Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What could today’s council vote mean for Westcott Theater’s future?

Also, don't miss NYSAFP 2026 Annual Conference on the Syracuse Patch calendar

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Monday September 14th Patch AM
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Good morning Syracuse! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What could today's council vote mean for Westcott Theater's future?
  • How 315 Thursdays is reshaping Westcott's Thursday nights this month
  • How Syracuse's new optometry program could change local eye care

Also on today's calendar: First-Time Homebuyers Webinar with Tompkins Bank & Trust and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the fish say when she hit a wall? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Cooler; a morning shower, with a high of 67 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and beautiful, temps: high: 73, low: 62.
  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 77 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Syracuse Common Council could vote Monday on Westcott Theater special-use permit (cnycentral.com) — Syracuse Common Council may vote Monday on whether to revoke the Westcott Theater's special-use permit, a move that could halt its current operations in the neighborhood. City officials cite safety and licensing concerns, while some residents want nightlife better controlled without losing concerts. The decision could significantly affect entertainment and late-night activity in Westcott.
   

2. Local art, food turn Westcott to 'vendor village' at 315 Thursdays (dailyorange.com) — Westcott's 315 Thursdays are turning the neighborhood into a weekly evening street festival, with live music, food vendors and local artists drawing crowds from across Syracuse. Residents, students and small business owners say the series helps them connect beyond the campus bubble while boosting neighborhood restaurants, shops and artists. Events run Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. in September.
   

3. Optometry education; dengue precautions; early dementia symptoms (wrvo.org) — Upstate Medical University in Syracuse is launching a new optometry degree in partnership with SUNY College of Optometry, with the first 16-student class planned for fall 2027. The latest HealthLink on Air episode also shares practical dengue travel precautions and early dementia warning signs, offering Syracuse-area residents timely health guidance they can use for upcoming trips and family caregiving.
   

4. Bills Mafia packs Harvey's Garden for Buffalo season opener (cnycentral.com) — Bills fans in Syracuse packed Harvey's Garden to watch Buffalo's season-opening win over Houston, turning the venue into a lively game-day hub. Local vendors sold custom Bills gear while families and die-hard fans, including the "Bills Mafia Pope," celebrated together. The event underscored how Central New Yorkers are embracing Harvey's as a regular football hangout.
   

5. Update: Severe thunderstorm warning for part of Onondaga County issued (syracuse.com) — A severe thunderstorm warning Sunday afternoon briefly targeted parts of Onondaga County, including Syracuse, with quarter-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts possible. While that warning has passed, the article offers detailed lightning and heavy-rain safety tips to help Syracuse-area drivers and families prepare for future storms, from where to shelter to how to handle slick roads.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning.
    Hank popped in for a little early morning breakfast. (Nextdoor South Valley)
  • Shadow the cat is missing.
    Small black and white, very shy. Last seen on Harding of Court street. (Nextdoor Lyncourt)
  • Legends Global posted a job opening for Concession Stand Cook at The Oncenter in Syracuse. Apply here.
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Home Depot Forklift Operator in Syracuse. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Syracuse here.

Ok Syracuse! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Dam! (Thank you George G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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