State officials say rerouting traffic would have a minimal impact on suburban towns, a claim that opponents scoff at. With the viaduct gone, fewer motorists would be able to reach the many restaurants, hotels and other businesses that have sprouted along the highway to the north, they say. That includes Destiny USA, the largest shopping mall in New York state. Mr. Emmi, like many opponents of the Community Grid, is aware that the viaduct damaged the 15th Ward and probably should never have been built there. Mr. Driscoll, who oversees community outreach for the Community Grid, has met with skepticism even among the neighborhoods that would benefit most.

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Persons: ”, Nick Paro, Carmen Emmi Jr, Hilton, Emmi, it’s, there’s, Driscoll Organizations: Destiny, New, New York State, Homewood, Community, Ward, Community Grid Locations: New York, Salina, “, Salina —, Hampton