ONONDAGA CITIZENS LEAGUE E-NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2008
RETHINKING I-81
In September, Congress for the New Urbanism named Interstate-81 in Syracuse to its Top Ten “Freeways Without Futures” list. CNU says the list represents opportunities to revitalize urban areas while replacing aging highways with boulevards and other alternatives.
As part of its research on cities that have undertaken highway to boulevard conversions, the OCL Study Committee recently interviewed Peter Park, former planning director for the city of Milwaukee and John Norquist, president of The Congress for the New Urbanism and former mayor of Milwaukee. Norquist has also been involved in the city of Buffalo’s waterfront redevelopment plans and attempts to bring an embanked expressway spur to grade level. Notes from the meetings are on the OCL study website.
In June, OCL launched its own web log, an online discussion of issues, news stories, case studies, reports, and other items of interest relating to OCL's current study, RETHINKING I-81. General awareness of the blog got a boost in July with mentions in the Post-Standard’s Sunday blog spot, and a news story on Channel 9 news. Channel 9 also ran a story on the State DOT’s public participation project. New entries are posted regularly to the OCL blog, and your comments are encouraged. As the Study Committee explores the I-81 question, we hope that you will get involved by following the process, keeping an open mind, and adding your opinions to the mix.
The OCL Study Committee will host a presentation of its findings to-date on Wednesday, October 15, from 12 – 1:30 PM at The Warehouse lecture hall, 350 West Fayette Street. On-street and pay parking is available nearby. RSVP at ocl@syr.edu or call 315.443.4846.
OCL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Seven new board members, elected at OCL’s June annual meeting, took office in September. Starting their first three-year terms on the board are: Hanah Ehrenreich, CNY Works; David Holder, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau; Heidi Holtz, Gifford Foundation; Karen Kitney; Amy Kremenek, Onondaga Community College; Hilda Martinez, Syracuse University; and Grant Reeher, Maxwell School. Board members Ken Her, Don MacLaughlin, and Doug Sutherland were elected to second three-year terms. Officers for 2008-2009 were elected at the September board meeting: Steve Kearney, President; Betty DeFazio, Vice President; Don MacLaughlin, Treasurer; and Tony Malavenda, Secretary. Congratulations!
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