February 15, 2024
This month we started our rotating meeting venues and were graciously hosted by The Sweet Praxis.
In Attendance: Brianca Hill, City of Syracuse Business Development; Betsy Elkins, Resident; Bill Elkins, Resident; Mike Blowers, Resident/Gere Building/The Effect Group; Amy Wilson, Mixed Methods; Josh Wilcox, City of Syracuse Parks; Kyle Volz, QPK Design; Kelly Yahi, Dwyer Architectural; Veronica VanTassel, Dwyer Architectural; Michael John Haggerty, Wildflowers/McCarthy Mercantile/Hanover Thursdays; Gavin Maloney, 132 E. Genesee St/The Granite Building; Jen Walls; The Sweet Praxis; Heather Schroeder, Downtown Committee Economic Development; Jim Knittel, in-ARCHITECTS; Dr. Eric Saxton, Cuse Chiro; Tracy Mergler, Safe Space CNY; Laiza Semidey, Home HeadQuarters; Lowell Niemetz, Home HeadQuarters; Javier Zavaleta, Resident; Tom Campanie; Downtown Committee Security.
Downtown Security
Tom Campanie, Director of Security, Downtown Committee of Syracuse addressed concerns about noise complaints, loitering in businesses, crowds in parks after dark,
and public urination.
Questions: If someone is trespassing/won’t leave my place of business, who should I call?
Call 911 and, if it’s between 8am – 8pm, also call Downtown Committee Security at 315-423-HELP. This two-call sequence ensures police are notified and may also result in faster on-site response by Downtown Committee Security.
Fountain Updates
Josh Wilcox, landscape architect with City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs, shared updated plans for the Hanover Square Fountain in 2024:
QPK Design is under contract to assess and design the Hanover Fountain Rehab Project. Project budget is $500,000. QPK will share conceptual designs once available.
Fountain will include lighting elements and water in the upper portion of fountain, with plantings below.
In the interim, Parks is purchasing seasonal self-watering planters from Earth Planter (Auburn, NY) that will be placed in the former fountain pools and planted with seasonal plants/flowers. These square planters each hold 22 gallons of water and are also weighted with stone fill, so they are difficult to move/vandalize. When the fountain project is completed, the planters will be used to replace the deteriorating concrete planters in Hanover Square Park.
Questions: Is there an opportunity to brand the planters, e.g., sticker with Hanover Square Association logo?
Who will water/refill the self-watering reservoirs in the planters?
Parks Dept.
Is there an opportunity for community planting as part of I Love My Park Day this spring?
Yes
Will construction occur during Hanover Thursdays, the August music series?
Timeline: Plantings in summer; construction will not begin until after Hanover Thursdays concludes (after August 2024).
Is there an opportunity to change the brutalist design?
Plan is to use the existing concrete structure/design and identify new outer materials.
Is Parks envisioning seasonal or more permanent plantings?
More permanent plantings
Hanover Gives Back
Spring 2024 neighborhood volunteering event: Downtown Earth Day Cleanup
Downtown Committee (DTC) organizes Earth Day Cleanup every year on Saturday of Earth Day weekend. In response to feedback from Hanover Square businesses, DTC is organizing an additional Hanover Square clean-up on Friday, April 19 th from 3pm – 5pm.
To register for the Friday Hanover event, please email Heather at hschroeder@downtownsyracuse.com. Include: Name, # people in group, T-shirt sizes, and Business/Organization name. Sign-up deadline: March 15.
Hanover Thursdays
Michael John Haggerty shared information on this year’s Hanover Thursdays music series:
Free outdoor concerts in the square, every Thursday evening in August (possibly more)
Sponsorship opportunities available (see attached brochure)
Previous years indicate NYS Fair does not negatively impact Hanover Thursdays crowd/attendance
Opportunities for Hanover-area businesses to sell at the event (e.g. Storys, normally open only for breakfast and lunch, stays open to sell take-out dinners during Hanover Thursdays, sold out every week)
Downtown Committee Events
Spring 2024 is all about food!
Downtown Dining Weeks, March 1-14
Downtown Progress Breakfast, April 10 – This spring’s speakers include local food reporter Don Cazentre, and restauranteurs who have expanded their Downtown business to open additional eateries. Details to come!
Downtown Farmers Market, Tuesdays 8am – 2pm, Clinton Square; June 11-Oct.8
Business News
New businesses
Three new businesses coming to McCarthy Mercantile: SeaKissed Blends; Manny Rivera art bodega; vintage store
Inka’s restaurant (White Memorial Building) opening this spring
Former Otro Cinco restaurant space in the University Building has been leased to owner of Gaudalajara Mexican Restaurant, who plans to open a new Puerto Rican restaurant in this location
September 21st, 2023
Call To Order - 9:05AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Dr. Eric Saxton (Cuse Chiro), Kimberly Cronk (State Tower Building), Mike Blowers (Owner, The Effect Group and Owner, 119 E. Water St), Bill Elkins (Resident), Betsy Elkins (Resident), Heather Schroeder (Downtown Committee of Syracuse - Economic Development), Derrick Pratt (Erie Canal Museum), Taylor Westerlund (Erie Canal Museum).
