Mayor Walsh Announces Proud Places Butternut Community Block Party

Published on June 23, 2024

The Department of Neighborhood and Business Development and community partners will host a block party on Thursday, June 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. at White Branch Library 

Residents and community agencies will Adopt-the-Block to commit to long-term care of the neighborhood 

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the Proud Places Project will host a Community Block Party in the Butternut Street Corridor to celebrate coordinated efforts to improve the neighborhood. The program, which aims to strengthen investment in city neighborhoods through citizen engagement, beautification, and community stewardship, has been engaging Butternut neighbors since the Fall of 2023 through a series of planning meetings, community clean-ups, and events.  

“The Proud Places Project demonstrates the City’s commitment to investing in our neighborhoods and creating sustainable solutions to difficult challenges in our community,” said Mayor Walsh. “By working directly with neighbors and community agencies throughout a year-long campaign, we are able to respond to identified needs while building stronger, more engaged communities.” 

The Proud Places Butternut Community Block Party will take place on Thursday, June 27 from 3 to 7 p.m. at White Branch Library. The event will feature a fresh food giveaway, a summer reading kick-off, and access to needed human resources. Over 20 agencies will share important information about health and safety, housing, financial empowerment, and more.  

The City’s Department of Neighborhood and Business Development team works in “tipping-point” neighborhoods — areas at risk of further decline — to increase neighbor participation in making streetscape and property improvements that demonstrate community pride in place. To date, Butternut neighbors have participated in 12 planning meetings, two cleanups, and a community block party. 

This is a family friendly event with music, free food, and youth activities. South Alvord Street from Ash to Butternut Streets will be closed off for the event. Free parking is available in the Franklin School Elementary parking lot. The lot will be accessible from the Park Street entrance. Community partners who helped in the planning of this event include Onondaga County, Early Childhood Alliance, North Side Learning Center, Northeast Hawley Development Association, and Vineyard Church.  

In the next phase of Proud Places in the Butternut Street Corridor, residents and community agencies will establish the area as an Adopt-a-Block location. The City of Syracuse Adopt-a-Block program makes city beautification a yearlong, citywide effort. Individuals, organizations, schools, and businesses will volunteer to take responsibility for at least two city blocks, committing to a monthly cleanup of a designated area and “on the spot” litter pickup, as necessary. 

For more information about the project or to get involved, visit syr.gov/proudplaces.