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Auburn council backs Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Scenic Byway nomination
Summary
The council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Scenic Byway and agreed to limit new off-premise outdoor advertising signs along the route; timeline aims for a January 2026 legislative submission.
The Auburn City Council on Thursday passed a resolution supporting the nomination of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Scenic Byway and adoption of an associated corridor management plan.
The resolution states the city will cooperate with municipalities along the proposed 544-mile corridor to protect and promote the byway’s historic, scenic and recreational qualities and will not approve new off-premise outdoor advertising signs along the designated route.
Councilor Kent, who attended a public meeting on the plan, said the concept mirrors other successful byways and cited economic figures from Maryland’s Harriet Tubman byway as an example of potential impact. “That byway contributes $23,000,000 in sales annually to the area and supports 363 jobs for $9,900,000 in earnings,” Kent said, adding that Auburn’s historic sites may make the impact even larger here.
Karen Cool of the county tourism office, a member of the steering committee, told council the committee will continue collecting municipal resolutions and hopes to present the nomination during the January 2026 legislative cycle in Albany. The steering committee includes descendants of Harriet Tubman, historians and representatives of state and federal agencies, the resolution notes.
The resolution also directs the city and the city-operated New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center to work with partner municipalities and regional stakeholders on byway programs, economic development and marketing.
Action: Councilor Overstreet Wilson moved the resolution; Councilor Kent seconded. Roll-call votes—Kent, Overstreet Wilson, Cuddy, Calarco and Mayor Genentino—were all recorded in the affirmative and the resolution carried.
