Department of Neighborhood and Business Development Announce Recommendations of $375,000 in UNSAAC Funding to go to Community Organizations

City will host online public meeting for awardees and community on Monday, June 15

The Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD) announced the recommended recipients for the University Neighborhood Service Agreement Advisory Committee (UNSAAC) 2020-21 round of funding. With the support of nine committee members, seven applicants were chosen to receive grants to be disbursed over a year totaling $375,000. The grants are funded by Syracuse University (SU).

“I am thrilled the Advisory Committee is able to recommend funding for both existing and new programming that strengthens the neighborhoods adjacent to Syracuse University,” said Michael Collins, NBD commissioner. “This partnership between the City of Syracuse and Syracuse University has been a powerful tool for good over the years, and funding these programs is an excellent example of that.”

Local organizations and non-profits turned in project proposals that equaled over $600,000 during a month-long submission period. The committee reviewed each application and advanced the following projects to be considered by City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and the Syracuse Common Council:

• Brady Faith Center: Sankofa Market & Produce Delivery – $12,395
• Cooperative Federal Credit Union: Homeownership Counseling Program- $10,000
• Dunbar Association: Project Invincible – $46,000
• Outer Comstock Neighborhood Association: Homebuyer Assistance Grants/1% Home Improvement – $22,300
• Southside TNT: Sankofa District 1% Home Improvement Program – $23,653

• University Neighborhood Preservation Association: Financial Incentive Programs (Owner Occupants) – $150,652
• Westcott Community Center Center: Operational Support $110,000

Through an agreement between the City and SU, $2.5 million from the higher education institution was earmarked to support neighborhood intiatives through government facilitation. The City has received $500,000 each year since 2016, with a portion of the money going to the Syracuse Police Department (SPD). Over the five-year period, resources for areas bordering the University have been set aside to expand quality of life improvements and contribute to the cost of public safety from SPD.

Collins will host a virtual public meeting for awardees and the community to hear more about the proposed projects on Monday, June 15 at 5 p.m. via WebEx (Meeting number/access code: 129 024 2770, Password: pmVxM4q3HE2). Public comments related to the funding can also be submitted by email to nbd@syrgov.net.