Last night's public hearing on Renaissance Square's environmental assessment offered little new insight into the project.

The environmental assessment says any traffic problems created by the project can be dealt with. But critics said they still have questions about how buses would get to the transit center without tying up traffic or creating hazards for pedestrians.

"The project simply does not work," said Andrew Stainton, one of the project's most dogged critics. One of his biggest concerns is the "circuitous route" buses would have to take around the Main and Clinton block.

Many of those who spoke in favor of the project were the people who would benefit most from it. Among them were members of the stagehands' union and Rochester Broadway Theatre League staff and volunteers. They argued that Rochester needs a new theater downtown - that it will have economic benefits and attract new or bigger shows and performances.

Patricia Donoghue, vice president for communications and community affiliations at VisitRochester, said the theater would help attract conventions by providing a resource not currently available nearby: an auditorium.

"Many of our current convention customers are outgrowing our current space," she said.

None of those speakers mentioned the $55 million hole that project officials need to fill before the theater can be built.

Another speaker did, sort of. Katie Comeau of the Landmark Society said she's worried about tearing down buildings without plans to build something else in their place. If the project partners can't raise the money they need for the theater when construction starts, they plan to temporarily construct a landscaped plaza in its place.

An "undefined plaza" is not consistent with the streetscape, Comeau said. A better option, she said, would be to invest some of the demolition money into enhancing the fa�ades that stand on the theater site.

Public comments on the project are being accepted through January 16. The environmental assessment is available at www.renaissancesquare.net, as are instructions for submitting written comments.