About the Project
With help from community groups, developers, and businesses, the City has completed preliminary design and submitted permit applications for a new public marina facility at the Port of Rochester. Surrounding the marina will be a new public promenade connecting the River Trail to the Charlotte Pier. A draft environmental impact statement has been prepared and is now available for public comment. Approval of a final impact statement and state and federal permits are required before construction can begin. Pending that, marina construction could begin in late 2012 and be completed in 2014.
The $28.9 million marina development project, which would be constructed in two phases, is expected to generate $89 million to $132 million in private investment over the next five to ten years.
The marina development enhances the recreational nature of the Port and creates exciting opportunities for 280-430 new residential units and new commercial and retail space. Together with the City's deep-draft docking facilities, restaurant and retail development of the Port Terminal Building, visits by Great Lakes cruise ships, and the Port’s existing attractions and events, the marina project will strengthen the Port of Rochester’s reputation as a Great Lakes destination.
Project Beginnings
In 2008, the City retained a marina design consultant team to perform a marina market analysis and an engineering and feasibility study that considered a 
new marina and surrounding marina waterfront development. The development goals for the project included the following:
- Preserve and enhance the village character of Charlotte.
- Create a family-oriented, four-season development.
- Improve access into and out of the Port area.
- Enhance economic development and business activity within the harbor-front village.
- Improve the walkability and pedestrian safety of the area.
- Protect and enhance the environmental, historic and cultural resources of the area.
- Maintain and enhance the visual and physical access to the water.
- Develop a mixed-use project balancing public uses with private development that expands the tax base.
Environmental Review Documents
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The City, as lead agency, prepared an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the marina project. The associated documents are listed here for your review. Comments were accepted through the web and mail through November 18, 2011 at 5 p.m.
| Date Issued |
Document |
| May 22, 2012 |
|
| March 2, 2012 |
|
| Oct. 7, 2011 |
|
| June 10, 2010 |
- Final Scope (Site Specific/Generic SEQR Environmental Impact Statement
& NEPA Environmental Assessment)
|
| May 3, 2010 |
|
Public Hearing
In addition to submitting comments through the web and via mail, the City also accepted comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement at a public hearing on Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, in City Council Chambers, 30 Church Street, Rochester, NY 14614. Before the hearing, project display boards were available for viewing in the City Hall Atrium. City staff and project consultants were available to answer questions.
Past Public Meeting Documents
- April 15, 2010: This neighborhood meeting was convened to discuss the creation of a Monroe County Parks Labor Center and Charlotte Youth Athletic Association Concessions Shared Facility. It gathered immediate neighbors in the area and reviewed the concept for a shared facility for Monroe County Parks (MCP) and the Charlotte Youth Athletic Association (CYAA). The new building would allow MCP employees an operational base for personnel and vehicle/equipment storage, while also providing the CYAA with a concessions facility, community meeting space, and storage.
- April 29, 2010
Planning Phase
Preliminary Design Phase
Final Design Phase
Contact the Project Manager
For more information, please contact Mr. Mark Gregor, Manager of Port Redevelopment, at (585) 428-5978.