A diverse coalition of residents, elected officials, employers, union members and community groups dedicated to preserving and enhancing I-81 in Central New York join forces to form Save81.org
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Today, a diverse collection of concerned citizens, elected officials, employers, unions and community groups announced the formation of Save81.org, an advocacy group committed to preserving and enhancing Interstate 81’s current Interstate Highway designation and alignment through Central New York. The initial briefing was held at downtown’s new Courtyard and Residence Inn.
“I-81 is an economic backbone for our area, a vital artery that links city neighborhoods and suburban and rural areas with Downtown Syracuse and many key destinations,” said Tony Mangano, Save81.org spokesman and local business owner. “It plays a critical role in the region’s economy, public safety and accessibility. We must ensure that its current function is preserved, and Save81.org is committed to working toward that goal.”
As portions of I-81 in Central New York will soon reach the end of their useful life, transportation officials in Albany are in the process of deciding the highway’s future in the Syracuse area. Much of the discussion so far has focused on the I-81 viaduct that serves Downtown Syracuse. Save81.org believes that any plan chosen by officials in Albany must preserve and enhance the highway’s current alignment and Interstate Highway designation through the region, particularly the stretch of I-81 running through Syracuse.
The members of Save81.org believe there are multiple solutions to the problem, and they are committed to seeing that the solution chosen is not one that will damage the safety, quality of life and economic health of Central New York. Save81.org is opposed to any plan that would divert the highway away from Syracuse. This includes a “boulevard” plan being considered by State officials that would re-route I-81 to the east, away from the City.
T-John Goodman, owner of Sweet on Chocolate in Downtown Syracuse and a Save 81.org member, said: “Altering the current flow of I-81 in our area, particularly the stretch serving Downtown Syracuse, would be a blow to the region’s already fragile economy and a blow to our reputation as a ‘20-minute city.’ For my small business, every sale matters, and any change to our city’s convenient traffic flow that could discourage customers from coming in to the shop would be a devastating hit for me and my employees.”
“Leaders of numerous towns in Onondaga and Cayuga counties are expressing their concerns about the negative consequences that a boulevard could have on our area,” said Onondaga County Legislator Kathleen Rapp. “It is crucial that these concerns in our community are heard by I-81 decision-makers as this process moves forward, which is why I am looking forward to working with Save81.org to organize these voices over the coming months.”
As the state moves forward with the I-81 rehabilitation process, Save81.org plans to play a role in the discussion, with the goal of ensuring that decision-makers hear the voices of all of those with an interest in the outcome, including those who fear that changing the highway’s current traffic pattern would undermine our region’s quality of life.
Over the coming months, Save81.org will host events to discuss the I-81 issue with concerned residents and business owners; reach out to elected officials and decision-makers to serve as a voice for the community’s concerns; and work with towns throughout the region whose residents are concerned about the potential effects on their own neighborhoods. Save81.org urges all concerned citizens to join our effort to preserve I-81 as a crucial feature in our region’s quality of life.
Founding members of Save81.org include
Robert Andrews Onondaga County Legislator, 9th district
Mark Atkinson Mayor, Village of North Syracuse
Jim Bright Dunk and Bright
Todd Buchko WonderWorks
Michael Chapman Chairman, Cayuga County Legislature
Jim Corl Supervisor, Town of Cicero
Patrick Danial Terakeet
John Dougherty Onondaga County Legislator, 2nd district
Joseph Emmi Super 8 Syracuse
Marc Emmi Hampton Inn Liverpool
Carmen Emmi, Jr Homewood Suites
Joe Falcone Dominick Falcone Insurance
Deborah Gallagher North Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NAVAC)
Jim Gallagher Holiday Inn
T-John Goodman Sweet on Chocolate, Armory Square
Holland C Gregg III Executive Director, Citizens to Preserve the Character of Skaneateles (CPCS)
Gary Hatfield Supervisor, Town of Moravia
Jeff Herrick Supervisor, Town of Sennett
David Heymann Sheraton Syracuse
Steve Hughes Tim Hortons
Bruce Kenan Destiny USA
David Knapp Onondaga County Legislator, 12th district
Michael Lazar Chaiman, Town of DeWitt Planning Board
Danny Liedka Onondaga County Legislator, 7th district
Tony Mangano Ramada Inn
Kerry Mannion Member, Town of DeWitt Town Board
Brian May Onondaga County Legislator, 1st district
Gary May May’s Auto
Todd May Southern Wine and Spirits
Ryan McMahon Chairman, Onondaga County Legislature, 15th district
Ed Michalenko Supervisor, Town of DeWitt
Mark Nicotra Supervisor, Town of Salina
Michael Plochocki Onondaga County Legislator, 6th District
Kathleen Rapp Onondaga County Legislator, 5th district
Teresa Roney Supervisor, Town of Skaneateles
Christopher Ryan Onondaga County Legislator, 8th District
Gary Searing Supervisor, Town of Fleming
John Sposato Sposato Companies
Richard Sykes The Inns at Armory Square
Ann Marie Taliercio UniteHERE 150
Judy Tassone Onondaga County Legislator, 4th district
Ed Wagner Supervisor, Town of Owasco
Gary White Mayor, Village of Liverpool
Steve White Citizens to Preserve the Character of Skaneateles (CPCS)
For more information, please visit Save81.org.