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Here is what others have written:
- I moved to Syracuse a year and a half ago and the elevated section of I-81 is a constant part of my life. I live on one side of the highway and walk under it everyday to go to school at Upstate Medical University in addition to driving on it at least once a week. In my opinion, it is outdated and an awful eyesore that divides the city in half. The street design around the aging sections is terrible, with little thought given for pedestrian crossings and safe vehicle merging. I have personally come very close to being hit by cars exiting and entering the highway due to bad lines of sight and terrible road layout. In addition, nearly every week I have witnessed some close call involving a pedestrian and a vehicle in the areas around the highway. If the highway was removed, life around the Upstate campus would be greatly improved, both in safety and in the aesthetics of the area.
(Posted on:12/12/2011 1:25:18 PM)
- My family has had farm land in the Town of Salina since the early 1940's, well before the construction of I-81 and the New York State Thruway. The area around 7th Nth St and Buckley Rd was much different then; mostly farm land and small houses on quiet streets. Our grandfather planted rhubarb and asparagus to start and eventually added corn, tomatoes, peppers and more. Emmi's Farm Market is well known for having the best sweet corn in Central New York!
Much has changed over the years, and our family has changed with the times. Instead of relying primarily on selling corn and tomatoes at a roadside stand (which we actually still do), we own and operate 4 hotels that serve out-of-town guests, a majority of which use I-81 to arrive at our doorstep. It is because of I-81 that these hotels, restaurants and gas stations were built in this area. Removing it, or redirecting 81 away from us will have a catastrophic impact on our businesses, and the 250 people that we employ.
(Posted on:8/29/2011 9:22:53 AM)
- I don't remember anything about I-81's construction. It was already here when I arrived as a freshman at SU in 1974. However, I definitely appreciated the fact that the Adams Street exit put me pretty close to campus whenever I came back from New Jersey.
I never perceived of 81 as being a barrier to me getting downtown. Of course, back then there were actually reasons to go downtown, and getting to Downtown Syracuse from SU was a much shorter walk than getting to Downtown Newark from East Orange. I just checked, and it's 3.5 miles or just over an hour to walk from the house I grew up in to the stores in Downtown Newark. On the other hand, it's just a little over a mile, and just under 30 minutes to walk from Brewster-Boland to Downtown Syracuse. What barrier?
Besides, I grew up in a town with a set of elevated commuter rail tracks going through it, and while I did see that as the line of demarkation between one side of town and the other, it was never a barrier that I couldn't get through. If it was a barrier at all, it was a very porous one. As a result, I never saw I-81 as being a barrier at all, and was surprised when I heard people bring it up.
The impact I-81 has had on my life is that over the past 37 years it's enabled me to get from one side of town to the other with relative ease. Many people lose sight of the fact that it's not just long-distance drivers who use I-81, but people who actually live in Syracuse, who appreciate not having to be on the grid of Stop signs and traffic lights when they're trying to get from The Valley to The North Side.
(Posted on:5/23/2011 9:17:05 PM)
- I am too young to remember any construction but as a 30 year old citizen of the Central New York region, I have a great amount of experience with 81. I am very passionate about the issues and discussions that have come from this forum. I am not one of the young who ache to get away, but instead, I am the one who wants to see this city grow, prosper, and keep all of the things that make it great. I hope to discuss the negatives I perceive, the positives, and ultimately what I would like to see for the future. I will probably ramble for a bit but I appreciate you taking the time to review one man's thoughts.
Starting with the bad news- I think Syracuse has a significant eye sore quality to most of the stretch 81 runs through heading south, after Cicero, any stretch of 81 does not do us any favors for those traveling through. So while I agree that a new solution should be devised, I wonder if tourism aesthetics should not be considered as well. I do not find many other issues with the highway. The constant turning some gripe about, is nothing but complaining. Its not the 90 degree turn that Cleveland has for I90. The construction is a pain but when salt is used for months at a time, anything with concrete would suffer.
My positives are simple- 81 allows access to the entire region. It makes Syracuse a 20 minute city and I really love that. It is the reason I go to SU games, the reason I go downtown for drinks, the reason I go up to Cicero, Mattydale, or even 7th North. Its the reason I left Liverpool after spending my childhood there. Spending 10 or 15 minutes trying to drive from Morgan Rd to get to 81 is annoying and caused me to realize where the future changes would need to be made.
So if a rerouting project were to happen, perhaps include Liverpool in some type of direct contact, either with a major reroute, or a small off shoot. Hell, float a road down the middle of the lake.
