A few blocks from where Assemblyman Magnarelli grew up, he took part in a ground breaking ceremony that signified the revitalization of the Prospect Hill neighborhood.

Fifty affordable housing units are being created in 11 new homes and four renovated houses on North Townsend and Catherine Streets. The $11.8 million project is a collaborative effort by Home HeadQuarters, St. Joseph’s Health Hospital Center, the City of Syracuse and Housing Visions. The state Division of Housing and Community Renewal contributed to the efforts.

"Investing 11.8 million dollars in a three block area is a very visible effort that will reinforce the idea that Prospect Hill community is worth revitalizing. This project incorporates the idea that the key to revitalizing a community is making it an area where people are proud to live and work," Assemblyman Magnarelli said. "This coordinated effort will transform what has become a blighted neighborhood into the family-friendly community it once was."

Representatives from local medical technology companies recently met with Assemblyman Magnarelli to discuss the importance of local businesses learning to interact with legislators.

The Advocacy 101 event was held at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield by MedTech, a not-for-profit trade association comprised of Upstate New York technology manufacturers, research institutions, and allied professional services and economic development organizations. MedTech promotes the commercialization of medical products by providing educational and networking events, organizing certification opportunities, and facilitating collaborations among members to bring tomorrow’s technologies to the health care marketplace.

Assemblyman Magnarelli explained the importance of constituent companies contacting their legislators to share concerns and successes. He also noted that companies should show interest in understanding the political environment in which decisions are made.

Senator Dave Valesky joined Assemblyman Magnarelli in leading the discussion on the most productive ways to connect with state and federal legislators and federal stimulus resources.

In an effort to encourage children to continue reading while on summer vacation, Assemblyman Magnarelli is sponsoring the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge.

The program rewards reading with a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate. This year, the Assembly is working to get the word out about summer reading and the value of local libraries.

"Reading books is a great hobby that can be both fun and educational," said Assemblyman Magnarelli. "We are fortunate to have such fantastic libraries in the area that allow everyone inexpensive access to a vast array of books that can entertain or educate."

To participate in the program, children must read for at least 15 minutes a day for 40 days throughout the months of July and August. For a calendar and other information about the program, e-mail magnarw@assembly.state.ny.us or call the district office at 428-9651.

A hearing on development plans for the Inner Harbor provided an opportunity for Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions) to hear local contractors’ proposals.

Assemblyman Magnarelli, Assemblywoman Joan Christensen, Assemblywoman Addie Russell and Assemblyman Albert Stirpe also participated in the hearing.

"We are pleased attention is being paid to the future development of the Inner Harbor," said Assemblyman Magnarelli. "It is a prime location and critical link between downtown Syracuse and developments on Onondaga Lake."

A state grant Assemblyman Magnarelli secured allowed several hundred Syracuse City School students to attend a presentation given by a Pixar Animation employee as part of the Syracuse Film Festival.

Scott Clark spoke to the students about his role in animating the newest Pixar-Disney movie UP, scheduled to be released May 29.

"Part of a complete education requires a student to think outside the box, to combine creative and innovate thoughts into a product that fills a need in society," Magnarelli said.

Clark served as an animator on numerous exceptional movies including A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Monsters Inc. and Cars.

He spoke to the students about the ways art, technology and literature merge when he’s working on an animation project.

Using the large movie screens in the auditorium of the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, Clark gave the students a sneak peak at how UP was created and the behind-the-scenes work.

About NYS Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli
Assemblyman William Magnarelli represents the 120th Assembly District, which includes the Northside, Westside, Eastwood and Valley areas of the City of Syracuse, as well as the towns of Geddes and Van Buren. He first won election in 1998 for an open Assembly seat and was reelected in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. During his five terms in office, Assemblyman Magnarelli has focused his efforts on brining more jobs to Central New York, lowering taxes, providing our children a better education at every level, improving our healthcare and keeping our families safe. For more information, contact Assemblyman Magnarelli’s District Office at (315) 428-9651.

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