Syracuse, N.Y. — In July, the state Department of Transportation released its latest plans for one of the biggest public works projects in a generation: Replacing Interstate 81.
The DOT plan to move ahead with the community grid option to replace the aging viaduct that runs through downtown Syracuse. The new plans are the culmination of more than a decade of discussion, debate and study.
The report released in July -- called a Draft Environmental Impact Statement -- is thousands of pages long. It outlines details for many pieces of the project, which will take about five years and cost nearly $2 billion.
Transportation officials are currently hosting public meetings to hear from residents about the project. And local leaders are voicing support or concern over various parts of the project.
With that in mind, we asked each of Syracuse’s mayoral candidates the following question:
The DOT recently extended the public comment period on the DEIS by a month to hear from more residents with concerns about the project. With what we know so far about the proposal, what are two specific things you would advocate for changing in the plans?
There are three candidates seeking the mayor’s office this year: Democrat Khalid Bey, Republican Janet Burman and independent Ben Walsh, who is seeking a second term.
Each candidate’s response is listed below in alphabetical order.
Each week until the election, we’ll ask the candidates a new question. If you have a topic you’d like to see us ask about, please email reporter Megan Craig at mcraig@syracuse.com with the subject line “weekly question.”
The election is Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Khalid Bey (D)
Over the years I’ve spoken to so many residents who will be impacted by the I-81 project and the issue that I hear most is where the state plans to put the round-about. The current plan places the round-about next to an elementary school. A round-about is considered a major roadway and according to EPA guidelines, major roadways should be 600 feet away from schools. As a public school parent, I understand parents’ fears that placing the round-about here creates dangers for families who need to cross the roadways and will create dangerous traffic near a school.
In addition to these concerns for the safety of our children and families, the risk of displacement from such a major construction project seems assured. The residents must be guaranteed environmental protections, as well as right of first refusal to return to their neighborhood should they be displaced. The city of Syracuse has a long history of displacing residents, particularly lower-income families and people of color. In 1839, the Syracuse government ordered demolition that displaced the African American community that resides on Harrison Street downtown, ultimately pushing them into the 15th ward. And the city government later ordered demolition that displaced Black residents and businesses from the 15th ward into the 9th and 18th wards.
Today, the government ordered demolition of the I-81 viaduct and the aspirations of the Syracuse Housing Authority and Blueprint 15 must ensure that history is not repeated. The children, families and residents of Syracuse deserve nothing less.
Janet Burman (R)
The Department of Transportation should figure out how to do a community grid and build a new viaduct.
Ben Walsh (I)
The eight inch thick DEIS dominates the corner of my desk. Based on our assessment, it’s clear the community grid is still the right alternative for Syracuse, Central New York and all of New York state. The state’s plan, though, still must be improved.
My top priorities for the project are protecting the people who live in the shadow of the viaduct; ensuring local control of land use; maximizing jobs for people living in the city and addressing the legitimate concerns of our suburban neighbors. I continue to push for those issues.
One key area of concern at this stage is the roundabout proposed adjacent to STEAM at Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary. We cannot allow the expediency of transportation design to burden our children with negative impacts from this project. I have and will continue to request that DOT present alternative solutions to the roundabout at MLK.
A second area that needs DOT attention is the footprint of the proposed Business Loop 81 through the city. We can’t accept design standards that result in any barrier through neighborhoods and along the Almond Street corridor. I will ask the DOT to ensure that lane width, speed limits and other features along the entire corridor are as welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists as they are to cars and trucks.
I’m excited about the transformational potential of the 81 project. I’ll do everything in my authority to make sure it benefits the city and our region.
Previous Questions:
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- Was Ben Walsh right to mandate vaccines for employees?
- Who has had the biggest influence on your leadership style?
- How many police officers does Syracuse need?
- How should Syracuse help landlords and tenants?