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03.22.2018

Future Infrastructures: The Over and Under of I-81, addresses a problem faced by many cities across the globe; highways erected in the nineteen fifties and sixties that cut through urban centers in the name of “urban renewal,” economic development, efficiency. Though much was expected from new infrastructure, the results of ill-conceived planning efforts had long-term effects on both the form, economy, and social and political fabric of cities and affected diverse populations unequally. Many urban highways of the era created geographic, social, and cultural division. Their contemporary value is contested. Like many American cities laced with rotting highway infrastructure, Syracuse, NY, is debating its infrastructural future. Alternatives include rebuilding crumbling roadways, re-routing highways, and tunneling below grade. Speakers address the issue from both an urban design and policy perspective and provide examples of how cities have transformed highway infrastructure to create recreational space and connectivity. At stake in demolition and rebuilding or repair, is urban continuity, social reconstruction, land ownership and development rights, and economic benefit.

THE OVER AND UNDER OF I-81: Future Infrastructures
Addressing Infrastructural Questions Confronting Cities

People

Joseph Kane
Speaker
Economist, Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institution
Alex Krieger
Speaker
Professor in Practice, Harvard University GSD
Jonnell Robinson
Respondent
Assistant Professor of Geography, Maxwell School
Ben Walsh
Respondent
Mayor, City of Syracuse
Grant Reeher
Moderator
Director, Campbell Institute of Public Affairs, Maxwell School

References