That suggestion was a bit extreme but my only hope is that 81 and the access it brings can still remain. I believe it increases tourism, certainly encourages me to stop off at points that I otherwise would never access. I do not believe it creates a divide. The lack of money on the other side of the bridge in "the ward" has nothing to do with the bridge, it has to do with the city not having an abundance of high-money areas. There isn't enough big money or job growth to spur business. It is amazing that the city has remained as vibrant as it has. If Syracuse were a major manufacturing city as it were,or the green job city it wants to be, then the argument could be made however that is not the case at this time. Not to mention, that area is riddled with lower income citizens and big money rarely goes there unless a big tourism attraction is nearby or routed through (see Chicago, around the basketball stadium).
So that is my rant. Syracuse needs 81. Snow removal expenses would be cut with a tunnel, rerouting should consider the ever escaping suburban neighborhoods, and any kind of concrete (bridge pillars) would suffer the salty fate so perhaps new materials. Maybe see what kind of new age green technologies are out there to put Syracuse on the map.
Thanks for listening
Joe
(Posted on:5/23/2011 8:41:31 PM)
- I moved to Syracuse from Puerto Rico about to years ago to go to grad school. I don't have a car, so I rely on public transportation to get around the city. Many of the bus routes I take do not go on I-81, however the few times that I do travel on it or around it I don't like it very much. I never feel safe crossing under the viaduct on foot and the air quality in that area is awful. I also dislike very much the strong divisory line it creates, with the visual quality of the sides of Syracuse it creates being very shocking and sad.
(Posted on:5/20/2011 8:36:34 PM)
- The ramp from 81 NB to 690 EB is very tricky to navigat [eliminate it!]
The ramp from 690 EB to 81 SB is also tricky because of sight lines. [Eliminate that also!]
Replacing the viaduct with a boulevard would improve the area.
Consider a new path along the Ontrack ROW to connect with 81 near Carousel Mall.
Add ramps to and from 690 at University.
(Posted on:5/20/2011 12:22:17 PM)
- When collecting opinions about whether the I81 strip feels like a barrier, you should be asking responders "Have you ever walked the area between Syr. Stage and the Everson?" Have you surveyed the medical students at Upstate who are living around Harrison St. and risking their lives walking from the hospital to their housing? It's both ugly and dangerous to pedestrians. If it stays-MUCH needs to be done to address these issues-and not just on paper for some day like the plantings on the plans carried out but never completed. In China I saw places where they beautify highways with Planters full of flowers! We can't match China?!
(Posted on:5/16/2011 12:55:54 PM)
- 1) Intra-state traffic and trucks will be "dumped" onto city streets. A) Hard to control and direct non-city traffic onto Rt 481 North South of city. B) Same for traffic going south. 2) Signage alone will not prevent high traffic from taking "the shortcut" through the downtown Syracuse area. State police would have to monitor. 3) High traffic count peak commuter hours in the morning and afternoon would be log jammed at the viaduct area.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 12:52:22 PM)
- I remember watching the construction of the viaduct through the windows of my Dentist as a small boy. His offices were in the converted Smith typewriter bldg., which is now demolished. When I was an adult the zone under the viaduct always appeared forbidding and dangerous because it was dark, a field of parked cars, and no people!
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:57:47 AM)
- The idea that 81 divides the city is ridiculous. Every day I see pedestrians walking the E/W streets under the elevated. There is a natural formation that divides, yes: a ridge that tapers off approximately at Adams, 81 follows the ridge, but is not the divider. If you find a place where you can see the overall view, 81 is actually quite graceful. Are there ugly places? Of course, but these are maintenance issues and/or failure to plan beautification around and under the highway and definitely failure to pick up trash (to say mothing about those tossing the trash!)
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:56:09 AM)
- I've lived in Syracuse almost 2 years now. I live in Hawley Green and work at SU. My walking route to work puts me in contact with I-81 & I-690 daily. Its great to be able to walk but its not a pretty walk. I would like it if there was a better aesthatic along the highway that is attractive to pedestrian traffic underneath. In Vietnam where many people walk there are murals along the sides of highways that make them more attractive & pleasing to walk near.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:52:23 AM)
- Invest in mass transit as the solution, please! For a region that pretends to emphasize sustainability and "green' living, there is far too much reliance on driving automobiles and our government invests far too many resources in the accomodation of drivers. Remove the viaduct and restore Almond Street as a city street-an 'urban boulevard' will perpetuate the same problems that exist today: high automobile speeds, difficulty crossing for pedestrians; and a wide barrier between the Hill and downtown. Successfuly American cities are not divided by boulevards. There is a reason for this...
