TOWN OF DEWITT WE'RE BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH JIM & JULI BOEHEIM - (SEE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS)
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SPRING-SUMMER 2019 Newsletter Town of DeWitt We’re building community with Jim & Juli Boeheim… (see back cover for details) WE’RE ALSO BUILDING ELEVATING ERIE! (see the inside of this cover for more information)
We’re building community.
Construction on Elevating Erie to begin in 2019!
We are excited to announce the first phase of The entire length of Towpath Road will be included
construction on Elevating Erie is set to begin this in the project with a cycling/walking lane, including
year. An outgrowth of the “Elevating Erie Ideas reflective signage.
Competition,” the project is a collaborative effort
with NYS and our neighboring communities to close A bike and pedestrian bridge across I-481 at Kinne
the 14-mile gap in the Erie Canalway Trail System Road will connect the Towpath section of the EST
between DeWitt and Camillus. over to the Erie Canalway Trail and our Ryder and
Butternut Creek Canal parks. The 38-mile Canalway
New York State’s Empire State Trail (EST) will be Trail System extends from DeWitt to Rome.
investing $20 million in the Erie Boulevard East
corridor between South Beech Street in Syracuse DeWitt’s Elevating Erie is a part of the 450+-mile
and Bridge Street in DeWitt; it is the single largest Empire State Trail which extends from Manhattan
allocation of funds state-wide. to Buffalo and up to the tip of Lake Champlain.
Erie Boulevard East in DeWitt, from Thompson Road Elevating Erie is “building community” in ways that
to Bridge Street, is the centerpiece – and signature will not only add to our quality of life right here in
investment – of the EST project and features a DeWitt, but will also provide economic development
multi-use, landscaped trail/bikeway/greenspace opportunities for our community, neighboring
in the center median. (Traffic studies conclusively communities, tourism, business, the environment,
determined that the reduction of traffic lanes from and the overall NYS economy.
Thompson Rd. to Bridge St. will not negatively
impact traffic flow.) www.elevatingerie.com/spanning-the-gap-video
www.ny.gov/programs/empire-state-trail
Master planning for the Widewaters Pond area is
underway. A greenspace situated at the crossroads
of Erie Boulevard and Bridge Street, the park will
feature trails, water fountains, benches, and lighting.
In the Town of DeWitt, we’re building community.
Table of Contents
Community Notes 4-28
Message from the Supervisor 4
Supervisor’s Notes 5-10
Highway 10-11
Parks & Facilities 11
Planning, Zoning, Codes, and Sustainability 12-15
Police 15-16
Town Board 16
Food Sense 16
Carrier Park 17-21
Letter from Supervisor, What happened to Shoppingtown? 22-24
Support Carrier Park 25-26
Fire Safety Information 27-28
Recreation 29-42
Summer Day Camp 29
How to Register 30
Special Events 31
Youth Programs 31-34
Adult Programs 34-36
Senior Programs 36-40
Community Sign Rental Form 41
Special Feature: Cedar Bay Park 42
General Contact Information
DeWitt Town Hall Phone: (315) 446-3910
5400 Butternut Drive Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00am-4:30pm
East Syracuse, NY 13057 Web: www.townofdewitt.com
Contact Information by Department
Town Clerk x2 Tax x7 Court
clerk@townofdewitt.com tax@townofdewitt.com Judge Gideon (315) 446-9180
Judge Jokl (315) 446-7136
Planning & Zoning x3 Assessor x8
plan_zone@townofdewitt.com assessor@townofdewitt.com Police
Administrative (315) 449-3640
Water x4 Recreation x9 Non Emergency (315) 425-2333
water@townofdewitt.com recreation@townofdewitt.com police@townofdewitt.com
Supervisor x5 Parks (315) 432-1925 Highway (315) 437-8331
supervisor@townofdewitt.com DeWitt Parks Department DeWitt Highway Department
5953 Butternut Drive 5953 Butternut Drive
Comptroller x6 East Syracuse, NY 13057 East Syracuse, NY 13057
comptroller@townofdewitt.com Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:00am-3:30pm Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:00am-3:30pm
highway@townofdewitt.com
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A message from Supervisor Edward M. Michalenko, Ph.D.
This newsletter highlights three seemingly unrelated features: Jim and Juli Boeheim’s
support of our Carrier Park recreation complex, the first phase of the construction of the
Elevating Erie project, and the town’s efforts to support the Shoppingtown mall property.
These ostensibly disparate topics beautifully underscore three integral aspects of “building
community” here in the Town of DeWitt; the generous contributions of our residents, the
quality of life we enjoy within our town, and our commitment to partner with the town’s
business community.
Jim and Juli’s generosity and philanthropic dedication is well known. I want to personally
thank them for getting onboard with our Carrier Park facility in the early days of the project, and for sustaining
their support of the park as it continues to develop. Both the Town and the Challenger Baseball program
sincerely appreciate Jim and Juli’s commitment to the Town of DeWitt and to Carrier Park, as well as to the
broader community. Please see the back cover of this newsletter for more information.
Construction on the first phase of Elevating Erie is set to begin this year, as part of the NYS Empire Trail. Not
only will the fruition of this project add to our quality of life right here in the town of DeWitt, it will also
provide economic development opportunities for our community, neighboring communities, tourism, business,
and the environment. Elevating Erie is a prime example of a positive, powerful, productive partnership between
state and local governments, residents, and the greater community. For more information about Elevating Erie,
see the inside front cover.
Lastly, people often ask me “What happened to Shoppingtown?” Several factors – Destiny mall, a changing
retail marketplace, utility costs – have contributed to Shoppingtown becoming less and less viable.
What most people don’t know however is that the town has been diligently pursuing a partnership with the
mall’s owners for several years in an effort to support them to redevelop the property; we offered
Shoppingtown’s owners multiple, robust financial incentives: access to grants, energy incentive programs,
specific redevelopment concepts, cost-saving plans, a potential PILOT agreement, and other financial
inducements.
We want this valuable, strategically located commercial property to be vibrant and profitable. I have outlined
the specifics of our efforts to support Shoppingtown, along with links to comparable comprehensive large-scale
mixed-use projects in other areas of the country, on pages 22-24.
