Syracuse common council recognizes community leaders for service
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The Syracuse Common Council unanimously voted to approve a resolution recognizing the work of the late Mark Cass, former leader of Syracuse’s Northside Learning Center during its Monday regular meeting.
Councilor Marino Nave proposed the resolution after Cass died unexpectedly two weeks ago at 68-years-old. Cass’ work at the Northside Learning Center consisted of English language support, mentorship and providing resources to immigrant and refugee families, according to the meeting’s agenda.
Cass also served as a volunteer, board member and later executive director for the center, Nave said. After the resolution was passed, the councilors gave the recognition a standing ovation.
“Mark Cass was a longtime Northside community leader, an advocate who dedicated himself to supporting residents from diverse backgrounds and strengthening connections throughout the neighborhood,” Nave said.
In addition to the resolution, Councilor Chol Majok initially proposed the installation of an honorary street sign reading “Mark Cass Way.” However, he held the proposal at the request of Cass’ family and friends.
“Now therefore, be it resolved that the Syracuse Common Council..do hereby recognize and applaud Mark Cass for his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the Northside Learning Center, the Northside community and Syracuse’s New American community and the city as a whole,” Nave said.
Another street sign designation was unanimously passed for Father James Matthews’ over 35 years of service to St. Lucy’s Church near the Westside neighborhood, according to the meeting’s agenda. The 400 block of Gifford Street will now be renamed “Fr. Jim’s Way” to honor his work following Matthews’ retirement.
Once the designation was passed, it also received a standing ovation. The sign will be up for a year following its installation then will be given to his family, according to the meeting agenda.
“Father James has fostered a welcoming and compassionate parish community where people from all backgrounds are embraced with kindness, dignity and respect,” according to the meeting’s agenda. “He became an integral part of Gifford Street neighborhood, responding to the needs of residents, providing comfort to families during illness and loss, offering financial and social assistance to those experiencing hardship and extending his ministry to anyone in need regardless of their ethnic or religious background.”
Other Business:
- The council approved an agreement with LeadsOnline for a NightHawk subscription, an “investigative tool” for the Syracuse Police Department. NightHawk fuses “calls, texts, social media, ALPR, gunshot detection and device extractions” onto one map and timeline for investigators, according to LeadsOnline’s website.
- The council authorized a fire department rehabilitation and repair program for structural improvements to the fire stations, including internal and external upgrades.
- The council approved a $750,000 agreement with the Greater Syracuse Land Bank to support efforts to address vacant properties.
