Parcel 5
My background in the tech startup world makes me naturally averse to large scale, high-budget projects. The companies I’ve helped launch had to be scrappy and resourceful in ways that stretched the impact of each dollar. This experience influences the way I approach and contribute to Rochester’s economic development.
Richard A. Glaser
Our future hinges upon collaboration and coordination to execute a viable strategy. When several large companies drove the economy, we had a different form of leadership. Although I don’t want a return to such centralized stewardship, we now have a fragmented and less-efficient system of coordinating economic development.
I posit that a linchpin for Rochester’s future success must be art and culture. In the modern economy, the arts are foundational to attracting and retaining the highest achievers in the new economy. There is no shortage of evidence. The feedback loop between innovative companies and a creative urban environment is indisputable. Look at recent success stories such as Austin and Nashville. Most cities our size would be envious to have the musical, dance, visual, theatrical and culinary arts we have. So, let’s embrace our gifts, which, too often, go unnoticed and taken for granted.
I have three ideas that can have a disproportionate impact upon Rochester’s economic revitalization and how we perceive our community. They require a relatively modest sum of money.
My first recommendation is to use the airport terminal to feature our great historical and living innovators. It surprises most visitors to learn that our most legendary residents, Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass and George Eastman, have profound connections to our community. Few even know that we are also home to one of the world’s greatest music conservatories, right downtown! Can’t we have displays of our favorite sons and daughters in the most used point of entry for out of town visitors? How about an exhibit by the Eastman School featuring such luminaries as Renee Fleming, Ron Carter, Steve Gadd and Chuck Mangione? And, let’s return the magnificent Wendell Castle and Nancy Jurs art works and include profiles of other prominent regional artists.
Next, let’s paint the crosswalk on East Main and Gibbs streets, just in front of the Eastman School, to resemble a piano keyboard and a musical score. I have already jumpstarted this project, in collaboration with the city of Rochester, Eastman School, and renowned local artist Shawn Dunwoody. For a modest sum, we can generate buzz during Jazz and Fringe festivals, along with the multitude of other events at Kodak Hall. The symbolism can be powerful, announcing that Rochester is a music city.
Finally, Parcel 5 is a tremendous opportunity to create a vibrant downtown center for community activity and creation. Let’s plant grass this spring. For a modest investment, a green lawn will invite people from all communities, including the suburbs, to embrace the open space. Who wouldn’t like to see more festivals, pop-up events, and downtown workers and residents casually enjoying a picnic? Then, as a community, we can determine through an open and transparent process how best to capitalize on this precious location.
Great ideas don’t necessarily require big budgets. By my estimate, the total cost of these suggestions is in the low six figures. Join me in identifying new ways we can highlight the qualities that make Rochester a great place to live, work and play. Join me in getting these done.
Richard A. Glaser is co-founder of RocGrowth and People for Parcel 5.
I love the idea of a public space, grass would be a way to start, but I would envision something more European with path stones set in interesting patterns with lots of benches and fountains or sculptures so the space could be enjoyed year round, even if there’s nothing specific happening.
Kudos for these suggestions, and specifically your efforts with the Main & Gibbs crosswalks. While some may discount these 3 ideas as simplistic or not impactful enough, the key (for all of us) is to simply do SOMETHING. Every little thing not only has an impact, but it also has a ripple effect. Does “beautification” solve our economic development challenges? No. But will our economic development efforts stand a chance if we’re not beautiful… or fun… or cultured. This is the connection you understand. In an age without a Kodak or Xerox to “fix” everything top down, it is these types of grassroots, incremental ideas and efforts that will continue to move us forward.
Agreed. I think we should turn Parcel 5 into a green space that can be used year round. In winter-stage a winter festival. During the rest of the year, inviting benches and green spaces and an area for stagingb events would draw people to this wonderful space.
Good points! Being a relatively newcomer to Rochester I see an “interesting” suburban/urban split. I have heard/overheard stories of people not feeling safe in Rochester after dark. Then there is the problem of parking. Being rector of a downtown parish, we are at times hampered in our growth because of parking and some cultural dis-ease with city culture.
I’ve lived in a variety of communities from NYC, Brooklyn, the mid-Hudson valley that have overcome far greater obstacles to civic development, so I know what is possible. Thank you for inspiring us to be the best community possible for all.
Mr Glaser is on target. The current City of Rochester NY is only interested in large expensive projects that probably will not be used by the public (e. g., Roc the River Broad Street Conversion); cover up the Genesee River (e. g., the new housing at Court/Woodbury & South Avenue; and expensive. This is not to say Monroe County is any better than the City administration. Most of the buildings between Clinton Ave. & South Ave. are still unoccupied.
Simple, relatively inexpensive improvements enhance the quality of life for most residents of most cities rather than large projects which receive various tax incentives.