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:50:01 AM)
- The highway system in Syracuse is a source of convenience & easy movement for me in Syracuse. However, as a student & environmentally conscious citizen, they are a pane also. I try to walk & bike whenever possible in Syracuse. The highways near my home make me nervous as a pedestrian-having to walk under them-especially when it gets dark. I feel unsafe often beneath them & they are an aesthetic scar in the city.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:47:16 AM)
- I travel on Rte 81 South of Syracuse once a month. No where is Rte 81 as ugly as in Syracuse. For through traffic, use of 481 around downtown would work fine. Make traffic in Syracuse ground level for citizens who live here.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:44:50 AM)
- I am not really sure how it impacts me, but I know that I drive on 81 every day. Whatever the decision is, we need to remember that it not only impacts our generation, but our children's children's generation.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:43:32 AM)
- It's not clear that being a "20 minute" city is a good thing in and of itself. Its downside includes sprawl and sense of emotional distance from neighborhoods between point A and point B.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:42:47 AM)
- In other cities: While in San Francisco, Calif. I was stuck in the rush hour traffic from the downtown area (off the embarkadaro) as it approached the elevated connector to the highway. It required uniform traffic officers to maintain control.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:42:01 AM)
- It's ugly, dangerous, try getting onto I-81 from Harrison St. on-ramp, crossing over traffic. Barrier to downtown.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:40:25 AM)
- I live in Hawley Green and go to SUNY ESF. I walk or bike to school everyday. Underneath the highway is dark, loud, and typically littered with shards of glass and dead mice. I love walking and biking but I hate passing though this.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:39:13 AM)
- The highways could have ramps fingering & dispersing traffic to the city through the city grid. 481 and 690 could be used to divert thru-traffic around the city.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:37:40 AM)
- I am an ESF student and when my window is open the hmm of traffic on I-81 is the background noise. The acoustic impact of I-81 is widely distributed around the city. I walk under one of the overpasses/raised sections every morning and it is the least pleasant aspect of my pedestrian experience. I stand on Almond St. in a cold, shaded place with the noise of all the traffic on Almond St. echoing back from I-81's under structure and the whine of I-81's traffic above.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:33:38 AM)
- I first became exposed to I-81 while stuyding at Syracuse University. At this time I perceived the highway as a barrier to the connection to downtown from campus. Not only is the highway nearing the end of it's useful life it is a physical barrier to making Syracuse a more walkable city (along with the on & off ramps that surround it). 690 and 481 would prove completely capable of diverting through traffic around the city which would open up, with the removal of I-81 downtown, an opportunity for expanded economic development within the city. The valuable space 81 downtown currently occupies could be used as public space, a park, shopping boulevard, etc. The model of what other cities have done to remove highways and reconnect their downtowns proves the possibility.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:31:08 AM)
- I am from out of town and use I-81 as a way to get back and forth to school. I find it more of a hindrance than help within the city. I do not remember the construction of the highway, but know the current road construction is more harmful and problematic to the flow of city traffic. The city is a dividing line in the city that creates and ruins entire sections of this wonderful city. Without the highway life would still continue, just as it existed prior to the highway's creation.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:19:37 AM)
- We moved to Syracuse in 1969, and we've lived in the Valley section of the city just "under" 81 ever since. We love the convenience of being able to hop on 81 and be downtown in 10 minutes. Between 81 & 690, its possible to get almost anywhere in town in 15 or 20 minutes. However, the aesthetics of these roads are non-existent. There is very little of the beautiful landscaping that we have seen entering other cities, and the trash is a big eyesore. Looking at this is not what I want for either visitors or transients traveling through my city - not to mention for residents.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:15:53 AM)
- There is little merit in being a "20 minute city" if that city is not healthy and vibrant. Plenty of small towns are effectively "20-minute cities" too, but that does not mean they are desirable places to live.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:12:11 AM)
- I-81, while providing access to /thru the city is an unfortunate eyesore and it impacts my life in that it diminishes the image of my home community.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:09:59 AM)
- When an accident happens now it jams up Rt 81 N, 81 S, 690 & 81 for miles. Translate that to the city streets and traffic jams would lock up the city of Syracuse
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:09:03 AM)
- When I first came to ESF as a freshman, I drove on this highway to get my first glimpse over the trees and houses to my new school and home.
