Toward a New Erie Boulevard East in Syracuse and Dewitt, New York: Bus Rapid Transit and Urban Forestry in a Time of Climate Challeng

Erie Boulevard is a major corridor that runs east-west in the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County. It is a corridor that lacks sufficient multi-modal transportation options and pedestrian infrastructure. This study looked at design and design analysis to test the viability of: bus rapid transit and biophilic urbanism, to identify impacts on ecological systems, economy, and social well-being of communities and residents. The design was evaluated through i-Tree programs, Design, Canopy, and Hydro. The results revealed an increase in ecological and economic benefits. This project is important because it is relevant to many mid-size cities with major streets that are both urban and suburban in nature, have lost their design coherence, and need major revitalization that offers the opportunity for the application of new design concepts.