Syracuse aquarium nears opening as Oswego fire displaces residents, plus CNY sports updates
Central New York wakes to news of the $104 million Syracuse aquarium nearing opening, a six-story Oswego fire, and local sports highlights.
SYRACUSE, N.Y., The $104 million Crouse Health Harborview Aquarium in Syracuse’s inner harbor is expected to open before the end of the year, according to Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. The news comes as Oswego firefighters responded to a six-story apartment fire at 225 W. First St. Monday night, sending one resident to the hospital and displacing dozens more, Oswego County News Now reports.
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For Syracuse, the aquarium’s opening marks a major milestone for the city’s waterfront and is set to bring new attractions to the area near Destiny USA and the I-690 corridor. Meanwhile, the Oswego fire has attracted attention to senior and accessible housing safety, with the Pontiac Terrace Apartments housing 70 units for seniors and people with disabilities.
By The Numbers
- $104 million: Cost of the Crouse Health Harborview Aquarium, per Oswego County News Now
- 70 units: Number of apartments at Pontiac Terrace Apartments, Oswego County News Now reports
- 1,800 dollars: Donation from Compass FCU Member Day to Oswego City Animal Shelter, per Oswego County News Now
- 72 saves: ACC-leading total by Syracuse women’s soccer goalie Maya Naimoli in 2026, according to the Daily Orange
- 83-80: Final score in Syracuse men’s basketball’s narrow loss to Indiana, per the Daily Orange
- 4-11-2: Syracuse women’s soccer overall record for 2026, per the Daily Orange
- November 16 to December 24: Dates for Oswego’s Red Kettle Campaign, per Oswego County News Now
- 15.5 points per game: Bol Garang’s average at Nottingham High School in 2025-26, per the Daily Orange
- 21-3: Nottingham High School boys’ basketball record in 2025-26, per the Daily Orange
- 8:47 p.m.: Time Oswego Fire Department was called to Pontiac Terrace Apartments, per Oswego County News Now
- $50,000: Fundraising goal for Oswego’s 2026 Red Kettle Campaign, per Oswego County News Now
- 6-foot-5: Height of Syracuse native Bol Garang, per the Daily Orange
Syracuse aquarium set to open after delays
The Crouse Health Harborview Aquarium, located in Syracuse’s inner harbor, is expected to open to the public in the coming weeks, according to Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, as reported by Oswego County News Now. The $104 million project has faced several delays, including a shipment of large acrylic panels imported from Italy for the shark tank. Fish are already in the habitat, and a caiman, a type of alligator, will arrive soon. The aquarium will feature above-water and underwater exhibits, with merchandise collaborations planned with the Rosemond Gifford Zoo.
For residents in Syracuse and neighboring towns like DeWitt and Salina, the aquarium’s opening is expected to boost activity along the I-690 corridor and the Destiny USA district. The project is one of the largest public investments in the city’s recent history and is anticipated to draw visitors from across Central New York.
Oswego fire displaces residents at Pontiac Terrace Apartments
Firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire at the Pontiac Terrace Apartments, 225 W. First St., in downtown Oswego at 8:47 p.m. Monday, according to Oswego County News Now. The six-story building, which houses 70 units for seniors and people with disabilities, was evacuated. One resident was hospitalized. The cause of the fire has not been detailed in available reports, and officials have not released the extent of the damage or the number of residents displaced.
The incident shows the importance of fire safety in multi-story residential buildings, especially those serving vulnerable populations. The Oswego Fire Department’s response and the evacuation of the building prevented further injuries, according to initial reports. Residents and families are awaiting updates on when they may be able to return.
Community giving and local history in focus
In Oswego, Compass Federal Credit Union’s Member Day on October 5 raised $900, which was matched by the credit union for a total donation of $1,800 to the Oswego City Animal Shelter, Oswego County News Now reports. The event allowed members to vote on which local organization would receive the proceeds, with the animal shelter selected as the beneficiary.
Meanwhile, local historian Bob Coant is seeking historical photos and data on the Oswego County Airport for a future presentation and a book project, according to Oswego County News Now. Coant has found that records at the Town of Volney History Center and the Oswego County Historian’s office are limited, with most documentation focused on past fires, accidents, and the 1999 Phish concert at the airport. Anyone with photos or information is encouraged to contact the Town of Volney History Center.
Syracuse sports: Basketball and soccer seasons in review
Syracuse men’s basketball showed promise in its first Power Five test under new head coach Gerry McNamara, falling 83-80 to Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, according to the Daily Orange. The Orange led for over 18 minutes and shot 50.9% from the field, with freshman Ryan Moesch scoring a team-high 19 points and six assists. Kiyan Anthony added 16 points, marking his third straight game with over 14 points. Despite the loss, the team’s performance against a Big Ten opponent signals competitiveness as the season progresses.
On the women’s side, Syracuse soccer concluded its 2026 campaign with a 4-11-2 overall record and just one win in Atlantic Coast Conference play, per the Daily Orange. Goalie Maya Naimoli led the ACC with 72 saves and recorded four clean sheets, but the Orange struggled offensively, scoring only four goals in 10 ACC games. The team was outshot in several matches, including a 23-1 deficit against Virginia and a 21-5 margin against Clemson.
In high school basketball, Syracuse native Bol Garang is gaining attention after transferring from Nottingham High School, where he averaged 15.5 points and 2.6 steals per game in the 2025-26 season, to The Peddie School in New Jersey. Nottingham, under coach Lamar Kearse Jr., finished last season with a 21-3 record and their first Section III Class AA championship in over two decades, according to the Daily Orange.
For more on local sports and business, check our Syracuse business and CNY business pages.
Red Kettle Campaign and upcoming events
The Salvation Army of Oswego is preparing to launch its annual Red Kettle Campaign on November 16, with a fundraising goal of $50,000, Oswego County News Now reports. The campaign will run through Christmas Eve, December 24, supporting individuals and families in need throughout Oswego County. residents can to participate in the campaign at local collection sites.
Where to check for updates
For ongoing updates on the Syracuse aquarium, visit the Onondaga County website. For fire recovery and Red Kettle Campaign details, see Oswego County News Now. For sports recaps and local business news, follow CNY Signal and the Daily Orange.
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Sources
- Oswego County News Now, Syracuse aquarium, Oswego fire, Compass FCU donation, Red Kettle Campaign, Oswego County Airport history
- Daily Orange, Syracuse women’s soccer, men’s basketball, Bol Garang profile