Elections
Vice president and Treasurer positions are now open. Mike Blowers accepted the nomination for VP and Bill Elkins accepted the nomination for Treasurer. Both were unanimously approved. Thank you, Mike and Bill!
(Thank you to Kimberly Cronk, our previous Treasurer, who is moving to Florida with her family. Best wishes for your new adventure, Kim!)
Vice President duties: Run the meetings in the President’s absence. Attend officer meetings with city representatives once/month, preceding the monthly Hanover Square Association meeting.
Treasurer duties: File two transactions each January for the website; file tax forms in April; process payments for grant administration (e.g. Hanover Thursdays).
Security
Several security concerns were voiced, including threatening behavior from panhandlers (threats of violence if money not provided). Heather will invite Deputy Chief Rusin to the next general Hanover Square Association meeting.
Beautification
Dr. Eric provided an update on the electrical box painting project – Ally Walker’s design concept was submitted to the Syracuse Public Art Commission. Approval is pending National Grid approval. Heather will follow up with Kate A. from the City and Chris Gorman from National Grid.
Plantings: Betsy reported the spring plantings are doing well, despite zero watering provided by Parks during the season. Weeding is needed by City Parks. She will not be organizing a fall clean-up this year due to low participation previously.
Fountain: Josh Wilcox sent updates, which Dr. Eric shared: the bricks will be replaced with a polished concrete surfacing. Mike will follow up with Josh to request details on timing of the work and subcontractor hiring for spring 2024. He will ask whether a spigot can be installed to facilitate watering plants in the park.
Public restrooms: Members discussed the need for a public outdoor restroom. Mike shared an example from Montreal -- $400,00/each, serves 1,000/day. Self-cleaning.
Dr. Eric shared updates from the Syracuse Flag Initiative, which is encouraging the public to download the flag specifications and print flags. The specifications are available for free here: https://www.syracuseflag.com/specs
Downtown News and Updates
The Downtown and Lakefront section of Tomorrow’ Neighborhoods Today will host a social event at Board and Bar Charcuterie on Oct. 18 from 5pm- 7pm.
St. Paul’s Church will host the groundbreaking for Phase I of their Open Doors construction project on Oct. 17 th at 4pm.
The Erie Canal Museum is hosting “Eerie Canal: A Behind the Scenes Weighlock building Spooktacular” on Oct. 20 at 7pm: https://eriecanalmuseum.org/event/the-eerie-canal-a-behind-the-scenes-weighlock-building-spooktacular/
New Business/Updates
Heather noted the need to revise the Bylaws to reflect the non-profit Hanover Square Association’s current structure. We are actively recruiting participation from attorneys from the neighborhood who have non-profit experience and wish to become involved.
We discussed some possible time and location changes to hopefully grow our organization.
We discussed meeting together with some of the other associations downtown.
We should create another poll for the organization priorities.
Meeting Adjourned - 10:03AM
August 17th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:03AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 13 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Heather shared updates to the ARPA Commercial Corridor grant provided to the Downtown Committee by the City of Syracuse:
Street tree illumination will be installed in early October and will be up for minimum 3 years. Provides pedestrian “wayfinding” path between Armory Square, theatre district, and southern downtown.
Gateway signs – next up – will create approx. 8 labeled entrances into Downtown Syracuse. If you are interested in participating in this design process, please contact hschroeder@downtownsyracuse.com, subject line “Gateway Signs.”
Memorial Project:
The final touches are being added to our submission to the art council and it should be voted on during the next meeting.
Events
Hanover Thursdays
Joe shared that Hanover Thursdays received funding from an M&T Bank sponsorship and a Syracuse Festivals Fund grant. The crowds this year have been bigger than last year. Jose of Storys restaurant has been doing dinner service on Thursdays during the event and sold out every week; Storys has also been the hospitality tent meal provider. Buried Acorn’s beer station is cash-only. Joe shared flyers for neighbors to help distribute.
CNY Arts has a temporary pop-up art show in the Atrium building over the next 6 months.
Sarah shared that 4,000 people are at the OnCenter for a conference this week.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
New Business/Updates
The association will need to fill the positions of Vice President and Treasurer going forward. A call for nominations will go out with next months meeting reminders and we will vote at the next meeting. Nominations can be sent to hello@hanoversquaresyr.com.
