For Onondaga County Legislator Vernon Williams, discussing the future of I-81 cannot be done without acknowledging its negative history.

The viaduct caused a community to split, forced many to relocate and destroyed their homes.

Williams and many others believe the I-81 community grid option is a chance to help make things right.

“This is a predominately Black, African-American neighborhood, and for so long, it’s always been pushed to the waste side,” said Williams.

However, recently, representatives from the Town of Salina have suggested another option. They are proposing a grid and skybridge plan that includes an elevated highway.

City leaders came together Thursday to speak out against the idea.

“It is unconscionable that people at this stage in the game would be perpetuating this pie-in-the-sky idea as a legitimate proposal. It is not,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

The state Department of Transportation chose the community grid as the preferred option in 2019. With the draft environmental impact study about to be released, city officials believe the new proposal is an attempt to throw the project off track.

“We need to be spending our attention to ensure we are putting as many local people to work on this project as possible. We need to be making sure any land that is freed up as a result of this project is put under local control and is ultimately used to improve the lives of those that live within the shadow of the viaduct,” said Walsh.

Others feel the skybridge plan is meant to save I-81 and keep the highway traffic and convenience for travelers unharmed.

“So what it takes you an extra two minutes to get to work? People are dying over here. They have breathing issues, respiratory issues and all sorts of things because of this bridge. So to suggest it’s an inconvenience to you, it’s been inconveniencing this neighborhood for 50 years and enough is enough,” said Williams.

Salina representatives say state officials have not spoken to or heard from them.

They are asking for an economic impact statement on the project.

Public hearings will be held after the state Department of Transportation releases a draft environmental impact study.