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:07:17 AM)
- Working at Upstate the total removal of I-81 will result in massive congestion and delayed medical responses
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:04:42 AM)
- When I moved to Syracuse in 1993 - into the city - I was still commuting via the airport on a regular basis. I mostly used I-81 to get out of the city (8-11 mins only) to the airport. Now I work in the city and only use I-81 about once a month - usually to go eat at China Road in Mattydale. For me the highway is superfluous within the city - but important to get to cities north and south
(Posted on:5/16/2011 10:02:58 AM)
- I'm a relative newcomer to Syracuse, and my introduction to the city was driving down I-81 from the airport. Since moving here, I've spent quite a bit of time driving to and from points south, so I've become quite familiar with the southern entrance to the city on I-81 as well. Coming into the city from either direction, you have a similar experience - it looks very scenic from a distance, and then you have to stop looking at the city and pay attention to the ratty, crumbling, skinny road and all the trash along it. First impressions are important, and currently, it's a mixed bag.
(Posted on:5/13/2011 11:41:05 AM)
- I-81 was a factor in my decision to accept a job with Syracuse University in 1998. I had been teaching (and
reciveved tenure) at the University of Virginia. I had become increasingly dispirited by the long travel times between Charlottesville VA and important destinations to the north, including most importantly Charlottesville Airport. The distance between the University of Virginia and that airport is about the same as the distance between Syracuse University and Syracuse Airport. Yet in Charlottesville, the travel time up US Route 29 was typically as much as 1 hour during "rush hour" traffic, from 4-6:30 p.m., a major time of departure for flights I needed to take. I ended up missing a number of flights there simply due to traffic. In Syracuse, by contrast, the travel time for the 10-mile drive from my workplace to the airport is rarely more than 20 minutes, even at rush-hour. One time early during my time in Syracuse (before the airport slowdowns due to 9/11), I can remember getting on an on-time 6 p.m. flight after having left Syracuse University--late due to some demanding meetings--at about 5:35, on a weekday! I can remember whispering a small prayer of thanks for I-81 as I eased into my seat.
(Posted on:5/7/2011 10:52:53 PM)
- I live a mile east of it on one side and work a few block west of it on the other. I drive or walk under it daily. It strikes me that it's absence would add tremendously to the appearance of our city.
Recently I had the opportunity to drive on the cross-city throughway under the river in Santiago, Chile. What a marvelous idea and amazing way to integrate speed of transportation along with maintaining city green-space above. Entrance and exit to the tunnel is marked by electronic meter readers (like EZ-Pass) which is paying for the project.
Let's make an investment in the future of high-speed transportation and developing additional green-space for our city!
(Posted on:5/7/2011 5:22:43 PM)
- I did not live in Syracuse during the construction of Rte. 81. I use Rte. 81 on a regular basis and find it is very valuable in my commuting time from point A to point B saving time and gas consumption. When the road is closed for weather or accident conditions, the amount of traffic that is forced upon the city streets is over bearing and produces a literal log jam of cars and trucks, including 18-wheelers. Our city streets are designed for all this traffic.
(Posted on:5/6/2011 8:18:31 AM)
- How would changes to I-81 affect 690?
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:21:58 PM)
- Those versed in histoary will also realize that the former Erie Canal itself was a BARRIER. Since wastewater treatment did not exist as it does today, it was essentially an open sewer that needed a series of bridges to cross. Most of these bridges were known to malfunction and impacted emergency crews. This is why Syracuse has so many firehouses. Now those structures are no longer needed and have been converted over to other uses if they were not demolished.
The same can be said about the proposed boulevard idea. Additional maintenance at a higher cost would not solve the problem, but only promote it.
A tunnel is ludicrous at best since ground water is relatively shallow because most of the city is built on former wetlands. Expensive pumps would be needed to keep groundwater, snow, rain out of the area. A facility reminiscent of the pump facilities in New Orleans would be necessary. In a time when taxes are causing issues for all, one must consider the question of how to you pay for that?
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:21:36 PM)
- My history on I-81: well personally I think that the interstate wasn't a good idea of urban renewal because it displaced many families, businesses and homes. The city may have needed to be renewed but the government or city should have put it somewhere else. Now that the highway is here it should be fixed and left the same.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:14:56 PM)
- It seems to me that the I-481 interchanges will need major improvements if the viaduct is to be torn down. I would also like to see an all interstate path that does NOT touch the city of Syracuse. As I understand it, certain nuclear shipments are not allowed within city limits. (My information is decades old.)
