Bathhouse, new homes top list for Syracuse 2021

SYRACUSE - The City of Syracuse had an exciting and active 2021 with the completion of the new bathhouse at the Aqua Center, the start of the Water Supply Improvement project along Highway 50, the growth of new businesses and the construction of houses in the Zahn Meadows Subdivision.  

 

The City began construction of the new bathhouse in March and held a grand opening on June 28th. The construction of the bathhouse was made possible due to the efforts of the Build a Bathhouse Committee members who spent countless hours raising money for the new bathhouse.

The Parks and Recreation Department assisted with the finishing touches to ensure the bathhouse was ready for the grand opening at the end of June. The bathhouse was designed by Jarred Meyer of JEO and constructed by Scheele-Kayton Construction, LLC. 

On April 14th, the City Council approved a contract with Van Kirk Bros. for a Water Supply Improvement Project.
The contract was approved to allow Van Kirk to begin construction of the new well and transmission main for the City’s water supply along Highway 50.
As of December 2021, the water main from 8th street to 11th street has been placed into service and Van Kirk has constructed the chemical feed building and well buildings. The Public Works Department has provided significant support for this project. Tim Adams and Dane Simonsen of JEO are the engineers overseeing the project.

The Hope Garden Committee presented to the City Council in July with a plan for the empty lot on the corner of 6th Street and Midland Street. The City Council approved the plan and the committee began work, with the help of the Parks & Recreation Department, to beautify the lot with mulch, shrubs and trees. Kreifels Concrete poured a stamped patio which will be finished with a pergola and bistro tables in the Spring of 2022.

 

As a member of the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD), the city received assistance in applying for a Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF) award and in September, received news that the city was awarded $567,000 for Owner Occupied Housing Rehab projects. SENDD will oversee the administration of projects and SENDD intends to have applications for the projects available beginning in January of 2022. The city will release information on the application process as soon as it is available. 

SENDD further assisted the city in creating a partnership with the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Community and Regional Planning Program at the College of Architecture, to develop a Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Plan.
The UNL students made a trip to Syracuse in September for data collection and a meeting with stakeholders. In November, the students made a presentation to a room full of community members at the Syracuse Public Library.
The DTR Plan was finalized and submitted to the City in December. The DTR Plan will be used to apply for funds from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to enhance appeal to downtown Syracuse. 

The City Council approved the purchase of real property located at 1579 Midland Street for the intended purpose of a new fire and rescue building. The next steps for this project will include pursuing funding and designing the new building.

In the final months of 2021, the City approved a contract with Van Kirk Bros. for a gravity sewer connection and removal of the 17th street lift station. Justin Stark, City Engineer with Olsson, is overseeing the project and the intended completion will be in April 2022.

The City of Syracuse had a successful year thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Mayor, City Council, City Engineer, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Administrator, Public Works Superintendent, Parks & Recreation Director, Library Director, Building & Zoning Inspector, Planning Commission, Library Board, Fire Department, Rescue Squad and City employees.