Areas of Syracuse, like the old 15th Ward, sit vacant and neglected, waiting to be revitalized. But it seems these neighborhoods need not wait any longer.

"Today, Syracuse has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to leap into the future," said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

"The plan to capitalize on those decisions and to make it a world leader in the fourth industrial evolution is the Syracuse Surge. It will jumpstart investment to create economic growth, shared prosperity and neighborhood transformation."

During the State of the City Address, Walsh revealed plans to revitalize city neighborhoods through "smart city" technology investments with citywide LED lighting, enhancing connectivity. 

That also includes the development of a new regional Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math school called The Southside Campus. 

"That's one of the great things that I like about it. It's open-ended opportunity for those looking to get into business and want to revitalize the Southside," said Syracuse Common Councilor Latoya Allen.

"It will be around a lot longer than I am as mayor. We're thinking big picture, long term here," said Walsh.

There is no fixed timeline for when the campus will be completed. The campus is part of the surge strategy, which is a more than $200 million investment in private and public dollars. 

"If you look at the potential countywide STEAM school, our teams have been working on that to find a funding model that works," said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.

Another part of the plan is the Center City Innovation Hub, expanding the tech industry along Warren Street.

Walsh briefly touched on the recent increase in violence throughout the city, especially among young people. The mayor says he's looking forward to working with the city's new police chief, Kenton Buckner, to tackle the issue.

Chief Buckner plans to increase neighborhood policing by bringing more officers to the streets.

Crime in the city of Syracuse was actually down 10 percent in 2018 over the previous year.