I-81 Open House Draws a Crowd 6/18/2019
Numerous SHA residents and staff were among the 800 people who attended the NYSDOT Open House on the Interstate 81
project. Attendants had the opportunity to see architectural drawings and charts and ask questions about the process and
expectations of the DOT during the five-year plan to complete the project.
Syracuse Mayor, Ben Walsh attended a portion of the open house, stating he was encouraged by the number of people in
the room. “There is energy and excitement in the room,” Walsh stated.
Not everyone got answers at today’s events. Before it started, I-81 Project Director Mark Frechette noted the information was
light on details about construction, which state officials say would last five years. Details such as when construction would
begin or whether crews would work overnight - will come later.
What will happen to my home and job were the chief concerns for SHA residents and staff alike. “We support the
grid option,” said Bill Simmons. “But people want to know more about what’s going to happen.”