[INTRO: With millions of taxpayer dollars, Syracuse University is working with the city to develop what’s called the “Connective Corridor.” The city and university see this project as an economic necessity. But Democracywise reporter Beth Croughan tells us why some see it differently.]
Lining the streets of downtown Syracuse are bus stops and signs for the Connective Corridor. It’s the brain child of Syracuse University in collaboration with the city of Syracuse. Eric Persons, S-U’s director of Engagement Initiatives, says this project is about highlighting the artistic and cultural opportunities of the city and helping to create a more attractive urban landscape.
<“There are a lot of great assets that we do have in the city. We aren’t building anything new. We’re just showcasing the kinds of opportunities we do have.” Eric Persons, Syracuse University director of Engagement Initiatives>
Now, a shuttle runs along the 1.5 mile route from S-U to Armory Square. The busses make stops at cultural and entertainment venues throughout the city. But Tim Carroll, the city’s director of operations, says there are big plans for the project.
<“It’s going to be a series of interesting urban landscapes that are going to enhance investment and entertainment options.” Tim Carroll, city of Syracuse director of operations>
Carroll says the city will begin construction this year on Symphony Square, a public space near Hotel Syracuse. Money will also go towards the redesign of Forman Park and the restoration of East Genesee Street.
And the university anticipates installing numerous artistic elements along the Corridor this year.
<”Seeing is believing, as they say, and people are gonna start to see some of the construction around the corridor and they’re gonna say, ‘Oh that’s what they meant by that.’” Tim Carroll>
Carroll says the overall cost for the Corridor has not been determined because the project will be completed in phases.
The Corridor is being funded by both public and private dollars.
Congressman Jim Walsh secured $5.5 million in federal funds. Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton got $8 million more from Washington. Governor Eliot Spitzer also won approval for 20 million in state tax dollars for the first phase of construction.
SU has received private donations from National Grid and the Kauffman Foundation. And as of now, Eric Persons , SU’s director of Engagement Initiatives, says there have been no adjustments to the university’s budget.
Now there is no evidence to prove this project will be successful. Projects like this often have what’s called a “feasibility” study examining the project’s chances of achieving its goals. But Persons says the project’s feasibility will be studied during the initial design phase.
But Jeffrey Stonecash, a political science professor at SU, wonders how the project has received so much financial support — especially without the usual feasibility studies.
<“I’m amazed that anyone would propose a project that could involve as much as 20-30 million dollars without a feasibility study — whether or not people are interested, if they want to go downtown. It’s amazing to me. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Jeffrey Stonecash, Syracuse University political science professor>
Stonecash says research is necessary and should have been completed before asking for financial support.
<“It’s more of a wish, — a hope, a dream — than it is a viable project. There’s all the potential in the world that we will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for busses going around that circuit. There’s nobody riding them and nobody asking the question, ‘Why are we doing this?’” Jeffrey Stonecash, SU political scientist >
Centro estimates that about 100 people used the busses on weekends this past fall.
For Democracywise, I’m Beth Croughan.
(Beth Croughan is a junior broadcast journalism and political science major.)
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