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SYRACUSE - A vote hasn't been scheduled yet, but it appears there is little support among Syracuse Town Council members for the proposed five-lane expansion of Ind. 13 through the village.
Town officials and engineers assigned to the project heard an earful of complaints Wednesday during two meetings that attracted dozens of business owners and residents opposed to the project.
A large amount of criticism was voiced about many aspects of the project. Businesses are concerned about the loss of parking and access off frontage roads that run parallel to the highway.
Others can't understand why the state is suggesting the town construct a five-lane highway when towns like Warsaw seem content with four-lane highways.
A highway, some say, would destroy the hometown feel of the village, which has cattail-filled ditches between the frontage roads and the main road, North Huntington Street.
Several councilmen said public input will have an impact on their decision.
The latest cost estimate is $3.3 million. The town would be expected to cover about 10 percent.
Jack Matney said he arrived at the meeting being very supportive of the project, but that public opinion will affect his decision. He said he's also concerned about the cost and wants to know actual costs before making a decision.
"I'm on the fence," he said.
Council president Barb Carwile said she also is on the fence, but agrees some type of improvement is needed. The one aspect of the project she strongly supports is the covering up of the ditches along the highway.
Water that collects in the ditches doesn't drain and serves as a mosquito haven in the summer, Carwile said.
Carwile and others said they were impressed with the public turnout at the meeting. She said she also thought engineers were able this week to provide better answers than in the past.
Councilman Jake Bitner said he's already made a decision.
"I'm against it," Bitner said. "I don't think the town needs that sort of a highway. I think it's more of a detriment. I haven't seen or heard anything positive about it so far."
Councilman Bill Cutter said he believes much of the opposition to the project could be reduced if access to businesses along the frontage roads could be restored.
He declined to say which way he is leaning on the issue, but said he'd like to see the engineers make further improvements.
"I want the people to have access to the businesses, but I also want it to be safe," Cutter said.
"It's not an easy decision. It doesn't matter which way you go, somebody's not going to be happy," he said.
Carwile said she wants to wait until more information, including an updated cost analysis, is available from the state before calling for a vote. Given the slow pace of the state on the issue so far, she said she was leary of guessing when that might occur.
The fifth council member, Carroll Koble, couldn't be reached for comment.
