ReThink 81, a coalition of property and business owners, will host a public rally in Hanover Square at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, to demonstrate community support for the community grid alternative proposed to replace the current 1.4 mile stretch of the I-81 elevated highway that bisects Downtown Syracuse from surrounding neighborhoods.
Dozens of community groups are expected to join ReThink 81 in calling for elected officials to recognize the benefits that a community grid alternative would provide. Local leaders and several mayoral candidates are expected to speak.
ReThink 81 has identified the following key benefits associated with the community grid alternative:
- Least disruptive: Of the options the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has provided, the community grid option is estimated to take the shortest timeframe for construction, minimizing unnecessary disruptions to businesses and residents.
- Increased accessibility: The community grid improves the transportation system for residents and provides increased accessibility to sought after destinations including Downtown Syracuse, University Hill and the Carrier Dome. As the DOT demonstrated in its most recent public meeting, the community grid actually maintains or improves commute times for a majority of the region.
- Most Economical: The community grid is the least costly to build and maintain moving forward. The NYSDOT estimates the community grid will cost $1.3 billion to build and will utilize existing city streets.
- Most Potential for Future Growth: The community grid lays the foundation for future growth to occur, and most importantly, the ability to generate revenue for the region. The community grid involves the fewest property takings, demolitions and relocation of residents. It’s also the solution that can activate the most acreage for redevelopment and create opportunities for a more inclusive development strategy.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to put Syracuse on the map as one of the most vibrant cities in the country. We must join the ranks of creative cities like New York, San Francisco, Portland, Milwaukee, and Rochester by looking ahead, not in the rear view mirror,” said Bob Doucette, member of ReThink 81. “All of these cities have removed limited access highways from their urban cores; none have come to regret it (just the opposite); and all have experienced significant new development in and around the site of their former freeways.”
About ReThink 81
ReThink81 is a coalition of property owners, business owners and citizens focused on the tremendous opportunities presented with Interstate 81 as it reaches the end of its useful life. The organization envisions a more efficient, vibrant and livable community. ReThink81 is committed to the economic growth of our region and improved accessibility throughout the Greater Syracuse area. For more information, visit ReThink81.org.
