New $23 million county building can’t be used because the air inside is too dangerous (Top stories for the we

Each week, syracuse.com will look back at some of our most important and valuable journalism from the previous week. Here are six stories for the week of July 6, 2025.

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A newly constructed $23 million facility at Onondaga County’s sewage plant remains unused due to alarming air quality issues. Designed to help save taxpayers millions by drying sewage sludge, the building has been found to exceed federal standards for nitrogen dioxide, posing serious health risks. Union leaders have taken action by prohibiting their members from entering the facility until the air quality is deemed safe. This situation raises significant concerns about worker safety and the effective management of public resources.

Syracuse.com reporter Michelle Breidenbach takes you on a detailed journey through the ongoing construction zones at the busy Route 5 exits near Wegmans. This project aims to streamline traffic flow by creating a single exit ramp from I-481, complete with a new traffic light at Route 5. The change will replace the current separate east and west exits, enhancing safety and efficiency for drivers in the area.

John Sarcone III has been appointed “special attorney” by Attorney General Pam Bondi, allowing him to remain the top federal prosecutor for the Northern District of New York. This decision comes after a contentious power struggle with federal judges who sought to remove him from his position. Sarcone has made it clear that he is committed to “cleaning house” and advancing the president’s agenda. His focus is on targeting drug dealers, violent criminals and child pornographers, as he awaits a potential appointment as a federal judge.

A significant transformation is on the horizon for the former Cazenovia College campus, as a local investment group known as 9 Fresh has entered into a $9.5 million agreement to purchase the property. The ambitious redevelopment plan aims to convert the campus into a vibrant community space that includes market-rate housing, senior living facilities and office spaces. This initiative not only seeks to revitalize the area but also emphasizes the preservation of the campus’s historical significance, with plans to maintain all 17 buildings and the expansive 240-acre equine center. The sale is currently pending approval from the New York Attorney General’s Office, with hopes that the transaction could close as early as Aug. 1.

In a strategic move to address the financial challenges facing the Onondaga County aquarium project, County Executive Ryan McMahon has redirected $2.5 million from a Honeywell-funded environmental account. This funding, originally earmarked for trails, parks and lake amenities, is part of McMahon’s ongoing efforts to keep the ambitious $100 million aquarium project on track. As costs continue to rise, the county is also actively seeking private donations to bridge a funding gap that exceeds $6 million.

Syracuse’s Vision Zero Action Plan targets 25 intersections and 25 miles of roadway where 50% of all serious injury or fatal crashes occurred between 2019-2023. These hotspots represent just 1% of intersections and 6% of roads citywide. Mayor Ben Walsh is seeking Common Council approval for the plan, which aims to eliminate all serious crashes by 2055. The plan includes crosswalk improvements, lane reductions, speed cushions and potentially lowering the default speed limit to 25 mph.