And, more remarkable, municipal officials in other upstate cities have made similar proposals recently.

Unlike many upstate cities, there are few, if any, defined neighborhoods or districts.

In most ways, this small upstate city seems a world away from Brooklyn.

"We're the only upstate city that has tollbooths in the commuter area."

Some wanted assurances that similar allowances would be made for upstate cities.

Even at the street level, Syracuse does not look like a dying upstate city.

Like many upstate cities, Fulton has become accustomed to loss.

They predict that upstate cities, too, will make steady use of the capital punishment law.

"We know that the upstate cities suffer the consequences of expensive and inadequate air service," she said.

"Despite the national economic boom, upstate cities are still suffering."