Please read it over and pass the information on to friends, family, and neighbors. (Or go to:
http://www.townofdewitt.com/documents/news/gwB8rxjTO35W8xdphyg==.pdf)
I hope you and your family enjoy our town parks and trails over the spring and summer months. As always, my
door is open to your ideas, questions, or concerns; I sincerely value your partnership in continuing to build our
community.
Most sincerely,
Ed Michalenko, DeWitt Supervisor
P.S. Come and join our Town of DeWitt Earth Day Clean-Up on Saturday, April 27th, 9:00am until 12:00 noon,
see my “Notes” on page 6 for more information.
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SUPERVISOR’S NOTES
See the back cover of this newsletter about
our Carrier Park Partners Jim & Juli
Boeheim.
We are pleased and proud to honor the contributions
of Jim and Juli Boeheim as Carrier Park Partners on Why is Carrier Park “more that you think?”
the back cover of this newsletter. Our Carrier Park recreation facility is one of the
first fully integrated, fully handicap accessible
Jim and Juli have been strong supporters of our complexes in the CNY region, it’s also home of the
Carrier Park Recreation facility right from the start. Syracuse Challenger Baseball program.
Their commitment to the Town of DeWitt – and to
the broader community – is well-known and much Tournaments at Carrier Park help draw visitors to
admired. We sincerely appreciate their commitment our town’s 30+ hotels. Those hotels pay more than
to Carrier Park and to the community in which they $4 million in property taxes each year; DeWitt’s
live and have raised their family. hotels also contribute an added $3.5 million in room
occupancy taxes to Onondaga County; that’s more
It is concerned, committed citizens like Jim and Juli than half of the total room occupancy taxes
that make all the difference when it comes to truly collected for all of Onondaga County! Those tax
“building community” right here in the Town of dollars support the economic strength and stability
DeWitt. not only of our town, but of the greater community.
Please consider becoming a Carrier Park Partner. For more information go to:
Our $12.5 million state-of-the-art, all inclusive, http://carrierpark.org/story/ (Also, see pages 17-21
multi-sport recreation facility for children and & pages 25-26 for more information or to make a
adults, including those with special needs…needs donation.)
your partnership.
How can you support Carrier Park?
For more information about Carrier Park see
pages 17-21 of this newsletter. To learn more Our Carrier Park Sponsorship Program
about making a contribution, see pages 25-26 or, You, your business, your family, your church or
go to: http://carrierpark.org/story/ civic organization can purchase everything from
turf fields, pavilions and patios…to bleachers,
What’s happening at Carrier Park? benches and backstops. See more information on
This Spring and Summer we expect to move pages 25-26 of this newsletter, or go to:
forward with Phase 2 of Carrier Park. Phase 2 http://carrierpark.org/story/
includes the installation of a fully handicap To download a PDF: http://carrierpark.org/wp-
accessible playground, rehabilitation of the content/uploads/2018/09/Carrier-Park-Marketing-
basketball courts, and renovation to the pavilion Package-PDF.pdf
including a fully functioning kitchen and ADA
compliant restrooms. This phase is supported by a
grant from NYS Parks. We anticipate bidding the
project shortly after final review and approval from
NYS Parks. We will also be evaluating a marketing
feasibility study in order to guide future
development of the park.
5
Carrier Park Lawn Signs Earth Day Clean Up
You can show your support for our Carrier Park
recreation complex by purchasing a couple of
Carrier Park “more than you think” lawn signs. Just
$10, lawn signs are available at the Town Hall
Recreation Office, 2nd floor.
A sign on your front lawn – or at your business –
shows neighbors, colleagues, and passing motorists
you too are “building community” by supporting
Carrier Park; your contribution also supports future
development of the park. Environmental awareness - and responsibility - is
integral to “building community” in the Town of
East Syracuse Bottle & Can Return DeWitt. Our Earth Day Clean-up is one of our most
East Syracuse Bottle & Can Return, located on East popular annual events; it is always an enjoyable,
Manlius Street right next to the Thrifty Shopper, community-building event, and a great way for
just over the bridge in the Village of East Syracuse, neighbors from all different areas of the town to
will accept your returnables and donate the connect with one another “live and in-person.”
proceeds to Carrier Park, home of the Syracuse
Challenger Baseball program. Just ask for Account This year’s clean-up will be on Saturday, April
#22. 27th 2019, 9:00am until 12:00 noon. There will be
3 Clean-Up locations: 1.) Town Hall on Butternut
What happened to Shoppingtown? Drive, 2.) Robbie T’s on North Street in Jamesville,
What most people don’t know about Shoppingtown and 3.) the Village Deli on W. Manlius Street in
is that the Town has been persistently seeking to East Syracuse. As always, clean-up supplies and
partner with the mall’s owners to support the refreshments will be available at each site. And we
redevelopment of the property for several years. We thank Robbie T’s and the Village Deli for their
want this valuable, strategically located commercial partnership in helping us to clean-up our
property – like all of our commercial properties – to community!
be vibrant and profitable.
Be on the lookout for areas within your
To that end, we have offered Shoppingtown’s neighborhood, or any area within the Town, that
owners multiple, robust financial incentives: access may need some clean-up the end of this month.
to grants, energy incentive programs, specific
mixed-use development concepts, cost-saving plans, The Earth Day Clean Up is a great group
a potential PILOT agreement, and other financial event; consider bringing along your family, a
inducements to encourage them to rehabilitate – or group of friends, neighbors, your kids and some of
fully redevelop – the property. their friends, or a group of your business associates
to work together to clean-up the town. With so
I have outlined the specifics on pages 22-24, along much media, marketing, advertising, and
with links to comparable comprehensive large-scale technology inundating our daily lives, events like
mixed-use projects in other areas of the country. this really do connect us in worthwhile and
Please read it over and pass the information on to fulfilling ways.
friends, family, and neighbors.
As always, our sincere thanks to Dennis Payne,
You can also find this information on our website DACC Chair, who heads up this Earth Day event. If
at: you have questions, please contact Dennis at
http://www.townofdewitt.com/documents/news/gw (315)469-0565 or paynedennis1@gmail.com
B8rxjTO35W8xdphyg==.pdf
6
Elevating Erie & NYS Empire State Trail traffic lanes on Erie Blvd; traffic studies conducted
conclusively determined that reducing traffic lanes
from Thompson Road to Bridge Street will not
negatively impact traffic flow.
Elevating Erie would not be possible without the
hard work and commitment of our own Sam
Gordon, Director of Town of DeWitt Planning,
Zoning & Sustainability, his staff, and a host of
community and business “partners.”
See the inside front cover of this newsletter for
We are excited to announce the first phase of more information about Elevating Erie and this
Elevating Erie is set to begin this year! In year’s construction plans, or go to:
conjunction with the development of the NYS Elevating Erie
Empire State Trail, construction will begin on key Video: http://www.elevatingerie.com/spanning-the-
facets of Elevating Erie right here in DeWitt. gap-video
Empire State
We are pleased and proud of our Elevating Erie Trail: https://www.ny.gov/programs/empire-state-
project; it’s “building community” in ways that not trail
only will add to our quality of life right here in
DeWitt, but will also provide economic Also: Elevating Erie will be a featured session at
development opportunities for our community, the 2019 International Trails Symposium and
neighboring communities, tourism, business, and Training Institute - American, April 28th-May 1st at
the environment. the Oncenter. Our own Sam Gordon will be
presenting a session on the Elevating Erie project on
New York State’s Empire State Trail (EST) project Monday, April 29th at 7:00 am.
will invest $20 million in the Erie Boulevard East
corridor between South Beech Street in Syracuse Town of DeWitt Police Officer of the Year
and Bridge Street in DeWitt; it is the single largest Award
allocation of funds state-wide. Erie Boulevard East
in DeWitt, from Thompson Road to Bridge Street,
is the centerpiece – and signature investment – of
the EST project.
From Bridge Street - and the proposed Widewaters
Pond Park - the trail will follow Towpath Road
between Celi Drive (formerly the Uncle Sam’s and
Suburban Park nightclubs) and Kinne Road.
Construction is expected to begin this year and will
include a multi-use, landscaped
trail/bikeway/greenspace in the center median of
Erie Blvd., a walking and bike path along the length
of Towpath, and a new bicycle/pedestrian bridge
over I-481 that will connect Butternut Drive to our The Town of DeWitt Police Department recently
Ryder and Butternut Creek Canal Parks and the Erie awarded Officer Jeffrey Conrad “Police Officer of
Canalway Trails. We anticipate construction to be the Year.” Officer Conrad was recognized for his
completed by the Fall of 2020. personification of the “professionalism and
dedication” to law enforcement that the award
In order to accommodate the new landscaped center represents. In addition to his daily duties, and his
median, there will be a reduction in the number of
7
responsibilities as evidence custodian officer, consumption; we anticipate saving approximately
Conrad was pivotal in the investigation and $2 million in energy costs over the life of the
apprehension of the suspect – in less than 24 hours - project, with a carbon savings of 2605 metric tons
in the double-murder and robbery at Chili’s of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). This equates
Restaurant in DeWitt in September of last year. to taking 510 automobiles off the road per year.
Also recognized for their exceptional work on the For more information, go to:
Chili’s case were officers Lt. Christopher Fuller, Lt. http://www.townofdewitt.com/Solar.aspx
Brenton White, Sgt. Shane Spencer, Inv. Lucas
Byron, and two entities from the New York State Zombie Homes Update
Police: New York State Police Troop D Bureau of The Town Board makes it a policy to take pro-
Criminal Investigations (BCI), and the New York active action to reach out to the owners of vacant
State Police Central Special Operations Response and abandoned properties throughout our
Team (S.O.R.T). community. So, as of the first of this year we have
sent out letters to approximately 50 property owners
I want to personally acknowledge our own officers, of abandoned and/or neglected properties
and also extend a thank you to the NYS Police for throughout the Town offering them assistance with
their partnership on the Chili’s case. Though it’s not next steps to either dispose of - or rehabilitate - their
often recognized, our Town of DeWitt Police Dept. properties.
is one of the most highly trained, dedicated, and
professional departments in New York State. They If homeowners are unwilling or unable to renovate
are an ever-present and vital part of “building their properties, the Town can step in to pursue
community” in the Town of DeWitt. acquisition of those homes and work with the
Central New York Landbank to rehabilitate them;
Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville the CNY Landbank restores, repairs, and sells the
Sidewalks home, and then reimburses the Town for any
The Town will be installing sidewalks that extend expenses incurred throughout the process. DeWitt is
along Jamesville Road to the Community Library of one of the few municipalities in the area with such
DeWitt & Jamesville this Summer. We expect the an active - and successful - Zombie Homes
project to be completed in the Fall. program.
Our office of Planning and Zoning continually
monitors vacant and neglected properties
throughout the town; we recognize abandoned and
neglected properties can negatively impact
neighborhood property values, as well as the
aesthetics of streets and neighborhoods. If you have
an abandoned property in your neighborhood,
please contact the Planning and Zoning Dept. at
(315) 446-3910, ext. 3.
Mixed-Use Development Update
Solar Farm Update In November of last year, the Town Board voted to
As reported late last year, the Town has entered into approve the application of a mixed-use overlay to a
a power purchase agreement with RER Energy to property on Bridge Street. The property, most
erect an approximate 2 Megawatt solar array on the recently “Mixers Grill,” and prior to that
site of the former town landfill. The project is slated “Carmella’s” restaurant, is expected to be
to begin construction this Spring. redeveloped into a mixed-use complex that will
include 41 residential units on the three upper
The energy produced by the Solar Farm will stories, with 17,000 square feet of retail space and
significantly offset our municipal energy approximately 2,000 square feet of office space
8
below. The site plan is being finalized at this time Research and Development Authority
and approval is expected this Spring or early (NYSERDA).
Summer.
NYSERDA also provided the grant funds for the 3
Deer Management Update double-port Level 2 Chargepoint electric vehicle
Our Deer Management program for 2018-2019 charging stations that are now fully installed in the
closed as of March 1st of this year. We expect to parking lot of Town Hall. Two charging stations,
release the report detailing this year’s operation by able to charge up to 4 cars, are available for the
early Summer. public, with one additional charging station to be
used for the town’s 2 Chevy Volt electric cars when
Deer Management safety reminders for the months they arrive.
of Dec. 2019 through March 2020:
1.) Town parks are closed from dusk until dawn. Also, thanks to a grant from DEC, we expect to
2.) Make sure you have current permission from a install 3 additional charging stations for public use
property owner before entering private property, at our Carrier Park recreation facility this Spring;
especially after dark and before dawn during the these charging stations will charge up to 6 vehicles.
