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Hunter favors community grid option to replace 81 in Syracuse

Ellen Abbott
/
WRVO News

State Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter said she’s supporting the community grid option for replacing the elevated portion of Interstate 81 that cuts through downtown Syracuse. Her decision comes as a long-awaited environmental impact statement from the state is expected soon.

For Hunter, whose district straddles both sides of the 81 debate, it’s clear the community is at an impasse about 81. The needle hasn’t really moved on an issue that pits supporters of a community grid model that would route through traffic around Syracuse on I-481, and advocates of options that would keep 81’s footprint where it is.

Hunter said the community grid means less disruption to the community and a greater economic boost for the city. But she also said this decision isn’t about choosing sides between the city or the suburbs. 

"No one is getting left behind or forgotten, we are truly all in this together," Hunter said. "For those who disagree, I respectfully request that we work together to get this right. The conversation about how needs to start now.”

The state ultimately will make the decision about which option will move forward. And a long-awaited state report outlining the pros and cons of the options is expected shortly, and could indicate which way the state is thinking.

That report, a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), was expected last year. It was then delayed to include a tunnel option, and was expected to be released in January. Hunter said it's time to release the report, because the debate has gone on too long.

"I think people are just very frustrated that it’s like governmental purgatory in a way. That we are just in this holding pattern, and nothing is happening," she said.

Hunter hopes the release of the DEIS is the beginning of everyone working together; and not a debate that splits the community for years to come.

"I fear that as we get close to this DEIS rolling out, if we don’t have a concerted effort to say 'we are moving this community forward together', we are going to continue to be divided," she said.

Central New York Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus) has been holding town hall meetings on the issue, with two more planned this week. One will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the Liverpool Middle School cafeteria at 6 p.m. The final meeting will be held Thursday Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Public Leadership Academy at Fowler High School in Syracuse.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.