Ribbon Cuttings and Ground Breakings
Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. – Benjamin Franklin
One of my great pleasures as the Mayor of Rochester is the opportunity to participate in many of the ribbon-cutting, ground-breaking and announcement ceremonies that serve as milestones along the City’s path of progress and growth. I am honored to stand beside the men and women who have demonstrated a willingness to take a chance on this community. Whether it's the opening of a business or non-profit agency, the launch of a street re-construction project or the unveiling of a City service, these events are opportunities to celebrate the dedication and hard work of the people who make them possible.
For that reason, these ceremonies are a testament of the courage and the faith so many people place in this community every day. Rochester's success could not be possible without those accomplishments we celebrate at these ceremonies.
I invite you to read the following highlights of some these events and see why Rochester is a city that continues to thrive.
 Rincon Criollo Restaurant: May 21, 2013
Rincon Criollo is a new eatery specializing in authentic Puerto Rican sandwiches, located at 1485 Dewey Ave.
Business owners Lucila and Eddie Matos began their culinary career working in restaurants and have always dreamed of owning their own restaurant. They are excited to bring these flavors to the Latino community.
Hours of operation at Rincon Criollo are: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
|
| |
Eastman Commons: May 1, 2013
The Eastman Commons project at 1630 Dewey Ave. received considerable City assistance and involved the conversion of an industrial laundry facility into an affordable housing and service complex for the formerly homeless, low-income working adults and individuals with special needs. The project includes 80 affordable one-bedroom apartments and on-site services provided by Sojourner House at PathStone. Read more
|
| |
Energy on East: April 26, 2013
Energy on East is a new holistic and wellness center, located at 320 East Ave.
“Energy on East is a perfect fit for the trendy East End,” said Mayor Thomas S. Richards. “We welcome Ms. Sladden to the neighborhood and we are confident that the unique services she offers will complement this area nicely.”
Energy on East offers Reiki, Healing, Integrated Energy Therapy, Tarot & Spiritual Readings, yoga and much more. The center is open to individuals interested in achieving optimal health and balance in life – the primary goal of holistic medicine. Energy on East also offers healthy eating and cooking classes for those seeking to transform their eating habits. Classes are offered in the evenings, on weekends or by appointment. Read more.
|
| |
 El Pilon Criollo: April 24, 2013
Mayor Thomas S. Richards, Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner R. Carlos Carballada, City Council President Lovely A. Warren and City Councilmember Jackie Ortiz joined with business owner Zury Brown for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new location of El Pilon Criollo restaurant, 969 N. Clinton Ave. North Clinton Avenue, commonly referred to as “La Avenida” or “the Avenue,” serves as the commercial corridor of the surrounding residential neighborhood.
El Pilon marks the first construction on N. Clinton Avenue in more than 12 years and is set to open in late summer, 2013. The total investment of the El Pilon Criollo project is $285,870, including a City loan in the amount of $114,000. Read more.
|
| |
 Leon’s Quality Cuts Barber Shop: April 19, 2013
Leon’s Quality Cuts Barber Shop at 411 Chili Ave. in the city’s southwest offers professional haircuts with all the comforts of home.
“I would like to thank you for investing in our city as a business owner and I look forward to seeing your barber shop become an asset to this neighborhood,” said Mayor Thomas S. Richards. “The City of Rochester and its residents wish you the best and appreciate your commitment to improving services available in the city.”
Mr. Jones was provided with a small business grant by the City to help him open the barber shop. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read more.
|
| |
 Carriage Factory Apartments: March 28, 2013
State, County, and City officials joined with DePaul and the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association for a groundbreaking ceremony at the long-vacant Cunningham Carriage Factory, soon to be transformed into the Carriage Factory Apartments. DePaul’s $23 million redevelopment of 73,000 square-foot building at 33 Litchfield Street will create 71 rental units of supportive housing for individuals with special needs. The City provided a $600,000 loan to support this project as well as a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement.
Originally home to the Cunningham Carriage Factory and Companies, this building is one of Rochester’s oldest manufacturing plants, built in 1910 to manufacture handmade customized horse-drawn carriages. The company later produced handmade automobiles until the creation of the assembly line ultimately led to the factory’s closure. Read more.
|
| |
 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service: Feb. 21, 2013
Business owners William Thompson and Deborah Schroeder—familiar faces in the neighborhood—opened their first Jackson Hewitt office on Thurston Road nearly 20 years ago. Now located at 669 Thurston Rd. today, William and his daughter Deborah are enjoying the greater visibility to potential clients, better access and more parking for customers at their new location.
A full-service, year-round income tax preparation company, Jackson Hewitt franchises specialize in computerized federal and state tax preparation for small business owners and individual filers.
The new office’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., year-round. Hours of operation may vary during the tax season and customers are encouraged to call 235-7420 for more information.
|
| |
 Bridge Square: Feb. 12, 2013
Mayor Thomas S. Richards, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner R. Carlos Carballada, City Council President Lovely A. Warren and Councilmembers Loretta Scott, Dana Miller and Elaine Spaull joined with officials from Passero Associates and Spoleta Construction in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Bridge Square, LLC at 242 W. Main St. Downtown.
The newly renovated Bridge Square building, located at the corner of West Main Street and Cascade Drive, was originally a factory and most recently the Josh Lofton Educational Center. This $7 million private investment renovating a 111-year old building has resulted in 67,000 square feet of office, retail, and loft-style residences. Read more.
|
| |
Inna Ballet: Jan. 9, 2013
With more than 30 years of professional experience in Russian Classical Ballet, Owners Dmitry Belyaev and Inna Esipova moved Inna Ballet from its former location in Albion to Rochester, and are located at 757 Genesee Street.
“The addition of a ballet studio on Genesee Street affirms that Rochester is a creative and vibrant city which embraces the arts, and we welcome Inna Ballet to the neighborhood,” said Mayor Thomas S. Richards.
Inna Ballet is open Monday through Friday, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Private classes are available by appointment. Read more.
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
More 2012 Blue Ribbon Developments
Assistance for starting a business in Rochester