Teaching hospital

Syracuse officials are asking Upstate University Hospital to slow down its request to permanently close a block of East Adams Street to make way for a new emergency room. Mayor Sharon Owens, who along with the Common Council must approve abandoning the city-owned road, says she backs the need for a larger ER — the current one is overcrowded and outdated — but wants more data on traffic, public safety and neighborhood impacts before committing. Upstate argues closing the street and directly connecting its planned $450 million annex would save critical time for trauma patients, while a skybridge alternative would add delays. Crouse Hospital, city firefighters and ambulance providers warn the closure could cut off emergency routes and worsen traffic across University Hill, especially as the Interstate 81 viaduct removal reshapes downtown traffic patterns.

Local lawmakers are weighing potential tradeoffs from the state, such as road improvements, a new fire station or housing development, in exchange for the closure. City officials say more traffic studies and public input are needed before any final decision.