Winter months; some properties could be
participants in the deer management program and For more information, go to:
thus unsafe. http://www.townofdewitt.com/ElectricVehicleChar
3.) If you are a property owner interested in gingStations.aspx
participating in the 2020 deer management efforts,
please contact Christine Manchester Butternut Creek Trail Update
at cmanchester@townofdewitt.com
Also, for more information, go to:
http://www.townofdewitt.com/WhiteTailedDeer.asp
x
Electric Cars & Electric Car Charging
Stations Update
The fishing platform on the bank of Butternut Creek
near the Kinne Road Bridge was completed late last
First, our sincere thanks to both NYSERDA and the year and the platform, for visitors and residents, is
DEC for allowing us to offer energy-smart fully handicap accessible. The trail leading to the
alternatives to the public, and for supporting our fishing platform is being paved this Spring and will
“in-house” efforts to conserve energy and save also be handicap accessible.
taxpayer dollars on our municipal vehicles.
Also this Spring, our Parks work crews will be
We expect delivery of two Chevy Volt electric cars completing repairs to the boardwalk at the head of
for conducting town business in April or May the Butternut Creek trail. A big thank you to our
thanks to a grant from the New York State Energy Town Parks work crews for their great work on
these projects.
9
miles of road and repaired or rebuilt over 120 catch
For more information about our Butternut Creek basins. We continued to upgrade street signs and
Trail go to: traffic signs in neighborhoods. Yard and Garden
http://www.townofdewitt.com/ButternutCreekRecre pick up services will start in April, and we will
ationandNatureTrail.aspx collect any remaining leaves right along with spring
debris. Please review and save the
Free Fruit Trees Follow Up! regulations/schedule which is included in this
The Free Fruit Tree program was a resounding Community Notes.
success! Thanks to our very supportive Town
Board, we are able to fill all orders received, Orange barrels and cones will be “sprouting” up
approximately 360 trees! Thank you to National very soon. For many, they are a sign of annoyance,
Grid for generously providing financial sponsorship others, a signal to hurry up. Infrastructure projects
for the program. Also, our sincere thanks to the benefit everyone and the individuals performing the
volunteers, residents, DeWitt Advisory work require as safe an environment as possible.
Conservation Committee, and DeWitt Tree You can assist by reducing speed, observing the
Committee members who are making this program traffic signs and flaggers whenever you’re in a
possible! construction zone.
If you missed this opportunity, we plan to offer this Rocco P. Conte
program, or a similar program, for Spring 2020.
Watch our Winter 2020 Newsletter for details. Electronic Recycling
Town sponsored electronic and metal recycling
event is April 27, 2019 at the Ted Marsh Highway
HIGHWAY Facility (5953 Butternut Drive). This event is held
in conjunction with OCRRA’s Earth Day and Town
Notes from Superintendent Conte: wide cleanup activities. For additional details, check
the Town or OCRRA website.
I am pleased to confirm the
receipt of a $100,000.00 SAM Street Sweeping
grant. This funding was initiated During the first month of brush and yard debris
by Senator John DeFrancisco collection, the sweepers/vacuums will follow the
prior to his retirement. The funds crews picking up material. This ensures the entire
will be used for a replacement Town gets a “clean sweep.” The Yard Waste
roof on the original pole barn, and the purchase and Schedule is included in this newsletter. The sweeper
installation of new overhead doors on the main may be a day or two behind the debris crew. If you
highway garage. At the March 11th Town Board do not have yard debris, but have accumulations of
meeting, the building contract was awarded to sand/salt on your property; simply rake or sweep the
Complete Construction Concepts, LLC. material onto the road edge and the sweepers will
Construction is anticipated to start April-May 2019. gather it during the scheduled week.
On behalf all the residents, I want to express my
sincere appreciation to the Senator for the funding, Asphalt Repairs
and to his staff for their expertise as we moved Permanent repair to asphalt caused by snowplowing
through the grant process. and water/sewer repair activities are completed
when the blacktop plants open. To report damage,
We are finally looking forward to warmer weather! call the Highway Department at (315) 437-8331
This winter has dealt us its fair share of cold and
snowy days, and we are ready to move on and start Lawn Repairs
spring clean-up. This means brush and debris Highway crews will be repairing damage to lawns
removal, filling in pot holes, road sweeping, and caused by town snowplowing and water/sewer
sign maintenance. Looking back on 2018, the repair activities. For the repair to be successful,
Highway Department repaved or resurfaced 17 please water the restored area. We do not repair
10property damage caused by private plows. Please do Cedar Bay Park
not tamper with orange cones or barrels. Located on Cedar Bay Road between Kinne Road
and North Burdick Street this park features Erie
Who picks up my household trash/recyclables? Canal Tow-Path access, fishing, restrooms, swings,
Butler Disposal: (315) 342-0832 grills and two picnic shelters. The large pavilion is
available to rent.
The Town highway does not pick up household
items left curbside. Contact Butler Disposal to DeWitt Community Room
arrange for removal of your unwanted items. Located at 148 Sanders Creek Parkway in East
Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to Syracuse, the Community Room is available to rent.
report issues with litter or accumulations of This facility features tables and chairs, speaker
household items curbside. system, 5 disc CD player, internet access,
restrooms, and dumpster and recycling bins on site.
Who fixes Potholes? Full kitchen is available to rent for an additional fee.
On Town streets, contact your Highway Department
(315) 437-8331. Jamesville Train Station
Located in the Jamesville Town Square on East
We do not maintain NYS or County roads. If you Seneca Turnpike in Jamesville, this space is perfect
have any concerns or complaints about a State or for small parties or meetings. It features a kitchen,
County road: two restrooms and a small meeting room.
New York State Roads (such as Erie Blvd, Genesee
St, Carrier Circle, 481 and 690 to name a few) can Maxwell Park
be reported to 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653). This 105-acre park is located on Badgley Road in
There is a complete listing of NYS roads, which are East Syracuse. It features three picnic shelters,
within Town of DeWitt, on the Town’s website. restrooms, two lighted softball fields, one lighted
football/soccer/lacrosse field, archery targets and
Onondaga County Roads (such as James St., horse shoe courts. The two larger pavilions and
Franklin Park Dr, Kirkville Rd and Jamesville Rd to fields are available to rent.
name a few) can be reported to (315) 435-5452.
