For all the talk about how Renaissance Square will look to surface-dwellers, not much has been said about its impact below ground.
The project's environmental assessment spells out the Main and Clinton site's past history as a Native- American settlement. Through 130 years of development, the area's been developed, redeveloped, and disturbed, the report says. Project officials will explore some of the lesser-disturbed areas - spots along Pleasant and Mortimer Streets and at both ends of Division Street. If there are significant archaeological finds, further exploration will be warranted and will be done in conjunction with the State Historic Preservation Office prior to construction.
Historical impact is only a piece of the environmental assessment; the 400-page document touches on everything from traffic to aesthetics. A public hearing on the assessment is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, at the Hyatt Regency, 125 East Main Street.
The document answers some looming questions. There are alternate plans in place in case the $55 million needed to build the theater portion of the project can't be raised in time for groundbreaking - an increasingly likely scenario. The transit center and Monroe Community College campus portions would be constructed first, while the theater site would be used as a staging area for the rest of the project and then developed as a landscaped public plaza until the funds are raised.
As for bus circulation, left-hand turn restrictions would be lifted from Main Street at St. Paul and Clinton so that buses can travel around the block. Traffic signal timing at the Main-Clinton and Main-St. Paul intersections would be altered to prevent congestion, the document says. Project planners also want to install traffic signals at the transit center entrances on St. Paul and Clinton, so that it's easier for buses to make the turn.
Comments for "DEVELOPMENT: Ren Square above and below" (6)
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John Jongen said on Jan. 07, 2009 at 4:55pm
Another 'bus transit center' for what? So that we can stay in the stone age of public transportation a little longer? Why not bring back the trolleys and the packet boats while we are are at it? And MCC clearly cannot afford the additional financial burden; have them reduce tuitions of their 'public' education instead.
May I suggest that we make the entire area a public park, until we have a chance to think out of the box and create something that benefits the entire community. The Liberty Pole park is too small for sizeable public gathehrings, so perhaps this could become a more suitable site for outdoor civic events. And it will provide more time to do a proper archeological dig.
John Jongen said on Jan. 09, 2009 at 6:11pm
Or how about turning the plot into an organic farm where we teach and learn to grow our own food like in the legendary 'victory garden'. If it it actually turns out to be a native indian site what could be a better endorsement?
Check this link to get started: www.alternet.org/environment/118483/
John Jongen said on Jan. 10, 2009 at 9:57am
This is what a modern public transportation system looks like in some places in America apolloalliance.org/news/investment/fast-track-for-national-rail-transit/
Come on Rochester & Monroe County WE CAN DO THIS TOO! If we can find funding for redundant bus depots we can find some seed money for a real public transportation solution.
Craig Person said on Jan. 10, 2009 at 4:51pm
John's ideas make sense (and $ and cents) and should be fairly easily implemented.
Regarding the urban garden / park: inexpensive to implement, and easy to convert to some structure later if need be. Great way to bring folks together. Some neighborhoods in the city have had community garden for years.
Regarding the light rail: Rochester already has major rail right-of-ways running east to west. Leverage these and add some spurrs to connect some off line suburbs. Should be fairly easy if we have the local and state political support. Even a line running to the airport would be useful.
Rita Jongen said on Jan. 11, 2009 at 9:36am
I totally agree with the above writers; and not just because John is my brother. I too think it is time to get off the bus transit dime and move into the 21st century. Friday evening I drove from State Street through Main Street, to East Avenue on my way home, around 8:30 pm. I wanted to take a final look at the Christmas decorations downtown. Let me tell you if you don't know already, down town is deader than a doornail at that time. I could not believe that it was Friday Evening in Rochester!! I love Rochester, would love to see it come to life, love what is happening in some areas to assist that. So, let's keep thinking out of the box at creative ways to bring life to our city.
old city resident said on Jan. 12, 2009 at 12:48pm
We do not need a bus terminal,it is already on main st between gooman and culver.What we need is more police officers downtown walking and riding.If the city can afford to pay overtime after the fact,they can spend the money up front and prevent the crimes.We dont need another entertainment center,what we need is some affordable movie houses and pizza and fast food centers.The city and county lost a lot of jobs,and the ones that are working already have a spot they like.
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