Heather shared that the Downtown Committee submitted three applications for state funding in July; the state will announce in December which projects received funding. The three proposed projects are:
The first-ever public downtown playground – proposed for the Creekwalk Trailhead in Armory Square
New York Main Street Grant – proposed for façade improvements and interior buildout in properties near Cathedral Square
Downtown Master Plan – this public engagement process would outline redevelopment opportunities and provide a road-map for redevelopment across the next decade. Comments surrounding a Downtown Master Plan proposal included: Preference for using local consultants who know downtown Syracuse; having outreach opportunities at the I-81 outreach center in the Hills Building (217 Montgomery St.), coordinating with the Allyn Foundation on their Blueprint 15 initiative.
Suzy shared that City Hall Commons is moving to One Park Place. The city is in contract negotiation with Hanover Development to sell the City Hall Commons building for mixed-use development with 30 upper-floor, mixed-income apartments.
300 W. Washington – permits received and ready to start construction on next venture from Now & Later owner Jason Purdy.
State Tower Building has a few 2-bedroom apartments available, and a 600 sq. ft. office available.
Mike shared that a new gym, Edge Strength and Conditioning, will be opening in the Barclay Damon Tower.
Michael John shared that the Bank Alley Urban Market was a success. They might organized another market in October.
Michael John also shared that SinBun has signed a lease at McCarthy Mercantile.
Matt shared that 1675 sq. ft. of commercial space is available at the Renaud Wicks/Falker buildings on E. Water St.
Matt also shared that the former Anything But Beer space has been leased by a new restaurant (TBA). They are doing renovations and plan to open in October 2023.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:55AM
June 15th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 7 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Restrooms: Can we find a place for some portapoties for options for public facilities. There are no options for public restrooms downtown.
Fountain Update:
The project started this week.
Memorial Project:
The voting has been completed and the Hanover Square Association has chosen the Fence and Flowers design.
The next step will be to complete the application process for the public art commission which will hopefully be completed before the next meeting.
Events
Farmers Market started this week and will continue through the summer.
CXTech is moving in later this month.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
Seems like there is an influx of drug users and we should send them to *211.
315--412-7878 text pictures of sleeping individuals.
315-442-5111 is the non-emergency number.
We should tell anyone that is trespassing that they are trespassing and call 911.
New Business
Luke has decided to step down as President of the Hanover Square Association as the arrival of his child draws near. We would like to thank him for all that he has done for the Association.
A motion was made by Mike Blowers, and Seconded by Heather Schroeder to have the Vice President, Dr. Eric Saxton, assume the roll as President. The vote unanimously passed.
Kim has also decided that it was time for her to step down as Treasurer for the Association, as she will be moving out of state to be closer to her family.
The association will need to fill the positions of Vice President and Treasurer going forward.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:43AM
May 18th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 11 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
Fountain Update:
We now have a plan for the future of our fountain!
The city will begin repair on the loose bricks and structure of the fountain to be completed by Hanover Thursdays.
The water element will be repaired at a later date, with a slight design change to keep the water contained in the top portion of the structure (no more cascading water down the bricks).
The lower part of the fountain that once contained water, will be transformed into more planting beds.
TNT Memorial Proposal - Contact josh and see if we can get a finalized on the plants. Can we get some more direction or what plants we can use, and what would be more sustainable.
Quotes and speakers from Historical Society. Many people passed through
1903 the sultry summer quote
heart of the city, mud pit,
Matilda Hayes
Sketches for the electrical block:
Events
TNT Downtown/Lakefront will be hosting a social in June for residents.
Tuesday June 13th 5:30-7pm at Meiers Creek Brewing in the Inner Harbor.
RSVP would be helpful to lindallewellyn75@gmail.com
Farmers Market starts next June 13th. Live music from 11:30 - 1:30
CNY Regional Market will be providing the mobile market (meats and things).
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:43AM
April 20th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 11 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
We have been told that the Hanover Gates are no longer going to be accessed by people outside of the city. So in the near future, we should only be seeing city vehicles/personnel parking inside the gates. If we see anyone parking on the sidewalk or in front of the gates, we should call the city police line.
TNT Memorial Proposal - Contact josh and see if we can get a finalized on the plants. Can we get some more direction or what plants we can use, and what would be more sustainable.
We can start shopping for our plants for the memorial project and hopefully we can get them ordered before our “I love my park day” social event.
We are waiting for our sketches for the art project but should have some soon.
Hanover Thursdays.
We had a quick update on Hanover Thursdays including some very interesting statistics out of Visit Syracuse.
Our Hanover Square banners have been attached to the new gates.
Fountain Update:
The lack of progress has some of our neighbors concerned about safety in the summer time.
We have outlined the following action steps
Find out the architects, remove all loose bricks, drain the standing water out of the fountain, can we cover the fountain better, perhaps with a printed screen for safety and beautification, and get a plan.
