New York State Department of Transportation

10/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/11/2024 13:46

State Department of Transportation Marks Milestone in I-787 Study with Open House to Take Place on Wednesday, October 23

Contact: Joseph Morrissey, (518) 457-6400
Release Date: October 11, 2024

State Department of Transportation Marks Milestone in I-787 Study with Open House to Take Place on Wednesday, October 23

Additional Community Open Houses Will Follow in the Coming Weeks

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that an open house will be held on Wednesday, October 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the first level of the Albany Capital Center in downtown Albany to share the soon-to-be completed draft report on the I-787 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study, also known as "Reimagine I-787." The open house, hosted by the New York State Department of Transportation, is an opportunity to learn about the draft report and concepts for addressing transportation needs and enhancing community connections and waterfront access along the I-787 corridor.

"The 787 corridor robbed multiple Hudson River communities of direct access to a historical waterfront with unlimited potential, and the concepts that will be laid out at this Open House will demonstrate what is possible - how we can reconnect these Hudson River communities to one another and to one of the most majestic rivers in the world," Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. "I invite everyone to attend and participate in this open house, meet with state officials face-to-face and learn more about potential options for the corridor. We want direct feedback from the public and this Open House will provide that opportunity."

The Reimagine I-787 study team will be available at interactive stations to discuss the concepts, answer questions and collect feedback from local residents. I-787 is a vital transportation corridor in Albany County, and public input is crucial in shaping its future.

In addition to the main open house, NYSDOT is hosting smaller, community-focused events at the following locations:

  • The First Church in Albany: 110 North Pearl Street, Tuesday, October 29, 5-7 p.m.
  • Albany Housing Authority: 200 South Pearl Street, Wednesday, October 30, 5-7 p.m.
  • Howe Library: 105 Schuyler Street, Wednesday, November 6, 5-7 p.m.

Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, "Albany and the broader Capital Region is on the cusp of finally Reimagining I-787. This project and study stands to transform the face of our Capital Region, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and reconnect forgotten communities and neighborhoods up and down the 787 corridor. I encourage our community to continue to make their voices heard; your input is vital to creating a vision for the future that is grassroots, community-based, and ultimately leads to a concept that will define our area for years to come. I thank the Department of Transportation for their diligent work in continuing to meet our community where they are in various locations and settings and look forward to seeing our community's vision for the future come alive."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "Feedback from our community members regarding the future of I-787 is essential. Thank you to NYSDOT for hosting this open house to share the draft report and allow for additional public feedback. Throughout this process, NYSDOT has held numerous public engagement meetings understanding that the input from our residents is critical."

City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "We are excited for the next steps in the Reimagine I-787 study and the engagement for our community members regarding a vision of our city. As New York's Capital City, Albany has a deep-rooted history and culture that is accented by exceptional natural landmarks, remarkable attractions, and much more. This study will help us define the future of this important transportation corridor and truly ignite future economic and community growth. Thank you to Governor Hochul and DOT Commissioner Dominguez for their leadership and partnership."

City of Rensselaer Mayor Michael Stammel said, "I am excited about the possibilities of a reimagined 787 corridor, which would positively impact both sides of the Hudson River and thank the Department of Transportation for its continued commitment to smart transportation solutions here in the Capital Region."

NYSDOT is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders have ample opportunity to learn about and provide input on the study as it progresses. To learn more about the study, or to submit comments, please visit the study's website at: 787.dot.ny.gov.

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.