Town Of Syracuse Looks To 2015
Town Manager Henry DeJulia, Syracuse Town Council and town department heads are looking forward to 2015. “I want to continue building a community where people want to visit and live, where everybody wants to be,” DeJulia said.
He pointed out the town has taken on quite a few projects most small towns don’t specifically address. One of those projects was the establishment of a technology park north of town. “There is a need to balance the manufacturing and industrial growth of the community within the needs of a small town resort area that will ensure steady and stable economic growth. There is a need for manufacturing diversity and growth, as well as working with existing industry to create stable viable economic growth. It is important that we retain and expand existing industry and diversify the industrial base that we hope to do in our new technology park,” DeJulia said.
The town is taking a multi prong approach to marketing the park. New signs were recently installed at the park. The park is also being advertised on several real estate web sites and a marketing brochure has been designed and is being sent out to more than 125 targeted industries around the region. DeJulia explained these industries included orthopedics, the South Bend Incubator and established industry already in the area.
Syracuse Redevelopment Commission is in the process of establishing guidelines on how to sell the property.
In the area of infrastructure, several projects are under consideration such as Front Street, which needs work on the sewer and storm sewer; Oakwood lift station, which handles sewer; possibly building a salt barn for the street department and much more.
The town will also work with the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce on development of the riverfront district, along with other efforts to beautify the community using decorative lights, banners and sidewalks. Efforts to improve the aesthetic of the village and historic downtown areas will also continue.
Some other issues DeJulia said may come up include continued recreation opportunities for citizens and visitors through the park system and trail system. Working with the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee on completing a section of trail running from Line Street south to Harkless. Continue infrastructure improvement within the community, including a refurbishment of the town’s wastewater plant.
The town will be working with the Wawasee school district regarding the construction of the new elementary school. DeJulia would also like to see more usage out of the town’s commercial rehabilitation revolving loan fund program.
DeJulia said he sees potential with Oakwood and Chautauqua Wawasee as well as the further development of the riverfront district. He also sees opportunities for great partnerships between the town and local civic groups. “It’s a community that cares. That’s something to be proud of,” he said.
DeJulia noted there is a growing Amish community in the Syracuse area. Amish families are buying homes in the area and are enjoying the parks and lakes.