There is a complete listing of Onondaga County Ryder Park
roads, which are within Town of DeWitt, on the This 12-acre park is located adjacent to the DeWitt
Town’s website. Town Hall on Butternut Drive. The park features
the James L. Guyette Arboretum, butterfly garden,
PARKS & FACILITIES bicycle and exercise trail, canoe launch into
Butternut Creek, fishing pond, picnic areas, grills,
playground, swings, picnic shelter and a pavilion
Reserve a park or facility for your 2019 event at the
with restrooms. The large pavilion is available for
Recreation Office! Rentals are done on a first come,
rent.
first serve basis. To check facility availability visit
townofdewitt.recdesk.com/Community/Facility
At the time of reservation, you will need a
completed rental form and full payment in the form
of cash, check made out to Town of DeWitt, or
credit card. Please note, that both the rental fee and
security deposit are due at the time of reservation.
*A service fee will be applied to all credit card
transactions.*
The following parks and facilities are available
to rent in 2019:
11PLANNING, ZONING, CODES 1st Offense: Resident(s) will receive a notice
specifying the type of infraction incurred;
& SUSTAINABILITY 2nd Offense: Results in a special collection rate of
$50/load charged to your taxes;
Subsequent Offense: Results in a special collection
rate of $100/load charged to your taxes.
Collection of woody material from plants and
shrubs begins the week of April 1st and continues
through October 21st. Leaf collection typically
occurs in November and December and is
completely weather dependent.
Spring is here! More than likely you are
beginning to spruce up your yard and start home
Projects requiring a Residential Building Permit
improvement projects. Here are some helpful (new or replacement) from the Planning and
hints from Code Enforcement to keep you in Zoning Department (Not an exhaustive list):
compliance and safe. Fences
Sheds
Spring Safety Checklist Decks
Visually inspect your roof and make sure Patios and walkways, such as new concrete
there are no loose shingles or other or paver installation
problems. Pools
Repair any broken basement windows Hot Tubs
Seal any holes in your foundation Solar Panels
Place lattice around the base of your deck Additions
(this helps deter wildlife) Alterations that include new windows or
Ensure the siding is secure door penetrations, gables, etc.
Mow your yard and trim trees NOTE: A residential building permit is NOT
(reference the Yard and Waste Schedule required when re-roofing your house.
before putting debris out to the curb) However, two layers of roofing material are
Make sure your house number is clearly the most allowed by the NYS Residential
visible on your mailbox or house. Code.
Yard and Garden Waste Details, Instructions, and Permit Applications can
The Yard and Garden Waste insert is found in the
be found here:
center of this Newsletter-please save it for future www.townofdewitt.com/PermittingCodeEnforceme
reference. It contains collection dates as well as nt.aspx
rules. It can also be accessed on our webpage at
www.townofdewitt.com/LeavesBrushYardWaste2.a A Highway Work Permit from the Highway
spx. Department is required for:
Driveways
Failure to comply with these rules creates a
Curb Cuts
nuisance, unsightly conditions to your property, and
Permits can be found here:
problems for people and infrastructure. Debris
www.townofdewitt.com/SidewalksDrivewaysCurbs
encroaching into the road, shoulder, curb, or
2.aspx
sidewalk causes hazards to motorists and
pedestrians. Debris that blocks infrastructure such
as storm drains, fire hydrants, and sewer vents can Tall Grass Complaints and Vacant Homes
The growing season is upon us. We greatly
result in utility damage and flooding.
appreciate you notifying us of vacant and unkempt
properties. We respond to every complaint and
encourage property owners to maintain their
12property. Additionally, we are continually o General: Allows the resident to place, three
evaluating and updating our inventory of derelict 32-gallon bags/containers or one large rolling
properties in DeWitt. We understand these tote*, and unlimited recyclables at the curb
properties are unsightly and have an impact on for pick up. *Totes can be rented from Butler
community pride and property values. We will Disposal-Call (315) 342-0832.
continue to do everything possible to get these o Full: Allows the resident to place, unlimited
properties maintained and viable. Please report bags or containers and unlimited recyclables
vacant and unkempt properties to (315) 446-3910 x at the curb for pick up.
3. o Off Curb: All Levels of Service except
stickers can be modified to allow the resident
Recreation Vehicles to leave bag(s) or container(s) and recycling
Recreational vehicles and boats are only allowed in bin(s) outside of their garage or at a
your driveway for 10 days in a calendar year or in designated pick-up area to be collected by the
the rear yard—must be within five feet of the hauler upon arrival.
principal dwelling and within the extended lines of
the sides of the residence. Please call us for further Change of Service Level: Homeowners can
explanation. change their Service Level on an annual basis.
For any change to be reflected on the following
Solid Waste Disposal year’s tax bill, the change form must be
The Town of DeWitt has a Town-wide refuse received by September of the current year. For
district contract with Butler Disposal for the weekly increases, the pro-rated amount for the
collection of residential household trash and remaining weeks in the year is paid by the
recyclables. The cost to each residential property homeowner by check or cash upon change
depends on the owner selected Service Level—the request. For decreases, it is recommended to
volume of trash to be picked up each week—and wait until the end of August to request the
paid annually through property taxes. change as we are unable to refund the
difference.
Visit http://www.townofdewitt.com/Garbage4.aspx
for rates and more detailed information. All levels New Homeowners: Existing Service Levels
of service come with unlimited recycling. OCRRA remain with the home after the sale of the
states this program has reduced the waste stream in property. New homeowners may change their
Onondaga County by over 60%. OCRRA’s Service Level after the closing is complete by
Recycling program offers full details on what is and contacting the Planning and Zoning Department.
is not recyclable
Bulk Items: Items such as furniture, appliances,
Blue Bins: For home recycling and can be air conditioners, bathroom fixtures, tires,
picked up any time at the Ted Marsh Highway building material, carpets, metals, etc are not
Facility at 5953 Butternut Drive, East Syracuse considered household trash and not included in
13057. They are located outside for your this service. Neither Butler Disposal nor the
convenience. Town of DeWitt Highway Department collects
these items. Contact Butler Disposal or any
Levels of Service other hauler for rates and to schedule a pick up.
