Recent Comments
Re: “Downtown and its future”
I think the G-word is going to be crossing a lot of people's minds as we go forward. Personally, I'd love to get a place in the new Tower 280, with its concierge service and elevated dog park. But I also want to be sure to stay rooted, and support the local and small businesses in the center city. The old Chase Tower is becoming partly owner-occupied soon, so we'll see what kind of draw that brings to the nearby area. I think most importantly, I hope they get the Inner Loop East right, and not just another generic Collegetown-type block.
Posted by
Nick R
on 12/23/2015 at 12:53 PM
Re: “To transform Rochester, two critical focus points”
@David4 I would submit that education, poverty and urban design are all compatible and interdependent. When kids go to school in a city or neighborhood that doesn't reflect who they are, or does not bring joy, then where is the motivation to learn and give back to the community? When we watch protests on TV and people are ransacking their own neighborhoods. we ask why. that is because they do not feel that it belongs to them. The design of Rochester currently caters to heavily to people passing through by car, either to work or shop, or dine. So, investing in a riverfront will provide a destination for city residents and a hub around which local pride will grow.
The city has also started making great strides in bicycle infrastructure (for an American city anyway). Check out Lake Ave, Crittenden Place, Chestnut St, Court Street, and the new bike parking and corrals that have begun to pop up around the city. It is a good start, and it can only improve.
As for transit, I definitely agree that the route layout needs optimizing. More crosstown options and higher frequencies need to be available. Investment in transit (including streetcars and circulators) will help residents and visitors from different walks of get a better Rochester experience. Deadly roads like Lake Ave are prime to become a transit corridor; imagine a streetcar that takes you from downtown out to the lakeshore and back, with plenty of stops in between.
We can't just throw money at schools and ignore the environment around them. By making the city more pleasant and safe through the built environment, I think people will be all the more inspired to invest in education and give back to challenged communities,