SURA Projects & Regulations

SURA Properties

PURCHASING A SURA-OWNED PROPERTY  

Interested buyers can apply to purchase property owned by the Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency. Click here for a current list of SURA-owned Properties. The application process is described in detail below. With questions or concerns, please contact SURA staff at 448-8100 or email SURA@syrgov.net. 

1. Complete and send the SURA purchase application with a check or money order in the amount of the developers fee (see below), and all required documentation to SURA staff. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Please make checks payable to: Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency

         Developer fees:
         $750.00 for residential property 
         $1,250.00 for commercial property or commercial vacant lot 
         $250.00 for a residential vacant lot

         Mail or deliver applications to:
         Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency
         201 E. Washington St. Ste. 600
         Syracuse, NY 13202

2. Upon receipt of a completed application, SURA may provide you with a general estimate of costs for repairs required to bring the property up to code (if applicable). The estimate of repairs will be compared to your completed application and you will be given an opportunity to amend your application if necessary.
*You must be able to show financial means to purchase the property and complete any necessary repairs.
**Upon the acceptance of your proposal you automatically become a qualified bidder for the purposes of paragraph number four.

3. Upon acceptance of your application, an auction will be scheduled. Prior to auction, a minimum bid will be established for the property, and the terms of the auction and qualifications of bidders shall be published in a manner as determined by SURA. All bidders must fill out an application and be qualified prior by SURA staff prior to bidding at an auction. At auction, any qualified bidder may bid for the purpose of acquiring the property. As a general rule the highest bidder with an acceptable proposal shall be granted the right to purchase the property

4. Following the auction, the SURA board will approve or deny the terms of the sale. Please note that the SURA board may award the sale to a lower bidder based upon the content of the proposal or other factors as explained in the Board’s final decision.

5. A closing date will be scheduled, and the contract of sale and deed will be drafted. You will be required to meet with SURA’s attorney to execute these documents.
*** Please note that the contract of sale and deed will contain provisions requiring the completion of the project within the time as outlined in the proposal and that absent an extension of time to complete the project by SURA, the property may revert back to SURA.
**** Please note that you will be responsible for all costs associated with closing on the property, including but not limited to the costs of any documents required by your lender for the purpose of closing and any and all filing fees.

Additional Information:

1. Your developer fee may be forfeited if:  

  • You are awarded the bid at auction, and later back out.
  • The property is transferred to SURA based on its reliance of your approved application and you thereafter withdraw your application. If you feel that you have an acceptable explanation for the withdrawal of your application, the Board may consider the existing     circumstances in making a determination as to the refund of the developer fee.
  • You have materially misrepresented any information submitted by you in your purchase and development proposal application

2. Your developer fee will be refunded if:
  • Your application is not approved by SURA staff.
  • You are outbid at auction and the sale is approved by the SURA board to another party.
  • Upon your physical inspection of the property prior to auction, you can show that there are previously undisclosed repairs necessary to bring the property up to code and that such repairs exceed by 5% the amount of funds stated on the application as available by you for repairs.
  • SURA is unsuccessful for any reason in acquiring title to the property.

3. The property will be deeded to you by quit claim deed and without warranty. Title insurance may be available for the property. Please state in your application if you wish to purchase title insurance or if it will be required by your lender.

4. The property must be zoned for the final use as stated in your proposal. The application may be rejected if the property is not currently zoned for the final use as proposed. In certain circumstances SURA may entertain proposals that require a re-zoning of the property. Please specify in your application if you believe that re- zoning is necessary for your proposal. 

5. The transaction is subject to the ability of the City to, and agreement of the City to transfer title to the property to SURA.

6. Reverter language shall be included in the purchase contract and the deed requiring the project at the property to be completed pursuant to, and within the time frame stated in the your final proposal.

7. The terms of the sale are subject to the approval of the SURA board and may be subject to the approval of the City of Syracuse.

8. At a minimum your proposal must address the correction of any code or zoning violations at the property and should further address any other factors required for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

9. Any change of use of the property on or before December 6, 2025 will require the approval of SURA as well as any other approval currently required by law or local ordinance.
Questions regarding the status of your application or the application process:
SURA Staff
Department of Neighborhood & Business Development  
SURA@syrgov.net
(315) 448-8100

Estimated Development Costs:
Brian Eisenberg
Division of Code Enforcement 
beisenberg@syrgov.net
(315) 448-8689

Legal Questions:
Meghan Ryan 
Department of Law  
(315) 448-8400

 

SURA Projects

Downtown Syracuse's New Urban Space

Around the world vibrant downtown spaces are transforming cities, drawing residents and visitors, local businesses and new employees, and visionary investors. Syracuse has the opportunity to developa new urban space - active, inviting and vital – that celebrates and supports the creative forces driving Syracuse’s recent downtown renaissance. The New Urban Space project site includes two adjoining open spaces: Perseverance Park and the former Common Center bus transfer plaza located at S. Salina and W. Fayette Streets. Located at the geographical center of the city, this blank space is at the heart of a resurgent downtown that is booming with new activity, creativity and energy. The internationally recognized firm !melk landscape architecture and urban design was recently selected to design this flexible, multi-purpose and artful space, in partnership with Tillotson Design Associates and the C&S Companies. Interwoven into the design will be a significant work of public art created by the Balmond Studios and the multi-talented and renowned artist Cecil Balmond. Crucial to the success of the project will be the public's involvement in the redesign process; public participation will ensure that the park is truly reflective of the city's assets, aspirations and potential. 

The New Urban Space is a project of the Syracuse Urban Renewal Agency (SURA) under the direction of the City Planning Division. Providing expert guidance is an Advisory Committee made up of representatives of the City of Syracuse, Syracuse Public Art Commission, CNY Arts, Connective Corridor, Downtown Committee of Syracuse, SUNY ESF Faculty of Landscape Architecture, Syracuse University, and local foundations.

The estimated budget of the project is between $2.5 million and $3 million, which will be raised through a significant public-private partnership.

PerseveranceParkGraphic1.jpg

Seneca/Tully Street Project

SURA initiated a project to assemble a group of adjacent City-owned, seizable, and SURA owned parcels into two usable, buildable lots. This process required a street abandonment, the seizure of a tax delinquent vacant lot, and resubdivision of all parcels. The parcels will be marketed to a local housing agency for new construction. Interested buyers should fill out the SURA application here(PDF, 732KB).

Tully1-small.jpgTully2-small.jpg

Seymour/Gifford Pedestrian Cut-Through

SURA is working with neighbors, The Westside Residents Coalition, Syracuse United Neighbors, and The Near Westside Initiative to design a formal pedestrian pathway where there had previously been an informal cut-through on the 500 Block of Seymour Street and the 600 Block of Gifford Streets. Tree removal, sidewalk installation, bollards, lighting, fencing and re-subdivision will contribute to safety and convenience in the completed pedestrian walkway.

Before:

SeymourBefore.jpg

After:

SeymourAfter.jpg

 

 

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