Downtown Committee of Syracuse Fall Spotlight Series Event Highlights 1-81 Project

Syracuse, NY – The 2026 Fall Spotlight Series, presented by Canandaigua National Bank, was held on Wednesday, September 23rd. The event provided valuable insights into the 1-81 Project, where nearly 400 attendees learned the project’s history, current developments, and future plans, emphasizing the importance of supporting and visiting Downtown Syracuse during this significant project.

Sean Kirst, Journalist for Central Current, offered a rich history of the 1-81 project, spanning over two decades, detailing how we reached where we are today.

TeNesha Murphy, Public Information Officer for NYSDOT, shared critical information regarding the next phase of the 1-81 Project, and the changes the community will see as the project progresses.

David Hoyne, owner of Kitty Hoynes, emphasized the importance of the collective efforts needed to support Downtown businesses as we navigate this project together.

“As an organization whose mission is Downtown’s continued vibrancy, our Fall Spotlight Series highlighted that change and transformation are constants,” said Merike Treier, Executive Director of the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. “It will take all of us working together to embrace this change and support our Downtown businesses throughout this project.

The Downtown Committee is proud to partner with Canandaigua National Bank in presenting the Spotlight Series Breakfast. Canandaigua National Bank provides a full range of financial services, with a commitment to their customers and the community.

“The Downtown Committee of Syracuse was one of the first places Canandaigua National Bank turned to when we wanted to learn about this community.   It has been a friend and connector for us ever since. We are immensely proud to partner with them as we continue our CNY expansion, and Syracuse embarks on an exciting time of growth,” said Ginny Ryan, Director of Community Engagement at Canandaigua National Bank.

This event was made possible thanks to presenting sponsor, Canandaigua National Bank as well as corporate sponsors, AmeriCU, Barclay Damon, FustCharles and Tompkins Bank and Trust.  For more information about Downtown Committee events, please visit DowntownSyracuse.com.

About the Downtown Committee of Syracuse Inc. The Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, professional downtown management organization representing all property owners and tenants within the central business district.  The Downtown Committee undertakes programs to improve downtown's image, strengthen its economic base, increase its attractiveness, and ensure that it's clean, safe and accessible. For more information, visit www.downtownsyracuse.com