Community News

Mayor Billy Barlow delivered his 2020 State of the City Address during Monday evening’s Common Council meeting, announcing upcoming projects, goals for 2020 and unveiling several different proposals that he’ll be bringing before the Common Council for discussion in the coming months.

During the address, Barlow discussed the upcoming waterfront projects to improve Wright’s Landing Marina, resiliency and economic development projects as part of New York State’s REDI program, announced construction of a $17 million housing development on Oswego’s east side as part of Oswego’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and elaborated on the opportunity to build on recent success to keep the Oswego community progressing forward.

“The last four years have been filled with accomplishments and undeniable progress, and it is our responsibility to carry the momentum for another four years, building on our work and compounding our success. We must do this while confronting our remaining challenges head on. Tonight I’ll discuss the agenda that I believe will move this community forward, building on our successes, set our goals for 2020 and lay the ground work to tackle those challenges,” Barlow said.

Mayor Barlow’s 2020 State of the City announcements and proposals

Capitalizing on our Waterfront

• Fuel availability coming to Wright’s Landing Marina for public boating community
• Opening of a boater access center, including kiosks, welcome room, ADA bathrooms
• Renovation of existing restroom facilities, including full ADA access
• $12.6 million Wright’s Landing & International Pier REDI projects to begin in July
• New Lakeside Park and small boat ramp coming to East 10 ½ Street

Open for Business

• Reduce cost of all building permits and permitting fees by 50%
• Pass “Wage Theft Prevention” legislation to prevent wage theft on large construction projects, ensure workers are treated fairly and paid properly
• Re-vamp plumbing and electrical licensing process for more transparency, fairness

Investing in Law Enforcement

• Create Neighborhood Engagement Team, permanently assigning officers to community patrols
• Add another investigator position to meet NYS “Bail Reform” requirements
• Immediate $10,000 increase in funding contribution to Oswego County Drug Task Force
• Funding for an additional K-9 Unit
• Apply for Community Policing grant for two more positions to be assigned to Drug Task Force and Neighborhood Engagement Team for more community patrols

Protecting our Neighborhoods

• Launch city organized community-wide clean up program in neighborhoods
• Eliminate use of plywood for boarding of windows, doors and other code violations
• Prohibit “For Rent” signs from residential neighborhoods
• Make city property sale process permanent

Improving our Parks

• Renovate Shapiro Park Street Hockey Rink, re-name and dedicate to Jack R. Bobbett
• Bring an interactive building mural next to new Water Street Square Pocket Park

Mayor Barlow thanked his department heads, city employees and city residents for their hard work and support for the last four years and insisted much work remains to be done in the coming years. “We accomplished a lot in our first term together, but we will not stop, we will not slow down. There is no doubt this is a crucial time in our history and we must take full advantage, make the most of our opportunity and maximize results. The City of Oswego has limitless potential and we are unlocking more of that potential each and every day,” Barlow said.