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:12:59 PM)
- For me, I-81 takes away the "life" of the city. When I look at it, I don't want to get out of my car, and it keeps me from really "seeing" the city for all it coule be. Instead, for me, Syracuse is a HIGHWAY wilth a city (or cities) stuck in around it.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:10:38 PM)
- I-81 is important because of its location near the hospitals. I am a resident of the city and have many relatives in the north country. They use the hospitals here and use I-81 to get there faster.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:08:52 PM)
- 81 is completely essential to maintaining a working city. Loss of quick travel from north to south Syracuse will drastically increase commute times and destroy what I love most - ease of navigation. I feel as though opponents either have a vast personal vendettta or have never been to a real major city. People won't move into the city. They'll move to another completely. No one wants to drive an hour to work. Myself included.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:07:12 PM)
- I-81 going through city of Syracuse has divided the main thoroughfare into 2 parts - "Haves" and "Have Nots". On one side you see boarded homes and on the other side green lawns and beautiful homes.
Traffic from Canada coming down on I-81 and wanting to go down south to B'ton; Scranton, etc. should not have to go through I-81 S. in and around the city. This creates traffic jams and lots of accidents because of multiple exits and entries.
i-81 traffic from Exit 29 (Drivers Village; Market Place Mall) should be connected to present 481 South and this 481 South should be renamed as I-81 South. The present I-81 from there to downtown should become Syracuse Parkway or similar name and terminate around downtown Syracuse area. People who have business in and around Syracuse will come. Through traffic will go on present 481 South and connect to I-81 south near "Loretto". This willl take care of people who travel from north and south.
People from east and west will use present I-690 which connects to present 481 South (future I-81 South).
These are simple solutions and will save millions of $. Those who suggest to build underground I-81 South are not realistic. Ask people in Boston, Mass. Their underground interstate supposed to cost $600 million ultimately cost them $6 billion!!! Federal, state, county, city governments all broke!
After demolition of I-81 flyover, all that space on the ground can be developed with beautiful parks, walkways, restaurants, boutique shops which can become a show piece for city of Syracuse.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 12:03:30 PM)
- If a city segment is desired to replace the span, a suggested better route, at ground or partially depressed, would better serve the area shunting away along the Ontrack track span or earlier, swinging over to and using the West Street arterial to eventually connect fully around Franklin Square/Solar St. Challenges exist, but such a route would be less divisive and have room for more useful and appropriate interchanges.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 11:50:53 AM)
- The existing stretch of I-81 between 690 and 481 at the south end is a very poorly designed stretch of road that even more poorly serves those who actually live in the path. A highway through a city should well serve the population affected by it, and the segment does not. It doesn't even serve the Hill area well.
I studied the history and my published paper on it was cited by the OCL study. It is available for dowjnload at http://www.acknight.com/15thWard Thesis.pdf
(Posted on:5/5/2011 11:47:56 AM)
- We should continue to repair I-81. It is quicker and easier to get from Point A to Point B. When I moved here from Florida, I grew up on Cedar Street and Forman Ave. I was there when urban renewal began. Before 81 was built there was a second jail in Syracuse. We needed to get to Erie Blvd. It seemed to take longer. We were glad when the highway was built. It was easier to get in and out of the city. Hospitals were easy to get to. Upstate Medical Hospital used to house the Health Department and was called Memorial Hospital. Visitors also find it easy to get to many locations and the Thruway to get to Syracuse. We'd be lost without it.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 11:43:28 AM)
- I live just north of the city and work on the south side of the city. I-81 has saved me countless DAYS of commute time. I chose my home based on its proximity to I-81 and I-90.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 11:25:23 AM)
- I'm barely old enough to remember the days before the viaduct was completed. Your presentation said it was 1969, but I would have guessed 1967l. I've also heard stories about how things were in tghe 1950s. They said the congestion was phenomenal. A few weeks ago (late April, 2011) I-81 was flooded, and it took a very long time to go north on Salina Street. I also remember the congestion from the mid 1980s while it was being repaired. It seems to me that bridges need to be replaced, not simply town down. "People whoh forget the past are condemned to repeat it."
I'm also surprised that I haven't heard comparisons to York, Pennsylvania, [I-83 vs. Business loop 83 (George St.)]. there are some similarities there.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 11:24:23 AM)
- When I was 12 my family moved to Syracuse around 1964. My dad worked on I-81. He would drive us down to see the piles and piles of debris that used to be people's homes. At the time, Salina Street and Warren Street had stores like K-mart, Grants, Woolworths, Day Brothers and many more retail. After they opened I-81 the city of Syracuse became a virtual ghost town for retail. 81 has been a barrier between the east and west part of the city.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 11:20:53 AM)
- I-81 is a very important roadway for our city. I am not opposed to changes, but 2-3 lanes of uinrestricted traffic at high speeds MUST be a requirement with any re-design. Removal of this will cause gridlock and chaos and eliminate a great resource this community has.
