Syracuse Construction is Very Visible

One of the numerous construction sites in Syracuse

SYRACUSE- Construction can be seen in Syracuse at many locations. While that might frustrate drivers, there's no way to get around it.

The only good news commuters can hear is some of the projects are scheduled to be completed on time or even early. For example, constrcution foreman Joseph Lang was asked about the progress made on a steam pipe relocation on Comstock Avenue.

"It's due to be completed, 100% complete, by August 7th, but we expect to be completed two weeks early," Lang said.

However, the major state funded projects will take more time.

"In Central New York, we have a very compressed construction season when all work can be done. So, weather dictates a lot of what we can do and when we can do it," said Michelle Clark of the State Department of Transportation.

Interstate 690 eastbound and the Interstate 81 south bound ramp are closed for resurfacing and should be opened the third week of July.

"Sometime after the first week of July we'll be resurfacing I-690 by Teall Avenue and 481. That'll be a project that's a heavily travelled stretch of highway," Clark said.

The New York Department of Transportation has regular updates on its website.

NCC reporter Leigh Paynter's package can be seen by clicking below.

Hancock Airport Gets a Check-Up

Check-up occurs every 15 years

SYRACUSE- Hancock International Airport gets a check-up every 15 years. This year it's the runways that need some work.

"We will be rehabilitating the runway intersection. We will be rehabilitating a portion a portion of the taxi way in addition to some other projects," said Public Informational officer Chris Reale.

Hancock International Airport put in a bid to get funding from the Department of Transportation and the FAA to pay for the construction.

"It will be resurfaced, repaved, have new lighting and new signage," said Reale.

Today, the Common Council voted "yes" on funding the very expensive 63 million dollar project.

"It is a good thing both for the airport and for the area," Reale said.

Reale also says the project will start in August and should be done in 30 days.

NCC reporter Megan Rowls' package can be seen below by clicking on the link.

The Last Day of a Dying Dealership

The Lewis Goodman Chrysler dealership closes its doors


Syracuse, NY --The Lewis Goodman Chrysler dealership on West Genesee Street celebrated a bitter sweet anniversary. June 1st was the dealership's 50th anniversary, but today was its last day of operation.

Employees received a letter late May from corporate headquarters at Chrysler with bad news.

"They gave us three weeks to go," said service center manager Dana Kuhlman.

The dealership had a mere 21 days to sell all of its inventory including every car in the lot and every part that went along with those vehicles.

"It's the carpet out from underneath of you, you know, it was that sudden," said Kuhlman.

Since the letter was sent, Chrysler has cut all ties with Lewis Goodman. According to employees they can't even access the Chrysler corporate website.

Chrysler closed over 800 dealerships across the country. Part of the reason was due to poor product quality, but a frustrated Kuhlman said it's not Lewis Goodman's fault.

"We didn't build the cars. We're not the ones that sat down and designed them and said this is what we're going to sell."

For a look at what the last day was like for employees at Lewis Goodman, you can view N-C-C News Reporter Leigh Paterson's in-depth report below.

Fresh Fruit, Flowers and More from Farmers

Syracuse Farmer's Market Opens



Syracuse, NY --The Syracuse Downtown Farmer's Market opened this morning for its 35th season.

The market located in a city parking lot at South Salina and West Washington Streets boasted an abundance of food including lots of veggies, a variety of fruits and even donuts! Fresh flowers were also a popular item.

The market will be open every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. until October 14th.

"Beware of Dog"

Pit Bull Attacks on the Rise in Syracuse

A friendly Pit Bull Terrier chews on his toy at the Central New York SPCA on Malloy Road.

Syracuse, NY --Pit Bull attacks in the city are at an all-time high. Within the past six months, 19 bites have been reported to the city's dog control department. Police say that's double the number of attacks from all of last year.

"They are there for a specific purpose, said Lt. Joe Cecile of the Syracuse Police, "to attack anyone who comes to the house, including police."

N-C-C News Reporter Brittni Smallwood rode along with CNY SPCA investigator Officer Ross Areina on two reported Pit Bull cases.

Complaint One

At the first house on the West Side, anonymous callers complained of negligent owners allowing their Pit Bulls to run loose in an abandoned yard. Yet, officers were unable to find evidence of the animals posing any dangerous threats or running wild.

Complaint Two

At the second house, officers investigated owners who were allegedly using their Pit Bulls for dog fighting. However, after a thorough investigation the dogs were found to be in good health with no signs of animal cruelty.

The Strength of Pit Bulls

The American Pit Bull Terrier breed is known for its strength, protective nature and predatory instincts. An average adult male Pit Bull can weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. However, because of its powerful jaw structure, it is capable of pulling up to 2,000 pounds.

SPCA Director, Paul Morgan agreed that Pit Bulls are powerful animals. "I mean if you look at them, they're all muscle."

Dangerous Attack Dogs or Devoted Family Pets?
While many Pit Bull are raised to fight and attack, animal experts say they can make great family pets-- it all depends on how the dog is raised.

"I don't care what the animal is, if you're not training the animal or if you are training it to fight or to be an aggressive animal you're gonna have problems," said Morgan.

SPCA Officer Ross Areina agreed, "If you're a good owner and you do the right things and train them properly and get the right training for them, you can have a good dog."

Former SU Basketball Star Help Raise Money at Taco Bell

Syracuse, NY -- The Syracuse University all-time leader in three-point shots made, free throw percentage, and minutes played, was back in Syracuse on Sunday.

McNamara will be hosting two sessions of his basketball camp at Onondaga Community College this month.

Gerry McNamara was at the Taco Bell on Erie Boulevard on Sunday, helping to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse.

"It's to raise awareness and give money back to the club so the kids have someplace to go after school," said Laurie Fine, Director of the Syracuse branches of the Boys and Girls Club. "[McNamara has] brought so much to Syracuse and he gives back so much."

"I love being here and when you can be here for a good cause like the Boys and Girls Club is even better," McNamara said.

A five dollar donation got fans a basketball autographed by the former SU standout.

The money will be used for kids' lunches, summer programs and guest speakers.

McNamara graduated from Syracuse University in 2006. He won two Big East Championships and the 2003 National Championship.

He will be hosting two sessions of his three-day basketball camp at OCC beginning with the first session this Friday-Sunday. The second session will be next Friday-Sunday.

NCC's Chloe Sommers reported on the story and her video can be seen below.

State Takes Over Afflicted Housing Complex

Officials to relocate about 100 people

SYRACUSE- The state has been forced to take over two downtown Syracuse public housing buildings. The Harrison House and Townsend Tower were constructed in the 1970's to provide housing for less-fortunate families.

Low vacancy rates, crime and mounting debts are a few of the reasons the houses were shut down.

"I don't know what's going down, so most likely they'll let somebody know a specific spot that are going to put certain people in certain spots," said one resident.

The complexes currently owe more than $2 million in city and Onondaga County property taxes and almost $10 million in back mortgage payments.

The move comes as a relief to one resident.

"I never really liked the building anyway," said the resident.

Each building has approximately 200 units, only 40 of which are occupied. The state is asking the Syracuse Housing Authority to manage the complexes and start plans to move any remaining tenants.

NCC Reporter Sean Bell went to the Harrison House and the Townsend Tower to speak with residents about the relocation.