West Utica Residents concerned with North-South Arterial Project
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: November 23, 2011
Residents in West Utica staying close to home this Thanksgiving spent
the night speaking out about tough issues in their communities.
The hot topic of concern with the citizens is the North-South Arterial Project.
It's been discussed for quite some time now, and although it was a small crowd, the people want their voices heard.
The Thanksgiving holiday didn't stop Gloria Dybas from voicing her concerns about the Arterial Project.
"I question the safety. I am very concerned about the arterial cutting West Utica away from the rest of the city," said Dybas.
With the talk of the Arterial Project being in the works, Gloria wants answers.
"How long would it take for a fire department vehicle to get to Stephens St. or Warren St," she said.
She was not the only one at the West Utica Concerned Citizens meeting speaking out.
Barbara Ziezio says the arterial project is going to cut West Utica off from the rest of the city.
"It seems that nobody else in Utica cares about it, except us. There's not enough avenues where people can get off and if they want to shop or if they want to come to West Utica. It's just kind of bypassing West Utica completely," said Ziezio.
Community Activist, Tim Trent says it is important for the people of West Utica to voice their concerns and opinions before it's too late.
And for Gloria Dybas, if the Arterial Project is to go through, she has one simple request.
"Leave Sunset Ave. open, at least," she said.
The West Utica Concerned Citizen Meetings are held once a month. Those who attend say they would like more people to come and voice their concerns about their neighborhood.
The hot topic of concern with the citizens is the North-South Arterial Project.
It's been discussed for quite some time now, and although it was a small crowd, the people want their voices heard.
The Thanksgiving holiday didn't stop Gloria Dybas from voicing her concerns about the Arterial Project.
"I question the safety. I am very concerned about the arterial cutting West Utica away from the rest of the city," said Dybas.
With the talk of the Arterial Project being in the works, Gloria wants answers.
"How long would it take for a fire department vehicle to get to Stephens St. or Warren St," she said.
She was not the only one at the West Utica Concerned Citizens meeting speaking out.
Barbara Ziezio says the arterial project is going to cut West Utica off from the rest of the city.
"It seems that nobody else in Utica cares about it, except us. There's not enough avenues where people can get off and if they want to shop or if they want to come to West Utica. It's just kind of bypassing West Utica completely," said Ziezio.
Community Activist, Tim Trent says it is important for the people of West Utica to voice their concerns and opinions before it's too late.
And for Gloria Dybas, if the Arterial Project is to go through, she has one simple request.
"Leave Sunset Ave. open, at least," she said.
The West Utica Concerned Citizen Meetings are held once a month. Those who attend say they would like more people to come and voice their concerns about their neighborhood.
