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Blueprint 15, a Syracuse-based nonprofit working to revitalize the East Adams neighborhood, has suspended its development of the Child Rising Center after failing to meet several funding deadlines.

The center, originally expected to open later this year with educational space and childcare facilities for 112 children, now faces an uncertain future. In a Monday release, the Syracuse Housing Authority expressed disappointment, alleging the project’s struggles stemmed from Blueprint 15’s shortcomings, not from SHA and the city officials who had worked to accelerate it.

SHA also claimed it hadn’t missed any deadlines for the project, saying the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development was on track to approve the site transfer from SHA to the city, allowing construction to begin.

The funding deadlines Blueprint 15 missed were self-imposed, SHA stated. The housing association urged the nonprofit to apply for additional funding to meet its deadlines, which it said would likely be approved by the community due to the project’s “widely recognized importance.”

Blueprint 15 blamed SHA for missing its funding deadline and said the setback led to the denial of its tax credit request, CNY Central reported. The tax credit would’ve covered the remaining cost of the project, the group said.

SHA said the project could’ve started construction earlier if Blueprint 15 hadn’t requested several changes to the building plans. Blueprint 15 moved the children’s center from Phase 3 to Phase 1 of the East Adams project, accelerating its development but requiring the housing authority to relocate families living on the site earlier than planned, SHA said.

Blueprint 15 alleged the request slowed the approval process because the HUD application had to be amended.

In the release, SHA highlighted its experience with other development projects that required similar funding packages and regulatory approval from government agencies. It opened the Freedom Commons building in 2018, and in Dec. 2024 agreed to a $106 million redevelopment deal of the Almus Olver Towers. SHA said the team that closed the Almus Olver Towers deal is “largely” the same team working on the East Adams project.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh called the project’s shortcomings concerning and expects SHA to take responsibility for the delayed timeline, CNY Central reported. Walsh’s administration confirmed it is working with the Common Council to advance the land transfer while awaiting further action by SHA.

Bill Simmons, executive director of SHA and a member of the Blueprint 15 board, said he believes the board is at fault and should revise its proposals. Despite the setback, Simmons said he believes the two groups can find a common ground and resume work on the center.

There is not yet a timeline of when the project will resume.

Published on February 10, 2025 at 11:50 pm

Contact Henry: hdaley@syr.edu