Emergency Demolition and Remediation of the Former Maria Regina Campus

Photo courtesy of Rylee Kirk.

The recent and tragic fire at the former Maria Regina Campus has left the structure severely compromised with extensive damage that has rendered the buildings beyond repair. The site in its current state poses a clear and present danger to the surrounding community, including hazards to public health and safety, potential for further structural collapse, and risk to first responders and neighboring residents. The Maria Regina Campus has long stood as a historic and spiritual landmark in our city.

While its loss is deeply felt by many, we must now turn our attention to the responsible and immediate protection of the public and the future use of this important site. The City of Syracuse should immediately take the following emergency actions:

● The City’s Department of Code Enforcement, in coordination with the Fire Department and Department of Public Works, should authorize an immediate emergency demolition of all unsafe and structurally unsalvageable portions of the Maria Regina Campus buildings.

● All associated costs of the emergency demolition, site clearing, and environmental remediation shall be charged to and recovered from the current legal owners of the property in accordance with city code and applicable state law.

● Following demolition, the site should be promptly secured, cleaned, and rendered safe for public health. It should be made a shovel-ready site for redevelopment.

The City of Syracuse should act swiftly and decisively to protect its residents, eliminate blight, and restore this location to a condition worthy of its history and potential. We have the chance NOW to turn tragedy into opportunity with responsibility, respect, and purpose.