Economic Development: Plan ONondaga's Impact on District 9

Onondaga County is preparing for a period of potentially significant economic growth and development. In response to this, in 2023, the Onondaga County Legislature voted to adopt “Plan ONondaga” to guide how that development takes place and to establish goals. They outlined the following five central themes in this plan: (1) Strong Centers, (2) Housing & Neighborhoods, (3) Community Mobility, (4) Greenways & Blueways, and (5) Agriculture.

One of the communities where they are looking to invest in economic development is the Northside, which has significant potential to impact our community in many ways. The plan's focus on 'Strong Centers' includes a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces, designed to be walkable and people centered, something we know is very important to many residents of the Northside. As these Centers include entertainment hubs, shopping and dining options, and improved public spaces, the goal is that they promote economic growth through investments that increase job opportunities, preserve public spaces, and improve transportation and infrastructure. These Centers could include areas around N. Salina Street, Butternut Street, Hiawatha Blvd, Hawley-Green, James Street and others that makeup the Northside. Through updating zoning laws, improving public transit, and developing mixed-use spaces, Plan ONondaga plans to strengthen these Centers into those walkable, people centered spaces our community needs. 

Neighborhood Market Types by Census Tract (Source: Plan ONondaga 2023, Pg. 107)

On the Housing and Neighborhoods front, Plan ONondaga's approach is focused on supporting safe and affordable housing in communities like the Northside. Onondaga County’s Area Median Income (how much an average household earns) is significantly lower than the national average, which further impacts economic mobility and housing affordability. Subsidized housing options are limited, and many residents in communities like ours struggle with rising rents and home prices. Plan ONondaga shares some of their analysis of market trends and data, and categorizes housing markets into four categories: strong markets, stable markets, middle markets, and soft markets. Much of District 9 falls under either “middle markets,” where population decline is a concern and housing is generally affordable, though aging, or “soft markets,” characterized by high poverty, unemployment, aging housing, and population decline. As a part of their approach in Plan ONondaga, they are aiming to address these issues by developing new housing, increasing affordable housing opportunities, reinvesting in older housing stock, and enhancing neighborhoods to improve quality of life.

While this is an exciting time for Onondaga County, I understand and have seen firsthand that historically disinvested neighborhoods have seen decisions made about them rather than with them. As Plan ONondaga continues to inform our County’s development strategy, I will fight to ensure that District 9’s voices are at the forefront of economic development initiatives.

As Onondaga County Legislator for District 9, I will:

• Advocate for economic policies that put our community and small businesses at the forefront

• Champion job training opportunities and ensure that job creation directly benefits our residents

• Support economic development policies and programs rooted in equity, inclusion, and opportunity

• Work to ensure that our neighbors have access to home improvement programs (such as lead remediation, home repair grants, etc.)

• Advocate for public spaces to be trauma-informed, ADA accessible, linguistically and culturally accessible, and intentionally safe (we want to ensure that public spaces are activated in ways that benefit the well-being of our community)

• Support policies that increase access to safe, dignified, and affordable housing

Vote Nicole Watts for Onondaga County Legislator - District 9!

Early Voting runs October 25 - November 2nd, and November 4th is the last day to vote. Start with your voice being heard with your vote, then let's work together to ensure our voices are heard in the economic development planning process for our neighborhoods.