Articles by Steve Yablonski

A cadre volunteers rebuilding the Leighton Elementary School’s playground this weekend received a boost from City Hall. Mayor Billy Barlow announced today (Oct. 20) a $5,000 investment by the city of Oswego to the playground project. The current playground at Leighton is 25 years old and is comprised of decaying wooden structures that lack engagement particularly for the youngest children who use the playground most often. The Leighton Home and School Association has been actively fundraising for new playground equipment for more than six years through sales, pledge campaigns and student-led events including a change drive.

Around five dozen residents from around the county took part in a town hall meeting Tuesday night with some county legislators. In attendance were Tom Drumm (District 16) and Marie Schadt (District 19) – both Democrats. Roy Reehil (District 5), a Republican, provided some input via email. Questions dealt with a variety of issues.

The Administrative Services Committee put four Oswego business owners on notice of possible lawsuits unless they repay (between $11,000 and $65,000 each) overdue Community Development Office loans. At its meeting Monday night, the committee gave a favorable recommendation to City Attorney Kevin Caraccioli’s request to take legal action against the four. “They owe approximately $160,000, which needs to be accounted for. This is an attempt to collect what is owed the city of Oswego,” he told the committee. “I’m asking for your support to take legal action.”

It’s CiTi helping city, helping CiTi. At Monday night’s Physical Services Committee meeting, Mayor Billy Barlow requested consideration from the Common Council to authorize entering into an agreement with CiTi to undertake the demolition of residential properties located in the city of Oswego and owned by the city or under an Order to Demolish by the city’s Code Enforcement Department.