Construction work is set to start on Syracuse’s Connective Corridor in spring 2010, but the corridor experienced a number of changes this summer.

Syracuse University appointed a new director to head the university’s portion of the corridor, which is a shared project with the city. Robbi Farschman assumed her new position June 7 and works out of the university’s Office of Community Engagement and Economic Development.

The director’s task remains the same: continue to develop the Connective Corridor into a viable conduit between the university and the city.

Also in June, the Syracuse Common Council approved new fundraising and legislation to allow the corridor to enter its final design phase. The passed bills also approved the redesign and construction of Forman Park.

‘This unanimous vote of the Syracuse Common Council reflects broad recognition that the Connective Corridor is pivotal for the city’s ongoing revitalization,’ said SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor in a press release.

In 2005, SU announced its idea for the Connective Corridor. Upon completion, administrators and city officials hope the corridor will have both a physical route — with buses and walking paths — and a cultural link to the city.

City and state officials have funneled millions of dollars into the project since its inception. SU shares a partnership with the city because any government funding must be distributed and administered from the city.

So far the corridor has passed through several design phases and design teams and is anchored around The Warehouse in the Near Westside.

The corridor began the art-side of its mission this past summer. It featured several events, including an arts and crafts festival and sidewalk chalk-drawing competition.

Now attention will turn to whether the corridor can become a physical link, too.

Connective Corridor construction will begin this fall and did not occur over the summer, Farschman said in an e-mail. The construction will include converting some parts of University Avenue into a two-way street and working on East Genesee Street.

— Compiled by Abram Brown, staff writer, adbrow03@syr.edu  

Published on September 6, 2010 at 12:00 pm

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