A milestone today in the several miles of roadway that’s been transformed to try and bring parts of the community together. Phase Two of the Connective Corridor is now complete and was celebrated with an event that ceremoniously laid the last pavers.
People have seen aspects and artistic touches of the Connective Corridor for the past several years…be they the red light posts, green bike lanes being added to new pavement, public art or other physical elements. Higher tech features include tourism assistance portals and a motion sensing piece of art in front of Syracuse Stage.
The project was conjured up to solve what Senator Chuck Schumer was an odd disconnect between downtown and the University hill.
“They were so near, and yet so far. They weren’t connected and as a result neither was fulfilling its greatest potential. SU under former chancellor Cantor saw that these centers of activity must be linked. Once they were, both would be energized in what scientists would call a symbiotic relationship. You put two things together and they each benefit.”
Schumer helped secure a $10 million federal grant, another $20 million in state funding when into the project.
The idea for the connective corridor goes back to 2005, when Syracuse University got together with city hall and National Grid to liven up the streetscape, while connecting people to cultural venues and chiseling away at the perceived barrier between university area and the rest of the city.
Interim S-U provost Elizabeth Liddy hopes it helps transform the community to chip away at another problem – population and brain drain.
"We hear that American cities are experiencing an urban renaissance, as young college students increasingly seek out dynamic, creative, entrepreneurial places. Projects that we’re engaged in today are helping to make Syracuse into one of those places."
Liddy adds it’s helped academically, with more than 1300 students working on various design and marketing aspects.
Elected officials on hand for today’s completion ceremony, including Mayor Miner and county executive Mahoney, say it not only benefits business and cultural institutions, but should spur future development.
