Syracuse Common Councilors Monday made their position on the future of I-81 clear…and official. They approved a non-binding resolution asking the governor, state legislature, and the state DOT to re-design and re-construct the I-81 viaduct into a street level boulevard.
Council President Van Robinson has advocated for its removal years before the state began planning for its future. Now he’s hoping others will follow the council’s lead…
"I ask that our elected officials in other local levels will support us in our effort to assure that the City of Syracuse becomes the city that we can work live and play in than a city that is divided by an ugly structure such as I-81."
Save81.org member and Town of Salina Supervisor Mark Nicotra doesn't necessarily disagree. But he says priorities are different for those counting on the access and opportunity afforded by the highway in his part of town.
"I don't think he's wrong. I think if we were to do it all over again today, we wouldn't do it the way it is right now. But, it's there, business and homes and people have grown up around it, and we can't forget what has grown up around the highway and what's there now."
Nicotra hopes a consensus can be reached that takes a regional point of view, not just one versus another. Councilor Kathleen Joy says the resolution reflects what they’ve heard from residents.
The resolution also states plans should avoid demolition of historic buildings, and enhance walkability between the downtown and University Hill neighborhoods. The DOT is expected to choose a design to replace the aging highway soon. It was built in the 1960’s, and reaches the end of its useful life in 2017.
