Public Input Needed on Community Grid Vision Plan

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have officially begun the process that will remove Interstate-81 through the heart of the City of Syracuse and replace it with the Community Grid alternative. In order to develop the Community Grid as something all people can benefit from, the city of Syracuse has released a Community Grid Vision Plan. 

The I-81 Removal Vision Plan team was led by Dover, Kohl, & Partners – an urban design and planning firm from Coral Gables, Florida. The city of Syracuse assigned this team of planners, architects, engineers, and experts in the fields of housing, development, economics, and anti-displacement with the task of making sure the community’s voices and ideas for the Community Grid remain the guiding influence for the project until it’s final design and construction.

CenterState CEO, which helped coordinate a neighborhood tour and provided feedback through the development of the document, is quoted in the plan, stating “Large-scale investments, like the newly announced Micron Technology semiconductor facility, create an imperative that this plan leverages the redevelopment of I-81 in such a way that will maximize existing economic development today, and position the City for greater future potential tomorrow.”

Two meetings will be held for the public to review and comment on the plan:

Tuesday, Feb. 27

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cafeteria of STEAM at Dr. King Elementary

416 E. Raynor Ave.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cafeteria of Lincoln Hill Middle School

1613 James St.

Feedback can also be submitted online.