There has been concern expressed regarding public involvement in developing the Community Grid for a new neighborhood. A design for the future of neighborhoods impacted by the Interstate 81 project.
The city of Syracuse embarked on a plan to be inclusive with neighborhood residents when they contracted with the Urban Planning team of at Dover, Kohl and Partners. The first order of business was for the planners to begin their work; conducting input sessions involving area residents. Flyers for a series of input sessions were distributed, meetings were scheduled August 23- 27th 2022 at Dr. King Elementary School.
According to the city of Syracuse “Input sessions will help urban planners and designers create a Vision Master Plan for city neighborhoods impacted by the project.”
Residents, community leaders and elected officials joined Mayor Walsh, city officials and the planning team at Dover, Kohl and Partners to participate in the to the Neighborhood Design Studio and Open House last week.
The Neighborhood Design Studio was a “first of its kind” opportunity for neighborhood engagement on the Interstate 81 project. Residents had the chance to work side-by-side with design professionals focused on how we can use this once in a generation opportunity to make stronger and more cohesive city neighborhoods. The design studio process is also commonly referred to as a “charrette,” a process in which multiple professionals work in a fast-paced, collaborative process to build consensus and solve a design problem.
Residents were invited to Dr. King Elementary School to share their ideas directly with planners and designers from the team at Dover, Kohl & Partners (DKP) as they conducted open design studio sessions Tuesday, August 23 through Friday, August 26. The DKP team concluded this initial visioning effort with a community open house on Saturday, August 27.
On Monday, August 22, prior to the design studio sessions and open house, the DKP team toured city neighborhoods impacted by the Interstate 81 project and conducted door-to-door canvassing to collect input. Throughout the week, DKP had over a dozen planners, designers, and subject-matter experts ranging in topics from housing to transportation in Syracuse.
Public was invited to collaborate in person.
Collaboration Period:
- Tuesday, August 23, 1:00pm–6:00pm
- Wednesday, August 24, 8:30am–4:00pm
- Thursday, August 25, 8:30am–7:00pm
- Friday, August 26, 8:30am–7:00pm
- Saturday, August 27, 8:30am–2:00pm
Additional Information
