Reconnecting the City to Onondaga Lake
For Syracuse, the waterfront along Onondaga Lake and the Inner Harbor represents both a legacy and an opportunity. The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is focused on strengthening that connection, creating a clearer vision for how these areas can support recreation, economic activity, and everyday use for residents and visitors alike.
The effort is about more than planning. It is about making the waterfront more accessible, more connected, and more reflective of the communities it serves. Key priorities include improving public access, enhancing multi-modal transportation options, and supporting environmentally responsible development that brings new energy to the lakefront.
Building a Foundation for Thoughtful Growth
Our team is supporting the City by developing a detailed understanding of existing conditions across the waterfront. Through inventory and analysis of infrastructure, environmental features, and public assets, we are identifying opportunities to strengthen connections between neighborhoods, trail systems, and the shoreline.
A central focus is ensuring that improvements benefit a wide range of users. By prioritizing equitable access to recreational spaces and strengthening links between communities and the waterfront, the plan aims to create a more inclusive and connected public realm.
Turning Vision into Action
Beyond physical improvements, the program establishes a framework to guide future decision-making. Our team is preparing policies and regulatory recommendations that align with both local priorities and New York State’s Coastal Management Program, helping ensure that future development supports the long-term vision.
The result will be a practical roadmap that positions Syracuse to make the most of its waterfront, creating spaces that support community life, attract visitors, and contribute to a more resilient and vibrant city.