The East Adams Neighborhood Transformation is critical to redressing the destruction of the Historic 15th Ward, a once-thriving black community that was greatly impacted in 1950s and 1960s when the Department of Transportation and the State of New York selected to build the highway in the middle of the neighborhood. Subsequent social and economic policy decisions have hindered progress and constrained the neighborhood's economic potential. However, the New York State Department of Transportation's (NYSDOT) decision to replace the current I-81 viaduct with a community grid offers a unique opportunity to reinvigorate the city's urban core.
In anticipation of the I-81 viaduct removal, a myriad of community partners led by Syracuse Housing Authority and the City of Syracuse embarked on this master planning effort to help facilitate a shared vision for the neighborhood. The plan reflects residents' strong desire to revitalize the neighborhood to be a safe, healthy, and strong community that supports its children and elderly and offers the same opportunities for success as other neighborhoods in Syracuse.
Today, the first phases of development are in motion, with construction work to begin in 2025.