An insight of the new green energy initiatives in place for the city of Syracuse:

The city of Syracuse now has several new green initiatives: LEED-Certified Residential Tax Exemption To encourage green technology in homes being built and rehabbed in Syracuse, I have proposed that a LEED certification tax exemption be included in our new residential tax incentive plan. LEED for Homes is a national rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green building. Under the proposal, homes meeting the silver certification would receive an additional year of exemption from city and school taxes, the gold standard would earn an extra two years and homes built or renovated to the platinum level would receive four years. The Center of Excellence is helping design green technology into the 60 homes planned for the near west side, and is offering $10,000 grants to builders who build additional houses using those designs. Westcott Reservoir Renewable Energy As part of a $40 million replacement of the Westcott Reservoir, the city will include a solar renewable energy component to meet energy needs on the site. The renewable energy efforts on this project will serve as an example for future city projects and other water supply projects both regionally and nationally. Carbon Credits and Land Acquistion The administration is partnering with SUNY ESF to work directly with the Chicago Climate Exchange to develop innovative rules that will expand the opportunity for Syracuse and other municipalities to maximize their assets on the Exchange. The city is pursuing CCX membership and at the same time exploring new avenues that may serve as a model for municipalities nationwide. To maximize credits it may receive the city is adding to the portfolio of city land designated as forever-green space and prohibited from development. I will forward to the council legislation to secure the Winkleman Property, which is 36.8 acres adjacent to the Rand Tract. This land locked parcel would secure the property from future development that could create drainage and other problems for residents in the valley. Once this property is added to the Rand Tract, both parcels create a unique 1.2 mile long urban forest area that can be used as a low impact recreation area for hikers. In addition to working with SUNY ESF in this area could be utilized as an Urban Forest Educational site for our schools. Matthew Driscoll is the mayor of Syracuse, N.Y.