who believe they could hurt landlords’ abilities to raise rent and deter developers.
Posted inOnondaga County
The Onondaga County legislature could fund a plan to boost Near West Side housing. It looks ready to pass on it
The plan called for county money to help fund the demolition of buildings in the Near West Side, freeing up money to spend on housing.
Posted inHousing
Syracuse lawmakers take first public step toward learning about ‘good cause’ eviction protections
Two experts from CNY Fair Housing answered questions the Common Council’s questions about how ‘good cause’ would work in Syracuse.
Posted inJustice & Equity
Discipline of Syracuse University student accused of not moving Gaza solidarity encampment headed to appeals board
Cai Cafiero is one of seven students the university pursued discipline against for the encampment. Her appeal will now be heard by a three-person board.
Posted inHousing
Oswego wanted to be ‘ahead of the curve’ on public homelessness. So the city criminalized it.
People caught sleeping in public spaces can be fined $100 or incarcerated for 15 days.