Manifesto/Bio
Recent Comments
Re: “[UPDATED] Hey, state comptroller, tell us something we don't know”
"The report also points out the disparity in the amount of aid Rochester gets from the state compared to the other three “Big Four” cities"
Not to worry - That's why we sent the Honorable Mr. Bob Duffy to Albany. No doubt he's hot on the case... right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4zyjLyBp64
Re: “MCC move looks increasingly certain”
@ Henry Fitts - That's quite an assertion Henry. I truly hope Winn surprises us all and rightfully restores Sibley to its former glory.
To answer your question however, my guess would be because Sibley does not (and cannot) provide the type of environment desired for an institution of higher learning. It was never meant to be a college. Any honest individual who sets foot in Sibley cannot come to the conclusion that it's even remotely suited to house a college... the notion is absurd.
SIBLEY SCREAMS HOUSING & RETAIL!!! - If the Mayor had any clue about downtown revitalization, and if Winn were genuinely interested in it happening here (which I don’t believe they are), this would be obvious.
Too, the endless spin by those desiring to hold MCC hostage at Sibley is mind-boggling. My favorite – That Kodak headquarters is not "downtown"... if that’s the case, someone had better tell City Hall and RDDC:
http://www.cityofrochester.gov/category.as…
http://www.rochesterdowntown.com/locator/l…
Utter foolishness. We should be more concerned about the college experience (or lack thereof) we're offering to prospective MCC/Damon students. As a county taxpayer, I fully support MCC’s move.
Re: “[UPDATED] MCC legislation clears another hurdle”
Dear Winn,
It sounds like you may have been duped into purchasing the Sibley Building by Wilmorite and, quite possibly, the Mayor's office (sorry about that). You're not the first, and most certainly won't be the last - those are some of Rochester’s finest purveyors of snake oil! That said, I'm not sure exactly what “promise” you’re delivering on (Freudian slip?) that you refer to in your new proposal letter. As grateful as the citizens of Rochester and Monroe County are that a seemingly legit, tax-paying entity finally owns Sibley, nobody forced you to buy it.
And as unfortunate as it may be for Winn to lose a major tenant, MCC moving to unused space at Kodak really is the best hope for the college and it's students - who desperately need (deserve) a downtown space they can call their own (i.e. Not an awkwardly retrofitted former department store complex with a mishmash of other uses and tenants). Besides, what then happens to those empty Kodak buildings?
Rochester doesn't exactly have big companies lining up to purchase vacant office space. In fact, Bausch & Lomb and Xerox (and Chase?) are trying to rid themselves of unneeded offices downtown. Rochester already has excess office space; we don't need more at Kodak State Street. What we do need however, is market-rate housing followed by retail - both of which seem a natural fit for Sibley.
I truly believe Sibley has the potential to become Rochester's own "Quincy Market" (which you're quite familiar with) - outdoor dining/gathering at the Liberty Pole; retail fronting Main Street; additional restaurant/retail/grocery/vendor/art space indoors; housing in the tower; etc. With new development occurring at Midtown, Sibley is very well positioned to become a popular downtown destination - IF done properly. MCC might, in actuality, be a limiting factor at Sibley! Their relocating could be a blessing in disguise for all parties involved.
Please, try to think outside the box on this… the Sibley Building has great potential. Show Rochester that WinnCompanies really is everything we’ve been told (sold?).
Re: “Brooks submits MCC legislation”
Meh. Still not impressed by the new proposal. I like how Winn feigns concern for county taxpayers though... that is rich. The students deserve better and would get it with Kodak.
Re: “Choosing a mayor in a challenging time”
Alex White probably is the best candidate for the job, unfortunately he doesn't seem to have much of a base. Additionally, Richards (the seasoned lawyer/businessman) will make it difficult for him to make any charges stick. Like it or not, this probably will come down to race... If Warren gets the vote out, she wins - possibly by landslide. And I truly hope she does as Richards' blustering, arrogant style of governing (much like "Big Brother" Bloomberg's or King Andy's) quite literally infuriates me.