o Stickers: (No hauler pick up). Resident places
stickers on bags and brings their own trash Stormwater Management
and recyclables to the Ley Creek location on Under Federal and State mandates, the Town is
7th North Street, until the Rock Cut Rd required to manage the volume and quality of
facility reopens. stomrwater that flows through our system. Routine
o Single: Allows the resident to place, one 32- property clean-ups help to ensure that stormwater
gallon bag/container and unlimited flows freely into storm grates without debris
recyclables at the curb for pick up. clogging the pipes, plus it keeps your
neighborhoods looking beautiful. In addition to the
13Towns program, OCRRA accepts yard and garden Plant a rain garden to slow the rate of
trimmings as well as food waste at the Amboy stormwater runoff.
location. For small amounts of waste, consider Use native plants. They require less
purchasing or building a home composting system. maintenance and rarely require pesticides or
Compost serves primarily as a soil conditioner, fertilizers.
whether it is spread in a layer on the soil surface or Plant a buffer strip along the shoreline of
dug in. Gardens regularly amended with compost lakes, rivers, or streams to slow the volume
are better able to hold air and water, drain more of stormwater, runoff, absorb excess
efficiently, and contain nutrients the plants need. nutrients, and reduce soil erosion.
Check out this flyer for Easy Home Composting:
www.townofdewitt.com/documents/859.pdf. The law applies to the use of phosphorous fertilizer
that has more than 0.67% phosphorous by weight
New York State Law Restricts the Use of Lawn and includes organic phosphorous fertilizer. The
Fertilizer provision does not apply to agricultural fertilizer or
According to the NYSDEC over 100 waterbodies in fertilizer for gardens.
New York State are impaired due to high levels of
phosphorous. Many lawn fertilizers contain Scoop the Poop and Don’t Feed the Fowl
phosphorus—an essential nutrient for plant growth. As mentioned above, everything that enters storm
During rain events and spring snowmelt, runoff grates in DeWitt, drains directly into creeks and
picks up and transports the excess nutrients through other water bodies. Stormwater does not go to a
storm grates, creeks and tributaries into ponds and treatment facility. Animal waste contains
lakes. Once in waterbodies, the accumulated phosphorous and pathogens, both of which degrade
phosphorous levels are too high causing poor water water quality for people and aquatic life. Dispose of
quality conditions for people and aquatic life. pet waste in the trash and never throw it in storm
grates, ditches, or any other waterbody.
Choose a lawn fertilizer that does not contain
phosphorous. Feeding waterfowl (geese and ducks) is enjoyable
o The use of phosphorous lawn fertilizer is but it causes them to gather in unnaturally high
prohibited unless establishing a new concentrations, leading to large amounts of waste
lawn or a soil test shows that the lawn is entering our local waters. Furthermore, excessive
deficient in phosphorous. bread, chips, and corn can cause long-term health
The application of lawn fertilizer containing problems because it lacks adequate nutrition.
nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium is
prohibited between December 1st and April A Word from the Tree Committee
1st.
Give trees in your landscape a Healthy Start this
Tips: Spring
Test your soil before applying fertilizer Why do we mulch trees? Hopefully, tree health tops
(inexpensive kits available commercially) the list but where does aesthetics fit in? How do we
Never apply fertilizer before a rain storm. maintain this delicate balance between tree health
Pick up after your pet. Pet waste contains and personal preference?
phosphorous that can be transported by
stormwater runoff. Whether you hire a professional landscaper or are
Never dispose of pet waste in storm drains an avid do-it-yourselfer the wheel barrows, lawn
or ditches. mowers, and rakes are replacing the snowplows,
Mow your lawn at regular intervals. Leave shovels, and ice chippers. This is a perfect
grass clippings on the lawn and use a opportunity to talk about the unhealthy volcano
compost pile for excess yard waste. mulching practices admired by many. While this
Cover excess mulch and soil to prevent practice has recently gained traction in the north,
erosion during rain events. the excess mulch is not only expensive it invariable
14leads to health problems for your tree. It usually
takes a couple of seasons to see the decline, but it
happens relatively fast.
The key to proper mulching is to go wide, not deep.
Organic mulch layered 2”-4” deep in a broad circle
is recommended as is maintaining good clearance
from the trunk – it has to breathe, too! As for
diameter? For a 2” caliper tree, the circle can easily Tree Care and More
be 6’ wide. That’s a lot less lawn to mow! Tuesday, May 7th
5:00pm – Dark
We’re getting on the band wagon, too, as the
DeWitt Tree Committee adopted the trees at the We are looking for volunteers to join us at the
DeWitt Fire Station three years ago. The trees on DeWitt Fire Station on Genesee Street to give the
the site were beginning to show signs of stress and trees some love. The DeWitt Tree Committee
decline from several years of improper mulching. adopted the trees a couple of years ago and have
The Tree Committee got to work removing the been watching their progress. Park and meet in
years of excess mulch. With a little remedial parking lot on Wellington Rd, directly behind the
pruning in the crowns and roots, the site is just as Tops Xpress Fuel (please do not park at the Fire
well-groomed and manicured as before and the trees Department itself.) We will prune, mulch, and care
are happy again! for the trees on the site. This is a family friendly
event; helpers of all ages welcome! Dress
The Town of DeWitt Tree Committee and staff comfortably and for the weather. Bring garden
appreciate all the professionals and do-it-yourselfers gloves and water to drink. You can also bring a pair
in our community that keep our green spaces green of sharp bypass pruners, loppers, and/or a hand saw.
and beautiful. Please RSVP to cmanchester@townofdewitt.com or
aroesgen@gmail.com.
The Tree Committee is looking for motivated
individuals to join them in either an official capacity Volunteer Opportunity
or as a volunteer. The Tree Committee meets Our FREE fruit tree program was a smashing
formally the first Tuesday of every month at the success. We are looking for volunteers--16 years of
DeWitt Fire House in the small meeting room at age and older--to help sort and distribute 380 bare
7:00 pm. For more information contact Ann Stevens root trees in Ryder Park (DeWitt Town Hall). Don’t
at aroesgen@gmail.com. be shy; we have tasks for everybody. I am looking
for volunteers for Friday, April 12th from 4pm-6pm
Earth Events and Saturday, April 13th from 8:30am-6:30pm. If
interested in helping out (even for a short period of
Wake up the Butterfly Garden time), please contact
Saturday, May 4th cmanchester@townofdewitt.com or (315) 446-3910
9:00am – 12:00pm x137.
