Charles Pierce-El was born and raised on Syracuse's Southside and has fond memories.

"When I was coming along, it was the most popular area in the city of Syracuse," said Pierce-El. "You had a lot of businesses up around here, as well."

Pierce-El says, over the years, a lot has changed about the once thriving neighborhood.

"It's a desert now,” he said.

That is evident by the number of vacant properties you see as you travel along. Pierce-El said the area also gets a bad rap because of crime. But the future is bright, as investments are being made.

"It makes me feel very proud, particularly because it's African Americans that are doing it, too," said Pierce-El.

In the empty building at the intersection of South Salina Street and Warner Avenue, there will be a dental lab and childcare facility, and a few blocks up, the former South Presbyterian Church will be a multi-use facility and event space.

He says that, combined with Syracuse Surge, which includes revitalizing neighborhoods through "smart city" technology investments, is welcomed news.

"I just think it was overdue. I'm glad that is happening now," said Pierce-El.

Pierce-El is also a chairperson of the Southside Communication Center and Community Coalition.

He said one addition he'd like to see that he's advocated for over the years is a cultural center.

"With that, you can have a variety of programs where you can teach these kids," explained Pierce-El.

He said the cultural center could be another way to address crime, and help young people within the neighborhood make good choices.

All-in-all, Pierce-El is hopeful for what's to come and is happy that people are starting to see what he's known his whole life about the Southside.

"It's a great place to live and a great place to raise a family," said Pierce-El.