Development in and Around Syracuse Discussion

[721Comstock]

Let's just hope they don't use the same company that is doing the bridge rebuild on John Glenn boulevard. It would take them about 50 years to complete all the work on I-81. I've never seen a company work so slow.

Well, if they finish the job quickly, then they'll have no more work to do.

 

[IthacaMatt]

How much longer will your commute take during the 2-3 years of construction when I-81 is down to just 1 lane? 10 minutes? 20 minutes?

Once you get used to using the I-481 bypass, you will probably continue to do so after the rebuild is completed.

Well, there's going to be construction either way, since the existing structure has to come down. So your point really doesn't have a point.

 

[All4SU]

Wrong. It’s 5 minutes faster on 81 from experience if you live southwest of city. Nobody drives the 55 mph limit on 81.

Also live in Cicero, and frequently opt for 481 around the city. While it's true that it is USUALLY FASTER to take 81, there is a much greater chance that a random slowdown/accident/delay will take place on 81. So while 481 will take you a couple of extra minutes, it MIGHT save you 20 minutes.

 

[FrancoPizza]

Also live in Cicero, and frequently opt for 481 around the city. While it's true that it is USUALLY FASTER to take 81, there is a much greater chance that a random slowdown/accident/delay will take place on 81. So while 481 will take you a couple of extra minutes, it MIGHT save you 20 minutes.

I'm aware of that, it's only slowed me down a couple of times... and quite frankly, accidents happen to back up 481 as well. I just personally find the 25 minute commute more interesting passing various downtown "landmarks" versus driving through cow pastures and rock quarries. Not looking forward to 3+ years of that.

 

[KellySyracuse]

the actual ignorance about this project is mind boggling. Congel/Pyramid/Nicotra and the Dewitt mayor that was about to cry actual tears at one of the meetings DeFrancisco held, they've succeeded in their mission. People so concerned should have taken the time to go to one of the multiple DOT meetings about it instead of relying on propaganda pushed the above mentioned idiots.

 

[shandeezy7]

the actual ignorance about this project is mind boggling. Congel/Pyramid/Nicotra and the Dewitt mayor that was about to cry actual tears at one of the meetings DeFrancisco held, they've succeeded in their mission. People so concerned should have taken the time to go to one of the multiple DOT meetings about it instead of relying on propaganda pushed the above mentioned idiots.

The Dewitt Town Supervisor being opposed to this has to be the most perplexing thing for me. Aside from a smattering of houses that are adjacent to the highway (a good chunk of which were already built next to an existing interstate), I don't see how re-routing 81 onto 481 could have a negative effect on the town. In fact, if the Congel's argument is that losing some bypassing traffic is bad for Destiny, then wouldn't it be a positive thing for the dying/dead mall that is in this buffoon's district?

 

[KellySyracuse]

The Dewitt Town Supervisor being opposed to this has to be the most perplexing thing for me. Aside from a smattering of houses that are adjacent to the highway (a good chunk of which were already built next to an existing interstate), I don't see how re-routing 81 onto 481 could have a negative effect on the town. In fact, if the Congel's argument is that losing some bypassing traffic is bad for Destiny, then wouldn't it be a positive thing for the dying/dead mall that is in this buffoon's district?

I'm sure there is plenty of money exchanging hands between Congel/Pyramid and Nicotra/Kerry Manion because those two buffoons have been the most vocal opponents of the community grid. I wonder how Nicotra would feel about an interstate being rammed right through the village of Liverpool

 

[OttoMets]

The Dewitt Town Supervisor being opposed to this has to be the most perplexing thing for me. Aside from a smattering of houses that are adjacent to the highway (a good chunk of which were already built next to an existing interstate), I don't see how re-routing 81 onto 481 could have a negative effect on the town. In fact, if the Congel's argument is that losing some bypassing traffic is bad for Destiny, then wouldn't it be a positive thing for the dying/dead mall that is in this buffoon's district?