We are challenging volunteers to continue to Public Tree Inventory
revitalize the Butterfly Garden! Meet at Galster Thanks to a grant from the NYS Department of
Pavilion. Volunteers will be divided into groups. Conservation, the Town hired a professional
Tasks include weeding, planting, mulching, and consultant in 2015 to collect information on the
pruning. Tree lovers will be sent out to prune and Town’s publicly owned trees. Data such as
remove stakes on young trees. Please RSVP to condition, size, species, and GPS coordinates were
cmanchester@townofdewitt.com for more recorded and entered into a data management
information. system. This information has significantly helped
the Town to address the maintenance needs of the
trees growing on the public right-of-way thus
15reducing the risk to the public. The Town was The second charity was Sgt. Ken Hatter of the
awarded another grant in 2018 to continue this Town of Manlius Police Department. Ken was
work. We will begin collecting information on diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was
streets we were unable to inventory in 2015 and we in need of a bone marrow transplant. A donation
will reinventory specific communities where was made to him and his family to offset medical
aggressive planting has occurred. Much of this data costs, travel expenses for treatment, etc.
will be collected by volunteers being led by highly Members thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to
trained Team Leaders. We anticipate beginning provide these donations.
efforts in the summer of 2019 and finishing by the
fall of 2020. If you are interested in participating in
this effort, please contact (315) 446-3910 x137 or TOWN BOARD
cmanchester@townofdewitt.com. Members
Edward Michalenko, Supervisor
POLICE Joe Chiarenza
Karen Docter
Jack Dooling
The Town of Dewitt Participated in “No-Shave
Kerry Mannion
November.” Members of the department donated
Kerin Rigney
$50.00 each to participate in the event. Male
Sam Young
officers were allowed to maintain neatly trimmed
beards, and female officers were allowed to have
Meetings
blue nail polish and wear blue hair accessories.
The DeWitt Town Board meets the second and
Through donations, and support of the Dewitt
fourth Mondays of each month at 7:00pm in the
Police Benevolent Association, the cause raised
DeWitt Town Hall, located at 5400 Butternut Drive,
approximately $2500.00 which was dispersed to
East Syracuse. Board meetings are open to the
two different charities.
public. We welcome interested residents.
The first charity was Joseph’s Experience, a
charitable corporation that enhances the quality of
life for children and people who are affected by FOOD SENSE
severe medical conditions such as Cancer. The aim Food Sense is a money saving program offered to
to provide services which include community ANYONE and EVERYONE who likes saving
support, outdoor activities, and retreats. Also, on money on groceries! New menus are available
March 30, members of the Police Department will every month, and can be found online at:
be participating in a charity basketball game that www.townofdewitt.com/Food$en$e.aspx
Joseph’s Experience holds every year at Clinton
High School in Clinton, NY. May menu coming soon!
May Order Deadline: Friday, May 10
May Pick-Up Date: Wednesday, May 22
Orders must be placed in person at the Recreation
Office. Payment in the form of cash or EBT is
due at that time.
For more information contact the Recreation
Office at (315) 446-3910 x 9 or visit:
www.townofdewitt.com/Food$en$e.aspx
16Carrier Park
Willis Carrier Park is a $12.5 million state-of-the-art, all inclusive, multi-sport facility for
children and adults, including those with special needs. One of the first fully integrated,
fully handicap accessible outdoor complexes in the CNY region, it is also home of the
Syracuse Challenger Baseball program, the local division of Little League for children and
young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Conveniently located in the
northern corridor of DeWitt, right off the NYS Thruway, next to the Carrier campus off
Thompson Road and Kinne Street, the park sits on 20+ acres of land generously donated to
the Town of DeWitt by Carrier Corporation.
The completed design of the park includes up to 9 championship tournament quality fields,
including 2 dynamically designed super turf fields which can be utilized for baseball,
softball, lacrosse, soccer, football, field hockey, and other special events. Basketball courts,
batting cages, an all-inclusive special needs playground, and a walking trail are also
planned.
May 2016 marked the official unveiling of Phase 1 of Carrier Park with 2 completed playing
fields, a beautiful state-of-the-art entry plaza and gateway building, walkways, concession
and concession patios, extensive parking, and utility infrastructure. Phase 2 of construction
will include adding infield turf to the 2 completed baseball fields, renovations to the
pavilion including ADA compliant restrooms, completion of basketball courts and batting
cages, and installation of an all-inclusive, cutting edge playground.
(continued on next page)
17The Town of DeWitt has worked closely in partnership with the Friends of DeWitt Parks and
Recreation, Inc. and Syracuse Challenger Baseball Inc. to develop Carrier Park. Both of these
organizations have been instrumental in soliciting and securing generous contributions from
foundations, corporations, local businesses, individuals, and families. The Town of
Dewitt has also been successful in obtaining multiple grants from state and local agencies to
support various components of the project.
For more information about Carrier Park, please email: supervisor@townofdewitt.com or call
(315) 446-3910 x 5.
18Why is Carrier Park important to you? Your family? CNY businesses?
Carrier Park is a positive, proactive economic development “engine” that’s providing
economic strength, stability, and security for Town of DeWitt residents and businesses while
also enhancing the quality of life and economic growth of Onondaga County and the Greater
Central New York region. Here’s how:
Carrier Park is a state-of-the-art, multi- Of the $6 to $7 million Onondaga County
sport outdoor recreational facility collects in room occupancy taxes for the
serving adults and children all across entire county, town of DeWitt hotels
the Central New York region. contribute $3 to $3.5 million!
Carrier Park also provides a “Field of That means the town of DeWitt pays
Dreams” for special needs children, half of the total room occupancy taxes
young adults, and their families through for the entire county; our county hotel tax
the Syracuse Challenger Baseball dollars support not only DeWitt, but
Program. Onondaga County and the CNY region, too.
The park was made possible by the Carrier Park draws tournaments from all
extraordinarily generous donation of 20+ over CNY and is projected to provide
acres of land by Carrier Corporation and local businesses an additional $2.5
is located next to their Thompson Road million in economic activity (hotels, gas,
campus. food)…not including additional retail and
entertainment spending!
