SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Aloft Hotel at Syracuse's Inner Harbor is officially open for business. But that is just one part of COR development's larger vision for the area.

In June, COR development officials told us they were just beginning some of their other projects. That included mixed-use apartments and retail space that would eventually take up about two city blocks.

"You have to look at this from a difference of just some empty grass. Eventually you'll have a $350 million project here. This is going to be a great piece for people to spend their time and money and enjoy what Syracuse has to offer," said COR Development Director of Leasing Vincent Claps earlier this year. 

But after Thursday's arrest of founder Steve Aiello and attorney Joe Gerardi related to an alleged pay-to-play scheme, some are asking what's next for the redevelopment project. That includes Urban Jobs Task Force president Aggie Lane.  

"My guess is COR is a very big company, and being a corporate entity, it probably can figure out leadership problems," Lane said. 

Lane adds if the projects do continue, she hopes COR will change some of its ways.

"We are really feeling like COR did not engage, really, with the community and provide city jobs, training for people, giving them a leg up, and giving them a career path," she added. 

Friday afternoon, Aiello and Gerardi's attorney Steve Coffey did release a statement, saying, "The government’s case is Todd Howe. It is perversely laughable to compare Todd Howe’s character and dishonesty to Steven Aiello’s and Joseph Gerardi’s longstanding reputations of integrity and honesty. In my more than 40 years of practice, I have never been more impressed with or convinced of the innocence of clients than I am with Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi.

"By his plea to eight felony charges, Todd Howe has publicly acknowledged that he is a self-admitted fraudster, tax cheat and liar who faces an incalculable number of years in prison. Is there any question that he would do or say anything to reduce his sentence? I have absolutely no doubt of Steve’s and Joe’s full innocence. Todd Howe's attorney has stated that Mr. Howe will testify truthfully if called to testify. If or when Mr. Howe ever decides to testify truthfully, we are wholly confident in our clients being fully vindicated and exonerated."

When asked how these charges might affect construction at the Inner Harbor, the company would not comment.