County Democrats to reshape OCIDA board, changing development power balance

Onondaga County Democrats are moving to remake one of the county’s most powerful economic-development boards, a shift that could change how tax breaks, incentives and project approvals are decided for Micron, housing and other major developments.

Chairwoman Nicole Watts said the legislature is preparing a vote to replace four of the seven seats on the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency board, using bylaws that give the County Legislature sole authority to appoint all seven members even before terms expire. The proposed new members are Michael Greene, Sally Santangelo, Deka Eysaman and Christina Hollenback, while Randy Wolken, Alan Marzullo and Mark Muthumbi would remain on the board.

The move would not just change personnel. It would alter the balance of experience and political control over an agency that, since its creation in 1970, has helped decide whether developers receive tax abatements, financing tools and other public incentives. Watts said the appointments are intended to make those incentives more strategic and equitable, and to bring in voices tied to business, housing, civil rights and community development.

Greene is a small-business owner, real estate agent and former common councilor. Santangelo leads CNY Fair Housing. Eysaman heads the South Side Community Growth Foundation. Hollenback co-founded the Municipal Finance Innovation Lab. Together, they would give Democrats a board they say better reflects the kinds of projects now shaping Onondaga County, including housing.

Bob Petrovich, OCIDA’s executive director and deputy county executive, said he was “blindsided” by the proposal and questioned its legality. He also argued that the agency’s record since 2019 has been strong and that housing is already a priority. The tension comes after Republicans approved 12 county board appointments on Dec. 2, 2025, as they were about to lose control of the legislature, following committee minutes from Nov. 20, 2025 that showed OCIDA confirmations already in motion.

The stakes extend beyond county government. Onondaga County has said it now has full site control of the former ShoppingTown Mall after paying Benderson Development $2.5 million for the last parcel, and officials have described the site as a future mixed-use project with housing, retail and employers. The county also has been tied to the acquisition of about 1,400 acres over the past 25 years for Micron Technology’s planned chip factory complex in Clay, where OCIDA has been part of the broader land fight that has drawn scrutiny, including the eviction battle involving 91-year-old Clay resident Azalia King.

Democrats won control of the Onondaga County Legislature in November 2025 after nearly 50 years of Republican dominance. Their push on OCIDA signals that the new majority intends to do more than change committee chairs. It wants a larger hand in deciding which projects get public support, who benefits, and how much accountability comes with those deals.