Many other communities thrive with elevated viaducts. Take St. Petersburg, Florida. The elevated highways divide wealthy from the wealthy. This "divide" argument doesn't necessarily exist just because of the highway.
Keep an elevated highway, or recessed version like I-75 in Detroit and countless other cities.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 11:00:47 AM)
- My memory is riding with my parents and Grandfather from the greater B'ville area near Thruway Exit 39 on the new 690 E. through the city to Dewiltt when it first opened in around 1969.
I wish there was a right-of-way reserved by NYS for a western outerbelt from 690/695 south to Rt. 81 to avoid entering the city. This would have elliminated much traffic from the 690/81 interchange that currently exists.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:55:21 AM)
- Living south of the city, I-81 is EXTREMELY important to me and my family whether it is visiting in-laws on Buckley Rd., shopping at Carousel Mall, catching a plane, going to Upstate Medical Hospital (just had a stroke) or going to a game at the Dome, 81 is important. If 81 were interrupted or routed around on 481, the time and cost of visiting anything in the city, north of the city or east, e.g. Erie Blvd. would be much worse. Commuting to an office in downtown Syracuse would be a nightmare - it may result in businesses relocating from downtown to 481 East. I also have a problem picturing 40,000 cars driving through So. Salina and No. Salina Streets. Route 81 - as currently routed is the best route.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:52:59 AM)
- I used I-81 to get back and forth to school in MD and when I lived there after college. The road was my enemy in PA, but the view of the city that unfolds before you just as you come around the bend at the Onondaga Nation Territory will always be special to me - it meant I was home. Still I am not a fan of how it splits the city.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:48:00 AM)
- I-81 is not a barrier whatsoever. While there is no doubt that the road needs much attention and/or replacement, to simply remove it would negatively impact other areas of the community. If rerouted via the existing I-481, existing interchanges (5+92, Jamesville Rd. etc.) would have to be greatly modified. North and south of the city interchanges would need expensive and time consuming taking of land for the new interchanges. It would be best to replace the structure with a series of prefabricated cement segments that not only serve as a vital link for transportation, but serve as a corridor of open space with multiple uses.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:45:51 AM)
- In our city I-81 has cut off a valuable connection with key parts of the city. The elevated corridor through the city is not vital and detracts more than it adds.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:41:38 AM)
- The cement used on 81 was engineered by New York State engineers. It was a poor grade well below standard grades, way below top grades. I worked at the cement plant in Jamesville as did my father.
I am now a tool maker. The grade of the steel used is also at cheaper grades, which costs less up front but more in the end.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:40:05 AM)
- I would like to know the following:
1) If moved, where will I-81 go and in order to put it in what must be destroyed such as homes, communities, businesses, farmland or untouched landscape that will be gone if it is moved?
2) I kind of like the idea of I-81 being moved because we can reclaim the land it has taken, reduce the amount of air pollution in Syracuse and reduce the amount of water run off into our lake. But what other benefits will we have that will be longer lasting and help our city?
3) Will the solution be long lasting and environmentally safe so that it will need less of a change like it does now?
4) Will this create jobs in Syracuse and will it be able to permit jobs for decades to come?
5) Our communities are split with I-81. Will the removal of it cause problems for our city?
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:36:15 AM)
- While I feel for those who travel into Syracuse from suburbs and other places, and I recognize the need to accommodate them in a reasonable way, citizens of Syracuse have not, in many ways, been well-served by I-81 as it cuts through the city. I work at Dr. King Elementary School, where the highway is ever present: the view, the noise, the smell (at times); the difficulties of accessing it from there; the challenges of walking and bicycling in that area. I live in the University neighborhood, so I frequently use the city section of I-81. It isn't very user-friendly, though. It seems to better serve those who come from other areas.
