syverud letter to miner

February 7, 20 14

Mayor Stephan ie A. Miner City of Syracuse, 203 C ity H all 233 E. W ashington St. Syracuse, N ew York 1320 2

Dear Mayor Miner:

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

I am writing in response to Deputy Commiss ioner Ben W alsh's invitation fo r me to appoint a representative to the task fo rce you recently announced that will "study a proposed stadium in the

C ity of Syracuse."

fu you know based on your meetings with and correspondence from the U niversity's consultant, Irwin Raij, within the past several months there was an opportunity to pursue a new multi-sport stadium in the C ity and community that would have included direct investment from the State, County, and the private secto r, including the U niversity. I was to ld that this opportunity likely would have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment in the C ity and comm u nity, along with potentially hundreds of new construction and other jobs.

Given recen t developments, alo ng with public indications from potential governmental partners who had previously expressed support, it has become clear to m e that that the momentum to arrive at a quick decision on this opportunity, along with the necessary funding to support it, has, at least for the time being, subsided . In addition , I know that you and others are seeking more inform ation regarding how this po tential opportunity would h ave benefitted the community.

In light of these developments, I have decided to reassess and undertake the U niversity's own internal analys is regarding the multiple options on cam pus for addressing the need to renovate or replace the Carrier Dome, which continues to be a key asset to the U niversity and region . I understand that your task fo rce will "study the impact any proposed new stadium would have on nearby n eighborhoods , municipal infrastructure, and economic development," and I appreciate it is your pu rview to do so. Also, as C hancellor, it is my purview to consider renovation or replacement of the Carrier D ome as it is a U niversity responsibility. Therefore, I feel the best course of action is fo r the U niversity and C ity to u ndertake these analyses separately, and commit to fu ture good fa ith conversations once both processes are complete. With this in mind, I appreciate Mr. W alsh 's offer , but will not be appointing a U niversity representative to the task

force.

CllANC l·: LLOR /\N I) PRESIDENT noo S. Crouse 1\ vcn uc I Crousc-1 lin cls I la ll . Suite 600 I Syracuse. New York 13244-21 30 I~ I :=i -44:l -2 23R / l<'ax: :1 1 ri-44:l<lriO:l

As your effort moves fo rward, I d o commit to make Mr. Raij available to task force members so he can share with them the details he h as given to you about the previously proposed stadium concept, and offer other relevant information about it that he may be able to provide. If you have any fu rther questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,