Events
Hanover Earth Day Cleanup this Saturday. We have had over 30 participants sign up and we will be meeting at 8am in Hanover Square.
TNT Downtown/Lakefront will be hosting a social in June for residents. More details to follow in the future.
First or 3rd week in May for the planting/networking event. 10am meetup
We will look to sponsor some sort of food or drink for that going forward.
The city has asked for our input on what to plant.
A flier will be sent out to the neighbors and landlords.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
When there are trash cans overflowing, or there are trash carts on the street after 9am, we identify them and submit them to CityLine app..
Cleanliness outside of Wolf’s Beirgarten. We have decided to draft a letter to the business to express our concerns.
Lets find out what the policy is for placement of city trash cans. Again we should highlight overflowing city trash cans with the CityLine app.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:56AM
March 16th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 14 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
Residents have noticed people continuing to drive on the sidewalk and having vehicles parked after hours inside the Hanover Gates
TNT Memorial Proposal
We are waiting for our sketches for the art project but should have some soon.
Floral Garden with Butterflies
Music Jukebox
Typography Mural
Ally Walker has requested a submission of quotes that we could use.
Planter Boxes should be moved back into the square once the bases have been fixed.
Hanover Thursdays.
Solvay Bank has joined the sponsor list.
TNT Syracuse has also become a sponsor for the event.
Banners will be placed on the gates.
Fountain Update: The fountain is still being assessed and there are a number of options that are being discussed.
Events
Hanover Earth Day Cleanup with the Downtown Committee. April 22nd
First or 3rd week in May for the planting/networking event.
We will look to sponsor some sort of food or drink for that going forward.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
There were some reports of the tall street lights being out. We will look to identify them and submit them to CityLine.
New Business
Continued issue with trash containment from the commercial spaces. Some trash is not being contained within containers or the containers are blowing open or over, allowing the wind to spread the trash all through the neighborhood.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:48AM
February 16th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:04AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building by SideArm Sports. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 14 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Hanover Square Outlook 2023
We have decided to put together some goals and a strategic plan heading forward.
Increase member participation at monthly meetings and annual events
Increase the Association's exposure within the City
Increase member confidence in fulfilling the Association's vision and mission
Provide the highest level of service to its members
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Hanover Square Gates
The gate has been open for deliveries and such and seems to be closed at night. However, it appears that some vehicles are using deliveries as an excuse to open the gates and will remain parked there for hours.
Maybe there can be more of a time frame for “deliveries” to lighten the load for the Parks Department.
TNT Memorial Proposal
Our funding for the memorial planter bed has been approved. Last month we voted on the suggestions that Ally Walker made for painting the electrical box and we will present the following winners to Ally for some sketches or drafts.
Floral Garden with Butterflies
Music Jukebox
Typography Mural
It was noted that quotes from people who have been to Hanover Square might be nice (PT Barnum as it pertained to the Cardiff Giant etc),
We would like it to continue to be inclusive
The Planter Boxes are currently in the care of the Downtown Committee, and will be placed back soon (once the necessary repairs have been made). We spoke a little bit today about where to place those planters once they are up and running. One suggestion was to place them in the sidewalk between Genesee St and the buildings to further limit cars from driving on the sidewalk to avoid the gates.
Hanover Thursdays.
We will submit a funding request to TNT because there were some additional funds left over from their capital projects.
There is an extra week of music this year and the bands are already signed up.
The vendor village may extend down City Place to allow for more displays.
Someone mentioned the prospect of blocking the Warren St.
Banners will be placed on the gates.
Fountain Update: The fountain is still being assessed and there are a number of options that are being discussed.
We will be doing a neighborhood cleanup with the downtown committee and then we’ll do a planting event a few weeks afterward.
Events
Downtown Dining Weeks March 1-15th 50 restaurants signed up this year. downtownsyracuse.com for menus
March 15th “315” day. If you have any specials, send them to the Downtown Committee
This weekend is Winterfest
Hanover Earth Day Cleanup with the Downtown Committee. April 22nd
First or 3rd week in May for the planting/networking event.
We will look to sponsor some sort of food or drink for that going forward.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
There were some reports of the tall street lights being out. We will look to identify them and submit them to CityLine.
New Business
Continued issue with trash containment from the commercial spaces. Some trash is not being contained within containers or the containers are blowing open or over, allowing the wind to spread the trash all through the neighborhood.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:48AM
January 19th, 2023
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 12 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Hanover Square Outlook 2023
Looking back over the last year, we seem to keep running into the same problems over and over again.
We have decided to put together some goals and a strategic plan heading forward.
Increase member participation at monthly meetings and annual events
Increase the Association's exposure within the City
Increase member confidence in fulfilling the Association's vision and mission
Provide the highest level of service to its members
I will send out an email for open comments on improvements to this list, and steps we could take to accomplish these goals.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
The gate lock has been cut and people have been parking in the street.
