Some Want D.O.T. To Review Plans Before Beginning North-South Arterial Project

The $62 million North-South Arterial Project is set to begin over the next few years. Some community members and activists are wanting the State and Department of Transportation to make some adjustments to the project.

The North-South Arterial Project is expected to help cause fewer headaches for commuters.
A new viaduct will be built over Court Street to Sunset Ave, closing the intersection at Warren Street and Sunset Ave.

But, some concerned residents and public officials want the D.O.T. to review their plans before construction begins. Community activist, Tim Trent says the project will ultimately hinder the economic development of Utica.

Mr. Trent says the state needs to make use of side streets and the abandoned railway parallel to the Arterial.

"It would help develop the buildings all along the east side of the Arterial. On the west side there is open space, wide open for ripe for economic development," explains Trent.

"Those only two exists on Oswego and Noyes Street... It's going to look like the most blighted area in the City of Utica," says Speciale.

Ms. Speciale says the arterial project should mirror Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford.

"It turns into a boulevard... And the reason why they didn't let the Arterial continue through the New Hartford is because they promised for economic development," says Speciale.
Some community activsts say they have been raising these issues with the D.O.T and the state for several years now, but they feel as though they have been ignored.

For more information on the North-South Arterial Project click on the link below: