NYSDOT Sets First Neighborhood Meetings For I-81 Viaduct Project

ALBANY, NY (09/18/2013)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced the first neighborhood meeting about the I-81 Viaduct project will be held Wednesday, September 25, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Toomey Abbott Towers in the city's Southside neighborhood.

The neighborhood meetings are designed to give residents throughout the Syracuse region a chance to learn about the ongoing environmental review process and how they can participate in the project. This is the first of eight neighborhood meetings that will be scheduled over the next few months.

NYSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are leading the environmental review required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the project was issued in August, and a scoping document will be forthcoming next month, with a formal scoping meeting in November.

The neighborhood meetings will include a presentation by NYSDOT, and an opportunity for residents to express their thoughts about the project and ask questions of the project leaders.

• What: First Community Meeting on I-81 Viaduct project

• When: Wednesday, September 25, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

• Where: Toomey Abbott Towers, 2nd floor community room, 1207 Almond Street, Syracuse

Seven other neighborhood meetings are being planned, including an additional meeting in the Southside neighborhood. The other meetings will be held in the Northside, Eastside, Westside and Downtown neighborhoods in the city of Syracuse, and also in DeWitt, and the Salina/Liverpool area. Details on those meetings will be announced as they are finalized.

This location is handicapped accessible. Please contact Gene Cilento at (315) 428-4351 if a sign language interpreter, assisted listening system or other accommodation will be required to facilitate your participation in the neighborhood meeting.

###