I'm not sure I can say enough negative things about DeWitt's leadership and role in the 81 process. Given its location, infrastructure, and (to put it politely) demographics, it's a place with a lot of advantages. But they can't get anything right with progressive planning, and they've given away a golden opportunity to leverage this project into a big investment in their community - there's no there there, but this project could change that. The state could dump a ton of money into improving that dead zone between Lyndon and the underutilized center of town at the big intersection. Instead the local leaders are following the lead of the rednecks up north.

 

[OttoMets]

I'm sure there is plenty of money exchanging hands between Congel/Pyramid and Nicotra/Kerry Manion because those two buffoons have been the most vocal opponents of the community grid. I wonder how Nicotra would feel about an interstate being rammed right through the village of Liverpool

They're halfway there, given the ridiculous widenings NYSDOT has forced on the town over the last 20 years. They turned an otherwise nice village into an arterial. With a non-mouth-breathing leader, Salina (like DeWitt) could have parlayed this into something positive. A few million dollars spent on enhancing the interchange at Exit 38 on the Thruway and upgrading the 81/90 interchange, combined with a road diet in the village, could prevent northern commuters from continuing to ruin Liverpool. That place could be a gem. Instead...MOAR FASTER FROM MY CHEAP TRACT HOME TO CITY.

 

[IthacaMatt]

The Dewitt Town Supervisor being opposed to this has to be the most perplexing thing for me. Aside from a smattering of houses that are adjacent to the highway (a good chunk of which were already built next to an existing interstate), I don't see how re-routing 81 onto 481 could have a negative effect on the town. In fact, if the Congel's argument is that losing some bypassing traffic is bad for Destiny, then wouldn't it be a positive thing for the dying/dead mall that is in this buffoon's district?

The 481 bypass actually should improve shopping for the Dewitt / Fayetteville corridor, since people south of the City can get there just as easily as they can get to Destiny.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I'm not sure I can say enough negative things about DeWitt's leadership and role in the 81 process. Given its location, infrastructure, and (to put it politely) demographics, it's a place with a lot of advantages. But they can't get anything right with progressive planning, and they've given away a golden opportunity to leverage this project into a big investment in their community - there's no there there, but this project could change that. The state could dump a ton of money into improving that dead zone between Lyndon and the underutilized center of town at the big intersection. Instead the local leaders are following the lead of the rednecks up north.

The Dewitt Town board are idiots. They micromanage commercial construction on Erie Blvd, Bridge St., Shoppingtown, etc. They have gone so far as asking franchisees to change colors that are part of the branding of the franchise they are buying. Any idiot knows you can't do that. How many McDonald's do you see with blue arches??

They think they live in the toniest neighborhood in NYS. They need to take a trip down to Westchester sometime to see what a real upscale neighborhood, or town, looks like.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Does it matter where sales tax revenue comes from? Sale tax revenue is revenue wherever it comes from. If people don't want to come here, that revenue will slowly disappear.

The only time it matters is if you are drawing shoppers from outside of your county. Then you are getting a true gain from the investment in the mall.

 

[OttoMets]

The Dewitt Town board are idiots. They micromanage commercial construction on Erie Blvd, Bridge St., Shoppingtown, etc. They have gone so far as asking franchisees to change colors that are part of the branding of the franchise they are buying. Any idiot knows you can't do that. How many McDonald's do you see with blue arches??

They think they live in the toniest neighborhood in NYS. They need to take a trip down to Westchester sometime to see what a real upscale neighborhood, or town, looks like.

There's a big disconnect between the goal of a tony town (which I support) and their inconsistency in planning etc. A brown McD's sign isn't worth a damn when it fronts a six-lane arterial with no sidewalks, no trees, and an asphalt median with weeds growing out of it.

 

[shandeezy7]

The Dewitt Town board are idiots. They micromanage commercial construction on Erie Blvd, Bridge St., Shoppingtown, etc. They have gone so far as asking franchisees to change colors that are part of the branding of the franchise they are buying. Any idiot knows you can't do that. How many McDonald's do you see with blue arches??

They think they live in the toniest neighborhood in NYS. They need to take a trip down to Westchester sometime to see what a real upscale neighborhood, or town, looks like.