Capt Bowering has informed us that if this occurs, you can call the non-emergency police line to direct parking enforcement in that direction. You can also call the parks department to get a lock put back on the gate.
TNT Memorial Proposal
The proposal is in and will be voted on at next month’s TNT meeting (3rd Wednesday in Feb @ 5:30 pm via Zoom). I hope as many of you can attend as possible for voting.
The electrical unit is likely City property and will then be public art and it will need to go through the public art commission. Josh will help us connect those dots with the city so we know what the next steps are. In the mean time, we will be sending around some of the suggestions by Ally Walker Inks for what we could do with painting the electrical box.
The Planter Boxes are currently in the care of the Downtown Committee, and will be placed back soon (once the necessary repairs have been made).
Fountain Update: The fountain is still being assessed and there are a number of options that are being discussed.
City Place park benches are still being assessed for sustainability and a work order is is going to be placed to repair the benches.
We will be doing a neighborhood cleanup with the downtown committee and then we’ll do a planting event a few weeks afterward.
Events
Downtown Dining Weeks March 1-15th
Stories will be opening up soon in place of Today’s Special
Oncenter convention for FFA at the end of the month.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
There was an individual who was hit by a car when crossing in the crosswalk and it was suggested that there is not enough lighting in that area which made it difficult for the driver to see the pedestrian.
New Business
Noise Complaints (even after hours) can do non-emergency numbers.
At 8:15 am an individual got into the Maxwells buildings who should not have been there. Make sure you close your doors all the way as some people are looking for places to escape the cold.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:48AM
December 15th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:08AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the SideArm Sports in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 9 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Out TNT grant will be submitted for flowers, painting of the electrical box, and a plaque for the planter box in city commons.
We will not be able to dedicate the space directly, but will need to bring that up to the city council for a vote.
We still need to find a way to get water for Hanover planter flowers and hopefully the project to fix the fountain could have an option included.
The city parks department has received funding for downtown park improvements and we should express our need for Hanover Square.
The crows can make a big mess and we should reach out to the parks department to see if we can do something to manage them.
Events
Earth Day Cleanup April 22nd.
Our planting session should be after that.
We would also like to create a time for weekend cleanups in the neighborhood (say Saturday mornings 9-10am)
Tis the Season: Downtown holiday promotions are in full swing.
7th annual window wonderland event
Holiday promotions can be sent to the DTC for social blasts.
Parthenon Books is having a Book Launch Party noon (to 2pm) this Saturday.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
Paid SPD patrol is at the skating rink at nights.
At bar closing time there still seems to be a lot of noise and a patrol pass through should be timed for that time frame.
Some of this may be addressed with signs to “be cognizant of our neighbors”
New Business
Cars are parking on the Genesee Street that is closed.
We are still waiting to hear when the completion of the gates will take place.
Meeting Adjourned - 10:06AM
November 17th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 12 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
The square is looking pretty good lately.
There are some new gates going in to prevent traffic from utilizing Genesee St which will be a better deterrent than our planters were.
We should start working on a proposal for TNT if we would like to apply for something else next year.
We seem to like the idea of a memorial garden to commemorate the loss of entrepreneurs that helped to make Hanover Square what it is today. There are two possible locations for this garden. We will reach out to the city and to the parks department to see what our options are.
The planter on the left will need to be built up to better facilitate flower and plant growth.
Events
Tis the Season: Downtown holiday promotions are upon us.
7th annual window wonderland event has started.
Hanover Square has several participants this year, and we hope to bring home the win. You can vote once per day per device starting after Thanksgiving.
Holiday promotions and deals can be sent to the DTC for the newsletter and social blasts.
Chittenango Select Choir will be doing a performance the night of the tree lighting (November 25th).
The Gingerbread display will open at the Erie Canal Museum today with a “grand opening” on November 25th with hours to 8pm.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
We need to connect with the SPD to see where we are at for a dedicated presence downtown, especially on the weekends.
New Business
There is a trash situation at Erie Blvd and Montgomery St that doesn’t seem to be getting address. It was suggested that this be posted on the SyrCityLine.
Is there a downtown leaf/foliage debris pickup that is scheduled? This may also be posted on the SyrCityLine.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:45AM
October 20th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 7 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Last weekend was the Neighborhood Social/ Fall Clean Up “Litter and latte’s”
Four women joined the session and did some cleaning and then sat down and enjoyed some snacks and sat down and enjoyed each others company.
We should start working on a proposal for TNT if we would like to apply for something else next year.
Events
Tis the Season: Downtown holiday promotions begin in November!
7th annual window wonderland event
Holiday promotions can be sent to the DTC for social blasts.
New York State School Board Conventions will be the week of Notre Dame football game and will be the biggest convention of the year.
