The Near Westside

This afternoon, we attended an event on the Near Westside. There is an initiative going on, to clean up that part of the city. They're calling the area the "Salt District". Old dilapidated buildings are being rebuilt or renovated and new businesses and families are moving into the area. They're combining arts, technology and literacy together to revitalize this neighborhood.

In 2 years from now, WCNY will be moving to the Near Westside. To the building behind this group of people. (I'm in there somewhere, in one of the blue shirts...) Part of today's festivities were about the group "ProLiteracy" moving into this building. They're going to be on the first floor.

The Mayor of Syracuse was even on hand at the event.

As was Senator John DeFrancisco.

This is Ruth Colvin. She founded the ProLiteracy campaign in America, which actually started right here in Syracuse.

This is a group of local school kids who are benefiting from the Near Westside initiative.

This is the Chancellor of Syracuse University giving a speech.

And this is our GM, Bob Daino. And a sleepy Senator...

Here I am in the crowd. Sporting my pretty blue WCNY t-shirt.

Lots of other WCNY employees. Also sporting their pretty WCNY t-shirts.

There was even dancing.

This is my co-worker Caitlin and her new friend, watching all of the speeches.

If you'd like to learn more about the Near Westside initiative and the Salt District project, head over to their website. It really is a great thing they're doing over there. It should be an interesting next couple of years for WCNY as we begin renovations at our new (old) building.

* Note: On the Salt District website, there is a video near the bottom of the homepage. Be sure to check it out. Eric shot and edited it for them. It's fantastic!