After several attempts to secure a permanent home Friends of the CanTeen, Inc., a non-profit organization, look forward to a grand opening by fall of this year.
Solvay Bank announced its plans to open a new branch office in Cicero this spring, after investing several hundred thousands dollars in renovating the former Starbucks location it will lease in a shopping center at 7897 Brewerton Road to house the branch.
Isla Housing and Development Corp. won a $1.5 million Affordable Housing Program grant from the Federal Home Loan Band of New York to help develop 186 rental units. The group plans to rehabilitate the Bayshore Apartments in Brewerton, Home Loan Bank officials announced Jan. 20. This project will benefit low-income senior citizens and low-income families and include 10 handicapped accessible apartments. In the difficult times of the recession affordable housing is always positive news.
Speaking of positive news we had an announcement on January 27. Loretto is choosing to partner with the Town of Cicero to build a $25 million “new concept” nursing home complex at our very own Cicero Commons. Loretto officials started looking for a location in northern Onondaga County last fall after they received $12 million from a state program to build the residence. This complex is all about what the elders need and want: private room and bath, community living and dining areas. Caregivers who will bathe residents, cook for them and even take them shopping. There are plans to employ around 120 skilled people. Pioneer Companies, founded by Michael Falcone, plans to develop the property which will be about 18 acres. The plans were presented to the Cicero Town Board on January 27 and approved by a unanimous vote. It is projected to open by the fall of 2011. With the library, twin skating rinks, day care and YMCA available at this site, we look forward to other businesses seeking an opportunity to join Cicero, as well, in partnerships for the interest of our Town.
Focusing on making town government more accessible, we appointed Pam Williamson, my secretary, as the Ombudsperson for the Town of Cicero. She has developed a form to accept questions, suggestions, compliments or complaints with a follow-up system. This is an effort to try to focus on and make changes/corrections where possible. Pam will forward information to the proper sources and follow up with correspondence to the constituent in a timely manner. She can be contacted at 315-699-1414 or pwilliamson@ciceronewyork.net.
Pre-Agenda meetings for the Town Board were also announced. They will be at 10 a.m. on the Tuesday prior to the scheduled Town Board meeting. The purpose of these meetings will be to openly discuss issues to be presented before the board, making sure that everyone on the board has the correct information and that all thoroughly understand the issues by open discussion. The intent is, again, Open Government, having the public attend if interested for listening purposes only.
We are also going to announce, after further discussion with all board members, regarding providing regular office hours. It will be recommended that twice a month (including a Saturday morning and evening session) one or two board members be available for constituents to meet with personally at the Cicero Town Hall to discuss matters, voice questions, complaints or suggestions. Records of these meetings will be kept and available upon request.
This is just the beginning to achieve our goal of making the Town of Cicero a leader in providing open government to our citizens.
As your Supervisor my door is always open unless, of course, I have a meeting. Feel free to stop in and say Hello.
Judy A. Boyke
315.699.1414