There really isn't a viable alternative for efficiently traveling north and south through Syracuse - many of us got a lot of first-hand knowledge of that with recent closures of sections due to repairs or adjacent crumbling buildings - but there must be some way to take this opportunity to re-do I-81 so that it serves those who live here as well as those who drive to and through here.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:29:54 AM)
- I'm from about 45 minutes north of Syracuse. Driving into and through Syracuse on I-81 was how I first experienced the city. I now live in Syracuse and from the perspective of being below the elevated part of the highway, it does create a barrier through the city. Regardless of what is done with this part of 81 the connection underneath, expecially for pedestrians, could be significantly improved. Also, driving south on 81 into the city when you can first see the southern hills gives a strong sense of identify for where you are.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:25:14 AM)
- I-81 has impacted my life by getting me to and from work at St. J. Hospital. It has been my main route until I've transferred to other satellites. It is my main route to see my mother at Loretto.
My personal history with I-81 was it was my first interstate road that I learned to drive on, not during rush hour, but those early times learning to drive. Sadly, I'm too young to remember the construction of I-81.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:22:02 AM)
- I have lived in Syracuse my whole life. I've driven on I-81 twice. Specifically the elevated viaduct through the city is a congested and dangerous place to drive, so I avoid it. The areas under the bridges are very dark uncomkfortable places, effectively splitting the city.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:19:50 AM)
- I 81 encourages sprawl and therefore increases the cost of living in the Syracuse area. It decreases the value of city property.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:18:19 AM)
- I-81 and the other elevated viaducts prevent the "downtown" of Syracuse from expanding in any direction. This prevents the city center from reaching the "critical mass" needed for it to grow into a vibrant urban community.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:16:59 AM)
- I live in Liverpool and use I-81 as my commute route to work. I am employed by the Syracuse City School District as a nurse and have to be able to utilize my car in the event I am sent to another building to give medicine if another building has a nurse out for illness or family emergency. I live about 1 1/2 miles from Carousel Mall so I use the access point where Buckley Rd, Old Liverpool Road and Park St. meet. I could not imagine being told to go north on I-81 to 481 and have to make a wide circle around the city to arrive at a southern part or eastern area of the city. What a waste of time and gasoline! I also travel to church on Sundays in the University area.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:14:22 AM)
- 50 years ago I-81 was planned for an underground road. Let's not make that same mistake now.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:10:40 AM)
- I believe I-81 needs to be torn down. But we still need to consider that individuals going through the city don't want it to take forever with lots of red lights. We also have to consider emergency personnel needs. When/if they take I-81 down, the city exposed is not necessarily pretty. There would have to be some incentive to fix the exposed part of the city.
For those wanting to bypass the city, if I-81 is down, the newer routes may have to consider increased traffic around the city.
All in all, I would like I-81 down. I have been in other cities where it has worked well. Let's talk to them.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:09:58 AM)
- I-81 - although it may be functional it is a monstrosity in terms of aesthetics! As a ""green city", surely a plan can evolve that will encourage easy walking, biking, enjoying community without the blight of this horrible vision. Bury it - use all creativity to create open and inviting spaces in which community bonds can be strengthened.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:06:53 AM)
- I was a college student "62-66 working with children at the church on E. Genesee St. (15th Ward). I experienced losing my family's home and neighborhood to eminent domain excercised by NYS Fairgrounds Department of Agriculture for parking lot expansion. I felt the I-81 project was wrong on many levels. Have hated the split downtown from the beginning. I learned that this "plan" was in place to renew Baltimore by dividing it down the middle and wiping out the historic Fells Point area. It was stopped in Baltimorw - I wish it was stopped in Syracuse and I hope that it will be removed from downtown Syracuse.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 10:04:05 AM)
- My earliest memories of I-81 were seeing the blinking lights of Syracuse as we crested the hill by the Nation returning from some hockey game/tournament down south. It was a nice feeling, knowing we were just about home. A nice view.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 9:56:36 AM)
- Right now I use I-81 more than I ever did before - I use it to get from Jamesville up to my Mom's place in Liverpool. the convenience is great. But...it is ugly, it divides the city, and makes walking difficult. Pedestrians need to be accommodated and encouraged.
(Posted on:5/5/2011 9:55:06 AM)
- I drive as part of my job and could not imagine route planning without the interstate. However, it seems to e a "divider" within the city - a costly one. Consider a trolley system like downtown Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco and others.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:51:16 AM)
- I-81 acts as an East-West Reference/point of demarcation
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:49:45 AM)
- Yes, Syracuse is a "20 minute city". I appreciate that, but I would be willing to risk changing that to create a positive change by removing 81 through the city and improving the aesthetics of our city. 81 is very dangerous in a downtown area, especially 81-690 intersections.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:48:40 AM)
- Unfortunately, I-81 undermined the core of the city, created suburban blight and destroyed the cohesiveness of the city.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:46:55 AM)
- I remember driving down Pulaski to Little York for my family reunion where I was young, 12 or 13 years old. My aunt and uncle oohed and aahed about how much easier the trip became.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:46:14 AM)
- The bridges are a money pit. I have read over the years to fit the bridges and replace the cement because the salt is used in the winters.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:45:01 AM)
- Having come from Philadelphia, I have always loved I-81 and the convenience to be able to get anywhere in a short amount of time. (Except 81 south to 690 west where connection backs up)
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:44:12 AM)
- I am still offended even today regarding the "blighted" city areas of the 40's - 70's. Many beautiful homes were destroyed which couldn't be duplicated elsewhere. IF we change I-81 in any way what will happen to people and their properties 50 years from now?
