Posted by Dan Cummings - Albany politics aside, it now appears that real state money may finally flow into Syracuse and launch a number of strategic economic development projects.  I covered Governor Spitzer's announcement today at Syracuse University and he told me all of these projects will move forward at "warp speed."  Now, when it comes to state-funded projects, that kind of speed might be translated as "in a matter of weeks, or months."   But given the potential impact of the work to be done, that's still pretty fast. 
 
The Governor's to-do list:  a new Convention Center parking garage where the Public Safety Building now sits (police, fire and sheriff's personnel would move to a new location...the mayor's looking at the old phone company building on Washington Street); a makeover for the 300 block of South Salina; the Connective Corridor linking SU and downtown; replacing the last eyesore in lower Franklin Square with more apartments and offices; and the near-West-side initiative.  30 million dollars in all. 
 
Now, I realize you CAN'T put Albany politics aside:  the Republican-controlled State Senate must yet agree to all of this.  But assuming it does, is it FINALLY time to get truly excited about the city's future?  What do you think?  Can these projects help the urban core of Syracuse turn the page into the 21-st century?
 
And, let us know YOUR to-do list. Maybe it's a wish list for now.  But what else would YOU like to see happen downtown to "bring back the 'Cuse."