Syracuse Bike Party is the last Saturday of each month at 6:45pm for a light fun bike ride that comes back to Hanover Square at the end.
Chittenango Select Choir will be doing a performance the night of the tree lighting (November 25th).
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:25AM
September 15th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:06AM
Today we were graciously hosted by SIDEARM Sports in the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 15 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
We will be looking at changing some of the plants that will hopefully do better next year, but overall we were happy with the look of the square
Cleanup Clan
We will try to schedule a fall cleanup and social event on OCTOBER 15st 10am that we can call Leaves and Lattes.
We are hoping to turn this into a monthly Saturday Cleanup next year.
Hanover Square Bike Rack
The installation will be happening this week.
Hanover Fountain is being inspected and hoping to have a plan together. Once the report is back, we will hear about what the options are out there.
Events
Hanover Thursdays: hanoverthursdays.com
Out preformed our expectations
Next year we will be targeting the 5 weeks of August next year.
A number of sponsors are already excited for next year.
GeniusNY teams arrived downtown for the next 4 months and are competing for a million dollar prize which should be awarded in November.
16th Annual Downtown Living Tour “Live Downtown For A Day” with free museum tours for the day. For tickets, visit Downtownsyracuse.com
Saturday Sept 24th 4 out of 5 stops are Air BNBs and all the museums are on the tour. Free admission to all the museums and there are also some Downtown Deals for participants.
Hanover’s own Gere Building is on the tour this year.
New York State School Board Conventions will be the week of Notre Dame football game and will be the biggest convention of the year.
Syracuse Bike Party is the last Saturday of each month at 6:45pm for a light fun bike ride that comes back to Hanover Square at the end.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
We have had some reports of harassment from the unhoused population near the square next to the Atrium.
New Business
Communion Wine and Spirits will be opening soon here in the State Tower building. There will be a wine and dinner experience as a grand opening event with the Chef at Eden.
MetroFitness has opened up a spin studio with their recent expansion and now provides the only spin experience downtown.
Meeting Adjourned - 9:51AM
August 18th, 2022
Call To Order - 4:35PM
Today we were graciously hosted by the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 6 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Cleanup Clan
We are hoping to set up a monthly Saturday Cleanup to maintain the beauty of the square.
We have been having parks going through and cleaning up the square before and after the Thursdays events.
Second Saturday of each month will be the cleanup. Sept 10th at 10:00am will be the first one.
Hanover Square Bike Rack
The Broken Chain bike rack has arrived at the DTC. We are hoping for a plaque.
Events
Hanover Thursdays: hanoverthursdays.com
GeniusNY teams arrived downtown for the next 4 months and are competing for a million dollar prize.
I-81 Design Charrette Aug 23-27th (check out the Downtown Committee for more details)
Salt City Blood Drive Aug 31st organized by Senator May
16th Annual Downtown Living Tour “Live Downtown For A Day” with free museum tours for the day. For tickets, visit Downtownsyracuse.com
Everson is having a new event “Everson Social” Tickets are on sale now.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
Luke and Heather met with SPD captain to address some of the issues lately and he said that they are attacking the issues we have been having downtown lately. He described managing the issues as a sort of “whack-a-mole” game but they are trying to be on top of the situation. They have emphasized that importance of reporting issues via 911 so that they can address the issues as they come up.
We have had some reports of noise in the evening and we need to have those reported via 911 as well.
New Business
Sidearm Sports has offered to host our next meeting inside the State Tower Building
Meeting Adjourned - 4:56PM
July 21st, 2022
Call To Order - 9:12AM
Today we were graciously hosted by the State Tower building. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 8 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
The planter beds received a much needed mulching.
The fountain is closed and may not be repaired this year. The city has asked for some of the concrete barrier planters to be moved to surround the fountain.
Need some beautification update on items in the square including weed wacking and bike lane cleanups.
Hanover Square Bike Rack
The Broken Chain bike rack has arrived at the DTC. We are hoping for a plaque.
Events
Hanover Thursdays: hanoverthursdays.com
The concert organizers are working with local restaurants to encourage easy take-away food items that concertgoers can order and bring into the Square (there will be no private food vendors, in the hopes of driving customers to local businesses)
They’ve purchased $1,000 worth of gift cards to downtown restaurants and are giving away a certain number of gift cards to a winner each week through August.
There will be a local artist vendor village from McCarthy Mercantile.
The Farmers Market kicked off this week every Tuesday through the summer.
Tour the Towpath event through Erie Canal Museum - July 30-31st - 2 day bike ride from Rome to Downtown Syracuse
Erie Canal Museum Historic Walking Tour and Pathway to Resistance Tour (alternating Thursdays and Saturdays)
History Happy Hour in the Erie Canal Museum Garden is August 17 from 5-8 with samples from numerous breweries and live music.
