Sharon Owens Discusses I-81 Viaduct Removal and Public Housing Redevelopment

Sharon Owens, the Deputy Mayor of Syracuse, is running for mayor in place of Ben Walsh, who has served for seven years. As the Democratic candidate, Owens faces Republican Tom Babilon and independents Timothy Rudd and Alfonso Davis. If elected, she will become the first Black woman to lead the city.

Owens has been a resident of Syracuse since earning her degree from Syracuse University in 1985. She currently serves as the board president for Blueprint 15, a nonprofit focused on community outreach linked to the East Adams neighborhood redevelopment project.

I-81 Viaduct Removal and Future of Public Housing

With the ongoing removal of the Interstate 81 viaduct, Governor Owens addresses the redevelopment of public housing in the Southside area. She emphasizes the importance of transparency from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) throughout this process.

• The I-81 viaduct is set to be taken down in phases, concluding by 2027.
• Owens is committed to ensuring the preservation of residents’ rights during redevelopment.
• Discussions focus on potential uses for the land once it is no longer covered by the highway.

Owens views the removal of the viaduct as an opportunity to address the community’s housing needs. She advocates for replacing outdated public housing, such as the Pioneer Homes and McKinney Manor, with modern, 21st-century housing. Her plan emphasizes the importance of tenant protections and opportunities for displaced residents.

Public Housing Redevelopment Insights

Sharon Owens stresses the necessity to upgrade the housing available in the East Adams neighborhood, highlighting the following points:

• Current housing stock is largely antiquated and does not meet modern standards.
• Residents should be given the right to return to newly developed housing units.
• More densely populated apartments are expected to enhance urban living conditions.

As mayor, Owens plans to secure funding through state resources and public-private partnerships to drive redevelopment efforts. This includes managing concerns about gentrification by ensuring that existing residents have the first opportunity to return.

Community Engagement and Health Protection

Community engagement is a key aspect of Owens’ campaign. She aims to facilitate discussions about air quality and health monitoring as the I-81 project progresses to protect residents during construction. The focus will be on addressing environmental concerns and ensuring community health remains a priority.

Future Development Plans

In addition to housing, Owens envisions how the land beneath the former viaduct can be utilized. She plans to advocate for transferring ownership of this land to the city to ensure it can be developed with community input.

• Property ownership should move from NYSDOT to the city to facilitate local decision-making.
• Options for zoning and use of the land will include a public process.
• Potential development may incorporate mixed-income housing to better reflect community demographics.

Owens recognizes the importance of starting these discussions now rather than waiting until construction ends. She believes that the transition away from the highway presents a crucial chance to reshape the community’s future.