Thousands Of Area Residents Have Now Signed Save81.org’s Petition In Support Of Saving I-81 And Opposing A Boulevard In Downtown Syracuse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As the next round of Interstate 81 community forums kicks off Wednesday, more than 2,500 area residents have now signed Save81.org’s petition in support of preserving I-81’s designation as an Interstate Highway through Syracuse. More than 40 percent of those petition signers are from the City of Syracuse.
“It’s becoming clear that a boulevard would have negative effects on traffic, businesses, and public safety in our area, and we’re seeing boulevard opposition explode in response,” said Salina Town Supervisor Mark Nicotra, a member of Save81.org. “The upcoming forums are an important opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about the boulevard plan and ask state officials to focus on better options — such as a tunnel, depressed roadway, or a new idea altogether. We’re hoping for a huge community turnout at all of these meetings.”
The state Department of Transportation will host a community forum at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Toomey Abbott Towers in Syracuse to discuss the future of I-81, the first in a series of such neighborhood meetings. The forums will update residents on the project and offer an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and provide ideas.
Save81.org opposes the boulevard plan being considered by state officials to deal with the aging portions of I-81 in the area and believes there are multiple solutions that should be considered instead, including a tunnel, depressed roadway, a new bridge, a rebuilt elevated highway, or an idea that has yet to be proposed.
About Save81.org
Save81.org is a diverse coalition of concerned residents, elected officials, employers, union members, and community groups that have come together as officials in Albany determine how to deal with the aging portions of I-81 in our area. Save81.org opposes a plan being considered to replace I-81 in Downtown Syracuse with a boulevard that would divert Interstate traffic away from the City and leave traffic congestion and air pollution in its place.
For more information, visit Save81.org.