Common Council approves changes
Despite earlier concerns about parking at Dome events, the Syracuse Common Council on Monday okayed the Planned Institutional District zoning for the area west of the Carrier Dome. That gives Syracuse University and SUNY ESF a large area, now parking lots and old homes, to develop--dorms, new academic buildings and parking garages are in the plan.
Councilor Jean Kessner says she asked what's going to happen for parking, had SU assures that there are enough slots, even with construction starting later this year, though they won't be west of the Dome. SU says they'll 'run out of space' in 2014--but by then should have two new parking garages that are part of the development plan up and running. However, Kessner says the exact plans may change before then, because it's not clear what will happen with Route 81 development, but, she says, SU is on record as promising that parking will be available for Dome and other events.
The Syracuse Common Council also approved several funding proposals for the Connective Corridor project, which will re-do University Avenue and also change East Genesee Street from University west to Forman Park. Councilor Lance Denno says the money is coming mostly from grants that SU is organizing, from federal, state and county moneys.
The plan is to make University Avenue two way, with a bike track--Denno says it will be much more pedestrian and small business friendly. Work is already underway, with crews cutting down trees close to the road.The Connective Corridor project will also revamp East Genesee Street towards downtown. Check their website for an overview.
