Rochester Beacon (https://rochesterbeacon.com/category/development/page/3/)
Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed a number of Rochester’s parks, understood the role that public space could play in nurturing a more democratic society that is based on freedom and equality. We need a transparent and inclusive approach to deciding the future of the former Midtown parcel.
One goal of the new draft comprehensive plan is to make neighborhoods more vibrant by increased residential density. But unless parking requirements are maintained, this would drive out higher-income residents who can afford the oversize 19th century homes that lend character to center city.
Politicians do not drive a healthy economy. Nor do economic development officials. It’s time for new thinking focused on engaging more, diverse elements from the business community.
Great ideas that can have a disproportionate impact upon Rochester’s economic revitalization don’t necessarily require big budgets. For a modest sum of money, we can highlight the qualities that make Rochester a great place to live, work and play.
Our decision to expand outside San Francisco was primarily a financial one, but we also needed close proximity to world-class universities and the same type of innovative community that we’ve enjoyed as serial entrepreneurs in the Bay Area.
Despite a growing movement to reconnect cities and their waterfronts, Rochester struggles to engage its riverfront. ROC the Riverway hopes to change that.
A world-class open space would help transform downtown Rochester, and Parcel 5 by far is the best location for it. Many people support the idea, but it’s extremely unlikely to happen, in part due to a number of misconceptions.