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Work begins redeveloping Syracuse's Kennedy Square

Construction is starting on Loguen's Crossing in Syracuse, a redevelopment project located on ten acres of the former Kennedy Square Apartment complex off East Fayette Street on the city's east side.  COR Development is joining forces with the Upstate Medical University on the job.  And COR president Steve Aiello says it changes the whole neighborhood.

"We're going to reclaim the neighborhood and a lot of the 'superblocks' that have been closed will be reopened again," said Aiello. "You're going to see several parking structures. You're probably going to see a significant apartment project. A few hundred thousand feet of office, some retail that will be on the street, so it will be an urban redevelopment."

Lieutenant governor Robert Duffy praised the public private partnership that laid the groundwork for the deal.

"This is not happeneing everywhere," said Duffy. "This is a huge investment that will put people to work. 

The new name is a tribute to the Reverand Jermain Loguen and his family who lived nearby.  Loguen's home was part of the underground railroad, and one of his daughters was one of the first african-american physicians in the country.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.