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:42:37 AM)
- The areas under and surrounding te elevated highway are simply depressing zones of under-utilized land.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:41:25 AM)
- Regarding the comment that I-81 "acts as a barrier"... The damage has already been done. What could you do to prevent the highway from being a barrier now?
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:40:50 AM)
- Living in the far northern suburbs of Syracuse, I-81 has always been a thoroughfare to GER THROUGH Syracuse. It has also inspired me to pursue Landscape Architecture to prevent highways from BYPASSING major cities and their downtowns.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:40:14 AM)
- I view I-81 as an option to access various parts of Central New York by a more efficient means. On the flip side it is also viewed as a divider to socioeconomical populations.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:38:48 AM)
- Makes traveling to work a breeze! I have lived in the University area for over 50 years and 81 has been a blessing to go from one side of the city to the other in little to no time.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:37:53 AM)
- Tear it down! Bring back the neighborhood.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:37:14 AM)
- I use 81 to commute to/from work. I was around when 81 was constructed, along with the Onondoga Interchange w/ 690. I feel that it should be improved to include additional lanes/car-pool lanes, better lighting and signage
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:36:53 AM)
- Take back the city for people, not cars. Reroute traffic to 481 & I-90 and give us better public transit in the city.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:32:15 AM)
- I never liked the entrances, exits and merging configurations particularly I-690, I-81 and related ramps. IT wouldn't be as bad if drivers heeded the speed limits especially the 45 mph. Drivers are violent and TAILGATE. Laws are not enforced. I will be glad to help beautify and make safe any changes.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:31:40 AM)
- I use I-81, usually north from Colvin, nearly daily. To go East on 690 and West on 690 is dangerous in I-81's current form. We live on Roe Ave, 3 blocks east of Comstock. Any proposal which diverts highway traffic to Aidsky Drive and Thurber will destroy our neighborhood.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:29:54 AM)
- I would be concerned that removing 81 would increase traffic congestion downtown and could result in more of a barrier than the existing overhead roads.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:27:46 AM)
- I-81 makes it easy to get both to and through downtown, but it can be awkward to navigate where there are exits and merging on ramps and where the speed changes.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:25:58 AM)
- Re-open the Canal so we can Kayak to work!!
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:25:13 AM)
- Widen the bridge and highway. Beautify the whole area, not just the suburbs.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:24:34 AM)
- African Americans are never considered in the plan anyways.
(Posted on:5/4/2011 11:23:43 AM)
- I prefer to take the thurway from the eastern suburbs to Liverpool. I used to take I-81, but I don't anymore due to the congestion, all of the intersections on I-81, and the trucks speeding through the area.
I-81 allows me to get from Liverpool to downtown quickly, but I approach it from liverpool parkway during rush hour so I can see if it's congested, and if it is I take Salina instead.
(Posted on:5/3/2011 9:43:36 PM)
- I-81 has been a crucial part of my daily commute. It allows me to get where I want to go fast without having to deal with a lot of traffic (unless there is construction.) On the other hand, the I-81 N/I-690 E interchange is a horrible design. Depending the time of day and if the on ramp light is green, it is designed for congestion and accidents.
(Posted on:5/3/2011 7:48:23 PM)
- I remember living in Syracuse before I-81 was built. It is so much easier to get through the city now.
(Posted on:5/2/2011 1:45:03 PM)
- I am a student and SU and I don't ever go west of I-81
(Posted on:5/2/2011 1:44:08 PM)
- I walk under I-81 all the time. It's dirty, dark, and has a lot of traffic.
(Posted on:5/2/2011 1:43:30 PM)
- I love the view of the city from I-81
(Posted on:5/2/2011 1:41:49 PM)
- When I was in Syracuse for the first time 10 years ago working on Clinton Square, I was struck by how much I-81 divides the city.
(Posted on:5/2/2011 1:41:18 PM)
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