Published on November 25, 2022
Mayor Walsh says focus should be on “proceeding with the project for the benefit of the City and its residents – not impeding progress”
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse is seeking to join New York State’s defense of a lawsuit blocking the Interstate 81 viaduct project. City lawyers filed a Motion to Intervene Wednesday in a State Supreme Court suit commenced by Renew 81 For All, as well as four individuals and three suburban towns against the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) challenging the environmental findings of the State of New York with respect to the I-81 project.
“Syracuse residents are being harmed by unnecessary delays in the Interstate 81 project, so the City is compelled to seek participation in this action,” said Mayor Walsh. “We want to ensure the court is aware of the extensive support that exists in Syracuse and Central New York for removal of the I-81 viaduct. The focus should be on proceeding with the project for the benefit of the City and its residents – not impeding progress and thwarting the ability of local people to access jobs and opportunities resulting from the project.”
According to the City’s motion, the City is an interested party and has the right to participate in the case. City lawyers are asking the Court for permission to join the State in defending against the Petitioners’ claims regarding the findings and actions taken relative to the Community Grid alternative selected by NYSDOT. Earlier this month, a State Supreme Court judge issued a preliminary injunction requiring the state to stop work on the I-81 project.