The park strengthens DeWitt’s
tax base; Carrier Park keeps our Carrier Park provides DeWitt residents a
30+ hotels occupied; those busy state-of-the-art park and recreation
hotels pay $4 million in property facility for adults and children, including
taxes each year. those with special needs; plus, the park
not only strengthens our tax base now,
That $4 million in property tax dollars but will continue to do so for many years
from DeWitt hotels provides $2 into the future.
million to local schools; $1.5 million to
Onondaga County, and $.5 million to Over the past 15+ years our tax base has
the Town of DeWitt. lost more than $100 million in assessed
value due to the exodus of many large
A strong tax base strengthens the manufacturing companies. DeWitt’s 30+
value of your home and makes DeWitt hotels are helping to compensate for
a highly desirable community for home that shortfall; Carrier Park tournaments
buyers, businesses, and corporations. and special events are helping to keep
those hotels busy.
19All this and we’ve just gotten started! As more of the park is completed, more
opportunities for economic growth and development are possible. Carrier Park is a
positive, powerful, productive partnership – government, taxpayers, business, and the
special needs community – that’s serving the economic growth and quality of life of the
residents of the Town of DeWitt DeWitt and families and businesses across CNY.
Please become a part of Carrier Park today and support the fiscal strength, stability,
and security of DeWitt and the Greater Central New York region now…and well into the
future.
20While creating economic strength, stability, and security for town of DeWitt residents has
been a driving force for the development of Carrier Park, what lay at the heart of the project is
the Syracuse Challenger Baseball program.
Challenger Baseball is a Little League division that provides children with physical and
developmental disabilities the opportunity to do something we all take for granted…play
baseball. The special needs children of Syracuse Challenger Baseball represent one of the
largest single districts of the Challenger Baseball program in the United States. However, until
2016 those kids and their families did not have a “home” for their extraordinary program.
In 2008, through a relationship dating back to their childhood, Town of DeWitt Supervisor Ed
Michalenko and Syracuse Challenger Executive Director Dom Cambareri came together and
the dream of a home for the Syracuse Challenger Baseball program was born.
The “Field of Dreams” at Carrier Park fulfills the vision to provide the Challenger program a
permanent home. Carrier Park is one of the first fully integrated, fully handicap accessible
multi-sport, outdoor recreational complexes in the Central New York Region. It’s an
extraordinary place where children and adults of all ages and abilities can play together.
Key to making the dream of Carrier Park a reality has been partnership…the Town of DeWitt,
Carrier Corporation, and Syracuse Challenger Baseball coming together to “build community.”
21A letter from Supervisor Edward M. Michalenko, Ph.D.
What happened to Shoppingtown?
Town residents, my neighbors, even people I run into on the street have been asking me,
“What happened to Shoppingtown?”
Most of you are aware, as the Destiny complex has expanded, suburban shopping centers in
and around the Syracuse area have declined. Yet this phenomenon is not unique; indoor
malls all across the country have suffered as on-line shopping has gathered greater market
share and big-box and brick and mortar sales have declined. In response, retailers have been
steadily relocating to strip malls where rents are significantly lower for a variety of reasons I
outline below.
As such, over the last several years Shoppingtown Mall has become less and less viable. As
reported in the media on October 9th of last year, the Onondaga County Legislature voted to
allow the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) to take over the
property if the owners: 1.) Failed to pay 25% of the now over $9 million total in back taxes
owed, and 2.) Agreed to enter into a 24-month payment plan for the balance.
Subsequently, Shoppingtown’s owners failed to pay the 25% of total back taxes ($1.94
million) required to maintain ownership, and they are presently in litigation with Onondaga
County.
What most people do not know however, is that for the last several years the Town of
DeWitt has persistently sought to partner with the mall’s owners to support the
redevelopment of the property; we want this valuable, strategically located commercial
property - like all of our commercial properties - to be vibrant and profitable.
To that end, we offered Shoppingtown’s owners multiple, robust financial incentives. We
pro-actively provided them with access to grants, energy incentive programs, specific
redevelopment concepts, cost-saving plans, a potential PILOT agreement, and other
financial inducements to encourage them to rehabilitate – or fully re-develop - the property.
22 Ideally, the Town would like to see Shoppingtown redeveloped as a mixed-use
complex; a combination retail, professional office, cultural, entertainment, food, and
living facility (including for seniors). The project would be similar to the mixed-use
properties listed below. *(See links to comparable large-scale mixed-use properties
around the country at the end of this letter.)
As part of the Town’s evolving Comprehensive Plan, the Town included
Shoppingtown in its mixed-use overlay district, thereby permitting mixed-use
development on the mall property.
As such, the Town offered Shopppingtown’s owners a $250,000 redevelopment
grant enabling them to select their own consultants and develop a comprehensive
market study and redevelopment plan…all for just $80,000 in matching funds.
The mall owners declined the offer.
The Town then agreed to split the match requirement and provide an additional
$40,000 to the owners for the grant.
Again, Shoppingtown’s owners declined to take advantage of the marketing grant.
We also developed several strategies to help Shoppingtown significantly remediate their
utility costs. As outlined above, indoor malls are declining due to the competition of on-
line sales. As such, indoor mall space has become cost prohibitive for retailers and
businesses due to the additional “common space” costs.
Most indoor mall space leases demand that renters not only pay their rent, but also bear
a portion of the cost of the mall’s “common spaces.”
“Common space” costs – heat, air conditioning, lighting, and also maintenance – for
indoor malls can be significant. This adds an extra financial burden for businesses and
retailers seeking to lease mall space. As a result, the tide favoring indoor malls has
turned; the current trend is to lease space/stores in strip malls. (This was
Shoppingtown’s original configuration when I was growing up in DeWitt.)
Given these market realities for indoor malls, we offered to support the owners of
Shoppingtown to enroll in a program with the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The NYSERDA program would have supported Shoppingtown to significantly reduce
their overall utility costs via re-working the mall’s heating, air conditioning, and
lighting with modern, high efficiency systems and roof-mounted solar panels.
We also presented owners with a plan to re-develop Shoppingtown as an indoor-
outdoor facility. An indoor-outdoor complex would have many of the advantages of
an indoor mall, but without the disadvantages of the high utility bills that come with
indoor space.
By raising the “greenhouse glass” over the hallways - allowing for open air exchange
- and converting store-front facades to exterior walls, visitors and shoppers would be
23You can also read