Town boards are inherently incompetent and/or corrupt, but I'm not sure I've ever encountered one as pathetic as the Dewitt Town Board.

 

[Eric15]

Also live in Cicero, and frequently opt for 481 around the city. While it's true that it is USUALLY FASTER to take 81, there is a much greater chance that a random slowdown/accident/delay will take place on 81. So while 481 will take you a couple of extra minutes, it MIGHT save you 20 minutes.

A Syracusian complaining about the horror of 20 extra minutes in their commute is the same as a person who lives south of the Mason Dixon line complaining about the horror of a half inch of snow.

 

[All4SU]

A Syracusian complaining about the horror of 20 extra minutes in their commute is the same as a person who lives south of the Mason Dixon line complaining about the horror of a half inch of snow.

True. Except sitting on 81 in stopped traffic, when you don't have to, is no fun.

Related note: I think Syracuse is the only city that has Sunshine traffic jams. There is a spot heading south on 81 just past Court street where, at certain times of the year, the sun hits you square in the eyes at around 8am. People actually put on their brakes - God knows they don't typically have the need for sunglasses in Syracuse. One braker leads to another and another. A traffic compression results and before you know it there is a 1/4 mile backup. It's bizarre. But that's Syracuse.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Also live in Cicero, and frequently opt for 481 around the city. While it's true that it is USUALLY FASTER to take 81, there is a much greater chance that a random slowdown/accident/delay will take place on 81. So while 481 will take you a couple of extra minutes, it MIGHT save you 20 minutes.

There is gonna be HUGE construction on 481 1st. Widening to 3 lanes by 81, 481 interchange. Not sure how far north and south from there.

 

[FrancoPizza]

The only time it matters is if you are drawing shoppers from outside of your county. Then you are getting a true gain from the investment in the mall.

20% of sales come from Canada - which if true is quite significant. They never came here for pen can or Camillus mall if you get my drift. I’d rather have one really successful mall with more to offer than a bunch of small malls serving each suburb.

 

[xc84]

20% of sales come from Canada - which if true is quite significant. They never came here for pen can or Camillus mall if you get my drift. I’d rather have one really successful mall with more to offer than a bunch of small malls serving each suburb.

Coming from Canada to the mall will still be all highway even with the grid. No change.

 

[FrancoPizza]

Coming from Canada to the mall will still be all highway even with the grid. No change.

Hey I’m not them I don’t fully understand their beef.

 

[mountaincuse]

I'm aware of that, it's only slowed me down a couple of times... and quite frankly, accidents happen to back up 481 as well. I just personally find the 25 minute commute more interesting passing various downtown "landmarks" versus driving through cow pastures and rock quarries. Not looking forward to 3+ years of that.

Tearing down 81 has nothing to do with your commute or anyone's for that matter. It's much bigger than that and will provide much more benefit to this area than the 5 or so minutes of my time or yours. Think bigger picture not narrow.

 

[Bayside44]

True. Except sitting on 81 in stopped traffic, when you don't have to, is no fun.

Related note: I think Syracuse is the only city that has Sunshine traffic jams. There is a spot heading south on 81 just past Court street where, at certain times of the year, the sun hits you square in the eyes at around 8am. People actually put on their brakes - God knows they don't typically have the need for sunglasses in Syracuse. One braker leads to another and another. A traffic compression results and before you know it there is a 1/4 mile backup. It's bizarre. But that's Syracuse.

DC has that.

 

[nzm136]

DC has that.

Every city that I've ever lived in has them.

Heck, I've lived in small towns that have them as well.

 

[nzm136]

The only time it matters is if you are drawing shoppers from outside of your county. Then you are getting a true gain from the investment in the mall.

This is only partially true.

Keeping shoppers in your county vs them spending their money elsewhere is also important.

 

[shandeezy7]

In a somewhat surprising move, The Post-Standard just endorsed Ben Walsh for Mayor:

Editorial endorsement: Ben Walsh for Syracuse mayor