ProgressCNY 2015
An Eagle Newspapers publication.
February 18, 2015
Stories from the businesses, industries and issues that impact the Central New York economy
Vintage vehicle mania
Classic cars, antique boats inspire collectors, draw crowds By Jason Gabak With Central New York’s winter weather, many collectors and restorers have their classic cars and boats safely stored away. But, when spring and summer come, the roads will be filled with shining, chromed vehicles and the waters will see classic craft from sailing vessels to motor craft enjoying Central New York’s waters.
The area will also host numerous special events from car shows to parades, where many of these vehicles will be on display. Rob O’Connor, event director of the Syracuse Nationals, said the annual car show is a huge draw to the Syracuse area, bringing in not only car owners but also those eager just to get a chance to take a look and maybe find the inspiration they need to
Jason Gabak
Pictured are classic boats docking at the Antique Boat Show in Skaneateles.
See vintage, page 9
Submitted photo
An example of a classic restored hot rod at the 2014 Syracuse Nationals.
ProgressCNY Rec & Travel
Music to CNY’s ears? Amphitheater could serve as economic engine for the western suburbs
Photo courtesy of Onondaga County
Pictured is a projection of what the 17,500-seat amphitheater near Onondaga Lake would look like.
By Sarah Hall Come this fall, the western shore of Onondaga Lake will likely look very different. Onondaga County has approved construction of a $100 million, 17,500-seat amphitheater next to the lake. The county hopes the venue will draw tourism and entertainment to the area. But that’s not all it could draw. According to one of the state legislators who represents the area, the amphitheater could provide the impetus needed to bring jobs and businesses to Central New
York. “What we’re seeing are the first phases of making all of this land available and attractive to commercial and industrial users in the area,” said Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, who represents the 129th district. “We have a vision of what can be in that area. There’s a lot going on that’s creating a new feeling among the people that live there. Other people are starting to look at it and say, ‘What’s going on here?’” Magnarelli said the construction will help to change people’s
perceptions of the western suburbs. “We always hear about how you have to beware of Solvay and Geddes, how you have to be afraid of locating there because of all of the environmental hazards,” he said. “But I say, look at Onondaga Lake. It’s being cleaned up, no question about it. The very scientists who declared it the worst in the world are now coming back and saying it’s coming back. It’s getting cleaned… The county is continuing to do work around the lake. They’re See Amphitheater, page 10