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Construction Complete on Phase II of Connective Corridor, Officials, SU Hail its Impact

Chris Bolt/WAER News

 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.  

Credit Chris Bolt/WAER News
Pavers were the last pieces put in place Wednesday to mark the end of construction.

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.

 

Credit Ch
Public Art was part of the project

"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.  

 
 

corridor_web_liddy.mp3
SU Interim Provost Elizabeth Liddy explains the myriad programs and students that got rea-world experience as part of the multi-year Connective Corridor Project.

Credit Chris Bolt/WAER News
Park renovations, along with street seating at cafes and bistros, were included in the overall project to make more places for people to enjoy the corridor and get outside

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. 
 

Chris Bolt, Ed.D. has proudly been covering the Central New York community and mentoring students for more than 30 years. His career in public media started as a student volunteer, then as a reporter/producer. He has been the news director for WAER since 1995. Dedicated to keeping local news coverage alive, Chris also has a passion for education, having trained, mentored and provided a platform for growth to more than a thousand students. Career highlights include having work appear on NPR, CBS, ABC and other news networks, winning numerous local and state journalism awards.