Where is the Syracuse Common Council's 5th district?
The 5th district includes portions of Syracuse's Sedgwick, Eastwood, Lincoln Park, Near Eastside and Salt Springs neighborhoods.
Jen Schultz, who currently serves on the Syracuse Common Council as the 1st district councilor, has launched a write-in bid to serve in the council’s 5th district.
A change in the council’s maps last year moved Schultz into the council’s 5th district. Earlier this year, Schultz ran for and lost a primary for an at-large seat on the council.
She’s since launched the write-in bid to unseat fellow councilor and Democrat Jimmy Monto.
How do you think the city can increase in its housing capacity?
The city can and is already increasing its housing capacity. In the city of Syracuse, the department of Neighborhood and Business Development leads the city’s housing planning and programs. NBD manages the Community Development Block Grant program which oversees the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding awarded to organizations and programs in the city of Syracuse who help develop or restore housing so that it is high-quality and affordable.
Earlier this year, NBD completed a housing study that provided an analysis of the city’s housing market. This study will be used to grow and restore housing in Syracuse.
Throughout the last 21 months as councilor, I have supported every legislation/program proposed by NBD to increase capacity and improve housing in Syracuse, including the allocation of over $11 million America Rescue Plan Act funding for infill housing. I have also supported legislation for the redevelopment of the former Syracuse Developmental Center whereby an out-of-town developer plans to install over 500 housing units.
As the 1st district councilor I have been advocating for the redevelopment of the former Franciscan/Maria Regina properties on the Northside. Another out-of-town developer has plans to install 170 low-income senior housing units in the dilapidated complex. The list of projects in progress and pending is very long so stay tuned for the continued good news about how Syracuse will continue to grow its housing.
How would you persuade the county and state to help increase housing capacity?
It is critical that the city continue to receive support from the county, state and federal government in order to increase housing capacity. I noted the Syracuse Developmental Center in the previous question and without the support of Governor Hochul/New York State that project would likely not have been possible. Gov. Hochul allocated $29 million to assist with demolishing the current complex in order for new housing to be installed. A recent example of the county supporting the city’s housing plans is the joint effort with the city and county to enhance the undeveloped areas in the Inner Harbor, around Onondaga Lake, Onondaga Creekwalk, and the Regional Transportation Center. As councilor I will continue to advocate for collaborative ventures like this to grow our city within the county.
Do you think Safer Streets and other anti-violence programs are adequate?
I voted in favor of the Safer Streets program because a significant portion of our young adults are in crisis and need assistance. However, this one program will not solve the issue, rather serious commitment by the city, county, state and federal government is needed to bring real change to this complex crisis — including improving our laws that better protect and guide our youth.
How would you tackle juvenile crime and gun violence as a councilor?
Again, I voted in favor of the Safer Streets program because a significant portion of our young adults are in crisis and need assistance. I feel the city tackles the issue with several tools including the Police Athletic League, year-round parks and recreation programs, community centers, summer youth employment programs and more.
How important of an issue do you think the lack of reliable transportation is in the 5th district? How would you help fix that?
Reliable transportation is a real issue for many in the city of Syracuse. My current 1st district struggles greatly and relies on VEO scooters and bikes for transportation. The new 5th district will be a blend of the 1st and current 5th and comparatively does not struggle as much as the north and south sides. As the Transportation Committee Chair, I have and continue to advocate for safer streets for pedestrians and vehicles, reliable public transportation, improved bus services, bus rapid transit and ensuring that the Interstate 81 community grid project best serves the people of Syracuse.
How will you help ensure that the outcomes of the Interstate 81 and Blueprint 15 projects are fair and equitable?
I serve on the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council that plays a major role on the I-81 project. I bring the issues of Syracuse residents to that table at every meeting. I educate people about the project at every community meeting I attend. I also attend the Interstate 81 Jobs “Big table” to stay current with and advocate for employment opportunities for city residents with the I-81 project.
What are the strengths of the 5th district? How would you use them as the district’s representative?
Every district has its strengths and weaknesses. It is a councilors job to understand the issues, listen to constituents and work to address them. As councilor I currently: attend weekly community meetings, answer every phone call, text and email; read and research proposed legislation; ask questions and always put the people first. I will continue to do this if elected as the 5th district councilor.
Why do you think Syracuse’s lead crisis persists? How would you help fight it?
Syracuse’s lead crisis is of serious concern. While the county and city have programs to address it, abatement is not easy or quick. I advocate for constituents daily by directing them to resources that can help them with the issue. Throughout the last 21 months as councilor, I have supported legislation that tackles lead abatement such as purchasing the equipment needed by our code enforcement department and will continue to support all efforts to make our housing safe for residents.
