JAMESVILLE, N.Y. -- A much different picture of the proposed CenterState NY Inland Port was painted Tuesday night in comparison to last week, when the project was officially announced.
If the inland port were constructed, it'd accept cargo by rail from the Port of New York and New Jersey. That cargo would then be taken off rail cars and put on trucks for distribution.
Those behind the project say it'd be great for importers and exporters, but many among the more than 100 people who attended a scoping meeting said it has them concerned.
"I sure hope that someone is paying attention and focused on what is best for Syracuse regionally and our transportation structure," said Nico Commandeur, who opposes the current project. "Because I don't think that plopping 500 to 800 trucks in that center is going to help us out."
The port would be built along the north side of Interstate 481 in the Towns of DeWitt and Onondaga.
People said Tuesday that they are concerned about safety, noise and light pollution. Some wonder why it can't be built elsewhere.
"The Solvay wastebeds. You have I-81, you have I-690, you have rail and you're right near the canal," said Tom Buckley, a Jamesville resident. "What better place to pick up and clean up an environmental disaster?"
While many spoke in opposition of the project, there were some who said they support it.
"I think it's a great idea," said Richard Barry. "We lost Chrysler, we lost GM, we've lost Carrier, Welch Allyn is getting smaller. We've lost a lot of jobs in the area. I think it'd be a shame to turn our backs on this."
The Port of Oswego Authority would operate the port and its CEO says more than 2,000 jobs would be created by it. As lead agency, the authority will use the comments to help prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement.