Visit Syracuse - 109 S Warren St
In Attendance:
Dr. Eric Saxton, Cuse Chiro; Betsy and Bill Elkins, Resident; Sarah Conway & Rainer Nisbett, Visit Syracuse; Brianca Hill & Dre’chir Whitfield, City of Syracuse; Javier Zavaleta, Resident; Merike Treier, Downtown Committee
Recap of Hanover Thursdays/315 Thursdays:
· Successful event for Hanover Square – brought in diverse crowd and boosted business.
I-81: Preliminary Feedback Survey
· Downtown Committee issued survey to prepare for 81 construction needs as the timeline moves closer.
· 60 responses received to date with 50/50 split on whether respondents feel informed or uninformed about the project.
· Currently there is a low utilization rate of the 81 app, information center and website tools available. Respondents mostly unaware these resources existed, but plan to use once construction is underway. Those that use the 81 connect app report positive experiences.
· Desire to prioritize the following info: Closures and detours, distinct timelines, access and parking, small business impact. Want simple and succinct information shared and better signage for detour signage and to help businesses locate businesses and Downtown Marketing campaign.
· Downtown Committee is working with NYS DOT and City to coordinate information sharing and advocate for needs during construction.
Other Updates:
· Fountain
Plantings looked lovely at first but as season continued, planting maintenance dwindled.
Request for 2027: Please improve maintenance approach of flower beds around fountain. Merike shared with Parks Staff.
· Gift Card
Downtown Committee launching NEW Downtown Syracuse Gift Card. Businesses in process of signing up through a platform called Yiftee and program will be announced in November to encourage purchase of the card.
· Nightlife Coordinator, City of Syracuse
Dre’chir Whitfield introduced herself and shared her role is to help improve nightlife operations in business districts, support businesses, placemaking, and serve as a liaison to improve city process. She is from Las Vegas and has experience with event planning and small business ownership.
Please reach out to Dre’chir at dwhitfield@syr.gov
Next Meeting: 4:30 PM Thursday, November 19, 2026. Location TBD.