Identity/Outreach
The Hanover Square Association has received a Perfect Partner Award from The Downtown Committee.
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
Safety/Security
Incident in Clinton Square this past weekend. (unofficial after hours gathering)
Will there be extra patrols in the neighborhood this summer? We will need to keep directing complaints through the online security form to be able to justify our need for patrol to the SPD.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:38 AM
June 16th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:10AM
Today we were graciously hosted by Anything But Beer. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 10 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Safety/Security
Luke has been keeping tabs on the 911 call log and has met with the new police chief. The new captain for our area works 12am-7am shift.
Vehicles with loud speakers, revving engines, and zooming around.
Will there be extra patrols in the neighborhood this summer? We will need to keep directing complaints through the online security form to be able to justify our need for patrol to the SPD.
There have been a number of construction vehicles “parking” in the square working on the Koolakians Building.
We will be reaching out to the building owner about.
There are several reports of parking meter issues on the 200 and 300 block of South Salina.
Broken meters need to be reported to city line.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Our planters have some fresh flowers in them and they look great!
The fountain is closed and may not be repaired this year. The city has asked for some of the concrete barrier planters to be moved to surround the fountain.
There needs to be some weeding and mulching done around the beds in the square.
We will reach out to the parks department about getting some mulch put down.
Hanover Square Bike Rack
The Broken Chain bike rack has arrived at the DTC. We are hoping for a plaque.
Events
Hanover Thursdays: hanoverthursdays.com
A concert series in Hanover Square on Thursdays in August.
Things are going well and the social media campaign has started with some good response.
They are still looking for sponsors ( Naming Sponsor(10k) and Branding Sponsor(5k))
June 16-18th NYS Fire Association is in town near the OnCenter. Fire Chief Block party on Friday.
The Farmers Market kicked off this week every Tuesday through the summer.
Tour the Towpath event through Erie Canal Museum - July 30-31st - 2 day bike ride from Rome to Downtown Syracuse
There is a live concert at lunch today in the Square to kickoff Jazz Fest.
Erie Canal Museum Historic Walking Tour and Pathway to Resistance Tour (alternating Thursdays and Saturdays)
History Happy Hour July 13.
Identity/Outreach
The Hanover Square Association has received a Perfect Partner Award from The Downtown Committee.
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:42 AM
May 19th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:07AM
Today we were graciously hosted by Anything But Beer. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 10 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Safety/Security
Some complaints of late music and other complaints from businesses.
Will there be extra patrols in the neighborhood this summer? We will need to keep directing complaints through the online security form to be able to justify our need for patrol to the SPD.
The Fountain is closed for the some masonry work, and an outside contractor will be repairing it with hopes to open the fountain in a few months.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Earth Day Clean-Up was a success!
Spring Planting Social was also a success!
A special thanks to Across the Hall Cafe for feeding our hungry bunch.
Street Barriers - Our planter barriers have arrived and have been installed in the square. We filled them with soil and we will be planting some ornamental grasses in there to add to the elevation.
Hanover Square Bike Rack
The Broken Chain bike rack has arrived at the DTC. We are hoping for a plaque
Events
Hanover Thursdays: hanoverthursdays.com
A concert series in Hanover Square on Thursdays in August.
Things are going well and the social media campaign has started with some good response.
They are still looking for 3 sponsors (1 Naming Sponsor(10k) and 2 Branding Sponsor(5k))
June 16-18th NYS Fire Association will be in town near the OnCenter.
The Farmers Market will return on Tuesday mornings starting in June 14th with music every week.
Tour the Towpath event through Erie Canal Museum - July 30-31st - 2 day bike ride from Rome to Downtown Syracuse.
Lunch time music event in the works before Blues Fest
Jazzfest is back.
Taste of Syracuse is the first weekend in June.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:33 AM
April 21St, 2022
Call To Order - 9:07AM
Today we were graciously hosted by Anything But Beer. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 10 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Safety/Security
The broken camera has been replaced outside of Sweet Praxis on the corner of Warren and Water Streets..
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Earth Day Clean-Up - THIS WEEKEND!
Our Earth Day Cleanup in conjunction with the Downtown Syracuse Committee will take place on April 23rd.
We will meet in the Square at 8am and someone from the Downtown Committee (DTC) will get you started.
Street Barriers - Our planter barriers have arrived. The last remaining step before we can deploy them is to have some caster stands made for them to meet the city code. These casters should still be within the budget provided through TNT and Downtown Syracuse Foundation. The parks department will be supplying some soil and materials for filling the planters.
Spring Planting Social
Our Planting Social will be on the New York State holiday of “I Love My Park Day” which takes place on the first Saturday in May (7th) dec.ny.gov. We will have a meeting with the Parks Department and begin to finalize our plans for the weeding/planting in the square. We would like to gather socially after our work is done and possibly provide some food, so we are looking for a venue host.
