(Syracuse, NY – Aug. 2013) Just days after the Aug. 1 launch of Save81.org, more than 1,000 residents from throughout Central New York have signed the group’s online petition in support of preserving Interstate 81’s designation as an Interstate Highway through the City.
“We are overwhelmed by the grassroots support of Save81.org that has poured in online from throughout the region,” said Salina Town Supervisor Mark Nicotra, a member of Save81.org. “The fact that more than 1,000 area residents have already signed our petition is evidence of the widespread concern about the potential negative effects of a boulevard on the area’s economy, traffic, public safety, and overall quality of life.”
Save81.org is a diverse coalition of concerned residents, elected officials, employers, union members, and community groups that have come together as officials in Albany determine how to deal with the aging portions of I-81 in the area. Save81.org opposes a plan being considered to replace I-81 in Downtown Syracuse with a boulevard that would divert Interstate traffic away from the City and “leave traffic congestion and air pollution in its place.”
Save81.org believes that any plan to rehabilitate the aging portions of I-81 must preserve the highway’s Interstate designation through the City; particularly the stretch of I-81 that runs through and connects the community with Downtown Syracuse.
Save81.org believes there are multiple solutions that could accomplish this goal, including a tunnel, depressed roadway, a new bridge or an idea that has yet to be proposed.
For more information, visit www.Save81.org.