This study investigates the potential of gentrification in Syracuse's downtown, affected by two development projects in the metropolitan area: the $100 billion Micron Technology semiconductor factory and the I-81 viaduct being removed and it put at grade simultaneously. The developments will naturally generate economic growth, induce high-income people to live or invest in the area, and housing prices will inevitably rise as a consequence to both the economic growth and loss of land to higher-income residents. The study takes a mixed-methods approach, using a combination of analysis of American Community Survey data (2013-2023), GIS mapping, interviews with stakeholders, and secondary policy review to measure the ways in which demographics, housing affordability, and urban planning framework changes in the city. While we found an insufficient measure or opportunity for gentrification in downtown Syracuse, where rents are already high and protective zoning (ReZone Syracuse) has limited the shifts from affordability, fringe neighborhoods now experience an increased risk of gentrification. My research in other cities like Portland, Rochester, and Atlanta demonstrate the challenges of getting in front of gentrification once it has started. With that, the policy recommendations concern stronger affordability mandates, permanent affordability protections, and community engagement to implement in a genuine way to engage and share in economic development in a more equitable and inclusive manner.