South Side Community Growth Foundation acquires former Bishop Foery Center

PRESS RELEASE

South Side Community Growth Foundation acquires former Bishop Foery Center and adjacent parcels to re-establish this as a center for resident empowerment and community connection

Neighborhood’s voices will inform future plans; First town hall planned for May 2026

SYRACUSE, NY, April 21, 2026 —The South Side Community Growth Foundation has acquired the former Bishop Foery Center and surrounding campus located on Edmund Avenue (map). The Foundation will redevelop the center into a vibrant, neighbor-centered property. The space will be redesigned with significant input from Southside neighbors as a place that is known for community connection.

THE SIGNIFICANCE: RESTORING A SYMBOL OF COMMUNITY

The exciting announcement culminates community conversations that the Foundation has had since its inception in 2024, as it gathered input from residents. One urgent desire rose to the top of lists as a consistent theme: neighbors want a shared space where they could gather, learn and grow.

“This isn’t a building we’re opening for this community, it’s a space we’re building with this community, because the people of the South Side has always known what it needs,” said Deka Eysaman, the Foundation’s executive director. “These are my neighbors, my family and friends. And for too long, we’ve watched resources and investment flow past the South Side as if it didn’t exist. Through this initial investment, we’re working to change that trend.”

Most recently owned by Catholic Charities of Onondaga County (CCOC), the Center is situated a couple of blocks away from Onondaga Creek, located in the center of McKinley Park neighborhood where founder Chedy Hampson wanted the Foundation to start its focus.

“I spent countless hours in CCOC’s Center as a kid. It was where I learned to play baseball, made lifelong friendships, and discovered what community meant. Bringing it back to life feels like coming full circle, and it represents our commitment to ensuring the next generation has the resources and opportunities they deserve,” said Chedy Hampson, founder and board chair of the South Side Community Growth Foundation. “Acquiring this property is a statement that we’re serious about investing in the South Side—and this is just the beginning.”

Eysaman said the Foundation will invite the neighborhood to participate in naming the Center. Details on that process will be announced in the coming months. Until that time, the newly acquired parcels will be known as the South Side Growth Campus.

“I fondly remember the Bishop Foery Center and how important it was to the neighborhood, and the acquisition of this new property is an exciting step forward,” said City of Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens. “It truly takes a village to bring projects like this to life, and I am grateful to the South Side Community Growth Foundation for investing in a neighborhood uniquely positioned for growth and opportunity. I am thrilled to see this momentum and eagerly wait to see what comes next.”

The property’s history with CCOC makes the transition especially meaningful, given that CCOC has served the Syracuse community for over 100 years.

“We as an agency are pleased that the next chapter for this property will be written by an organization that’ll honor the Center’s legacy,” said Michael Melara, executive director of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. “We have full confidence in South Side Community Growth Foundation’s leadership and its commitment to this neighborhood. We’re genuinely excited for the space to again benefit our South Side community members.”

THE TIMELINE: WHAT TO EXPECT

The Foundation wants to activate the space for community events as soon as possible, even before longer-term planning gets underway.

Renovation will proceed in phases. The first activity at the space that people will notice — beginning in the next six to eight months – will be building system upgrades and aesthetic improvements. While the property is structurally sound and fully functional, details like fresh paint, new exterior signage, and repaving the parking lot will help make the building more welcoming and suited for community use. Next, the Foundation will tackle significant structural upgrades and redevelop the adjacent parcels included in the acquisition.

HOW TO ADD YOUR INPUT TO THE PLANS:

The Foundation encourages neighbors to share their ideas, and is offering in-person and online opportunities to do that:

In Person: Two Open Houses and Input Sessions are scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026 and Saturday, May 16, 2026. More information and details on how to RSVP are provided here, at the Foundation’s website, SouthSideGrowth.org.
- A subsequent engagement event that’s designed for prospective program partners and organizations interested in operating programs, events, or initiatives at the South Side Growth Campus will be announced soon.
Online: The Foundation also launched a survey to encourage neighbors to share their ideas for the space. That link is provided here, and also available at the Foundation’s website. Those interested are always welcome to share their input via email, too, by contacting info@southsidegrowth.org.

“This space belongs to the Southside community, and we’re committed to working with neighbors to shape programs and uses that truly serve their priorities,” said Eysaman.

To learn more about the South Side Community Growth Foundation and the South Side Growth Campus project visit southsidegrowth.org.

About the South Side Community Growth Foundation

The South Side Community Growth Foundation aims to bring lasting positive impact to the Southside of Syracuse. By connecting neighbors, community-based organizations and government, and investing in the neighborhood, the Foundation helps community members access the resources they need to thrive, support the Southside’s children, and secure a bright future for the community.

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