We are a bit behind on the season for “planting” a lot on that day, but perhaps we can prep the beds and planting will occur at a later date.
Betsy and I have been in touch with Casey with Parks Department for planning and we will keep everyone posted on the progress. Josh has the map. Plan on 10-12 for our planting event. Perhaps the Association would be able to provide a lunch (Across the Hall Cafe).
Hanover Square Bike Rack
The Broken Chain design has been approved and is currently in fabrication.
Events
Hanover Thursdays: hanoverthursdays.com
A concert series is planning on taking place in Hanover Square on Thursdays targeting August.
The HSA has been approved for a grant of 5k out of the requested 10k for the event.
There was a kickoff event a week ago and announced the 10 bands.
They are still looking for a naming sponsor for the event.
The Farmers Market will return on Tuesdays starting in June 14th with the hope of having some “Music in the Market” with a grant from CNY Arts. Music will be every other week at the market.
Tour the Towpath event through Erie Canal Museum - July 30-31st - 2 day bike ride from Rome to Downtown Syracuse
Looking for riding deals from local businesses
Tickets are available now at the Erie Canal Museum
History Happy Hour Starts tonight.
Syracuse Bike Party is this Saturday. Meets at 6:45 in Clinton Square. Syracuse Bike Party on FB and Instagram.
May 12-14 NYS Future Farmers of America at Oncenter.
Lunch time music event in the works before Blues Fest
Jazzfest is back.
Taste of Syracuse is the first weekend in June.
This Saturday at noon there will be an antique curators at Wild Flowers.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 9:38 AM
March 17th, 2022
Call To Order - 9:06AM
HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY!
Today we were graciously hosted by Anything But Beer. If anyone else would like to host our monthly meeting, please reach out to us.
Members - We had 10 participants in today’s meeting representing businesses, residents, and community leaders.
Safety/Security
Our online form received another submission about a drone flying near the State Tower Building.
Genesee St Closure
There has been a lot of parking on the “closed” portion of Genesee St.
Downtown Committee will reach out to DPW for a consensus on what there plan is
We have discussed our stance about the street at previous meetings and the general consensus is to keep the street closed.
We took a vote today and have decided that the official stance of the Association is to keep that portion of the street closed.
Beautification (Chair: Betsy Elkins)
Earth Day Clean-Up - April 23rd
Our Earth Day Cleanup in conjunction with the Downtown Syracuse Committee will take place on April 23rd. If you would like to work with us as we “adopt our square” please email me at HELLO@HANOVERSQUARESYR.COM.
T-shirt sizes. 8-10AM Deadline for signups. Possible Lunch Vouchers.
Spring Planting Social
Our Planting Social will be on the New York State holiday of “I Love My Park Day” which takes place on the first Saturday in May (7th) dec.ny.gov. We will have a meeting with the Parks Department and begin to finalize our plans for the weeding/planting in the square. We would like to gather socially after our work is done and possibly provide some food, so we are looking for a venue host.
Betsy and I have been in touch with Casey with Parks Department for planning and we will keep everyone posted on the progress. Josh has the map. Plan on 10-12 for our planting event. Perhaps the Association would be able to provide a lunch (Across the Hall Cafe).
Street Barriers - We have coordinated our funds from TNT and the Downtown Committee and are going over the options for ordering. One of our earlier options for planters had a new shipping cost that was as much as the planters were, which priced them out of our budget. We have several good options that would still work and I will coordinate with the Downtown Committee to get them ordered and here by the Planting Social.
Hanover Square Bike Rack
Some concerns were discussed with Conor Rockhill about the project and he would relay those thoughts back to the designers.
The Downtown Committee recorded the preference of each member in attendance.
Events
March 21-23 is the Eastern Winery Exposition (https://events.visitsyracuse.com/events/view/eastern-winery-exposition)
Hanover Thursdays:
A concert series is planning on taking place in Hanover Square on Thursdays targeting August.
The estimate of the project is $65,000. $20k is projected from Visit Syracuse, an alcohol sponsor will hopefully cover $15k, $10k for naming sponsor, and a few more sponsorships.
The HSA will help apply for festival funding grants for an additional 10k.
We are hoping that our Hanover Businesses will join in for liquor sponsors so we can keep some of the business in our neighborhood.
The Farmers Market will return on Tuesdays starting in June 14th with the hope of having some “Music in the Market”
Tour the Towpath event through Erie Canal Museum - July 30-31st - 2 day bike ride from Rome to Downtown Syracuse
Looking for riding deals from local businesses
History Happy Hour - Bringing the event to local bars this year with rotating venues.
Identity/Outreach
Invite your friends and neighbors to our next meeting.
New Business
Meeting Adjourned - 10:06 AM