The University of Rochester is undoubtedly a powerful presence on the Rochester scene. But does it have the muscle to kill or delay building projects it doesn't support?

"I think there is some perception in the broader community that the U of R, because they are the largest employer and because they carry a lot of weight in the various levels of government, they can dictate," says City Councilmember Dana Miller. "I don't believe that's what happening here. I really don't."

The City Planning Commission and Mayor Bob Duffy have proposed a six-month moratorium on development on Mt. Hope Avenue - between Elmwood Avenue and Raleigh Street - so the city can conduct a land use, transportation, and planning study.

Simultaneously, the U of R is expected to submit a master plan this spring for a "college town" it wants to develop on Mt. Hope's west side, Miller says, between Crittenden Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue.

The moratorium would delay the building of a new Starbucks on Mt. Hope's east side, and that upset City Councilmember Adam McFadden.

"This is about the city bending over backwards for the U of R, and I wish they would say that," McFadden said at a City Council meeting last week.

U of R spokesperson Sharon Dickman says the university was not consulted in advance about the moratorium and "as far as we know, it's the city's idea."

Miller says the moratorium is about getting a grip on development along Mt. Hope. Starbucks wants a drive-through in its new store and so, presumably, would Tim Horton's - another store being talked about for Mt. Hope's east side. Drive-throughs are not permitted under the current zoning.

"I think the realization was, it's not just one use that is looking for something different," Miller says. "And that's what caused, I think, people to essentially say, ‘Why don't we take a look at all of these uses and why don't we see what makes sense.'"

Miller says he might support a shorter moratorium. The city wants to cultivate a development-friendly reputation, he says, and six months is too long.

Miller also wants to get a look at the U of R's plan for the area.

"Are we talking residential? Are we talking retail? Are we talking some combination?" he says. "They have been working on a master plan for a couple of years now. I would really like to get an update."