Syracuse residents will have a chance this month to see the city’s ideas for improving transportation, housing, and public spaces as part of its Community Grid Vision Plan. The city is holding a series of open houses starting Monday in all quadrants of the city.
The plan was first introduced in February, and it reflects extensive input from residents and stakeholders going back to 2022. It’s aimed at maximizing the opportunities presented by the removal of the I-81 viaduct on neighborhoods and mobility. I-81 project director for the city Joe Driscoll says they’re identifying traffic, bike and pedestrian corridors across the city.
“Traffic is going to be moving in a different pattern now that the viaduct in in the heart of downtown won't be there," Driscoll said. "We have to make a lot of decisions city wide, converting one-way streets to two-ways, reconnecting streets that got disconnected by development through the years.”
The Community Grid Vision Plan complements other simultaneous efforts replacing I-81, rebuilding the old 15th ward near the viaduct, and overhauling public housing. Driscoll acknowledges the projects can be overwhelming for residents.
“They're just seeing this all as one big project. So to the best of our ability, we've been meeting regularly to try to break down the silos," Driscoll said. "The transportation stuff is very different from the housing stuff. But we're trying to communicate more openly to make sure that there's coordination between the housing and the transportation movement.”
Driscoll says resident input has been a key part of all the projects, and he acknowledges engagement fatigue can be an obstacle as they seek feedback on the Community Grid Vision Plan.
“We have to keep the community voices centered. It is a challenge. We'll see as we go," Driscoll said. "Thus far, we have had great engagement and feel like we're able to get a lot of those community voices into the room. So hopefully it'll stay that way.”
The sessions will be held at the following times and locations:
- Monday, August 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. Lucy’s Church (432 Gifford St., Syracuse, NY 13204 - Westside)
- Tuesday, August 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Magnarelli Community Center (2300 Grant Blvd., Syracuse NY, 13208 - Northside)
- Thursday, August 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the OCPL Central Library (447 South Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202 - Downtown)
- Monday, August 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Nottingham High School (3100 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13224 - Eastside)
- Monday, August 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church (515 Oakwood Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205- Southside)
