City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, June 23, 2015) -- Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced today that the City has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a consultant to help develop a revitalization plan for the historic Bull’s Head Neighborhood.
“The Bull’s Head neighborhood has a rich history and a bright future,” said Mayor Warren. “The residents and merchants of this neighborhood are resilient and determined, so I am looking forward to working with them as we bring new life to this important western gateway. With their help, Bull’s Head will play a pivotal role in our efforts to create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities across the city.”
The Bull’s Head Neighborhood is located on the western edge of the city surrounding the intersection of West Main Street, West Avenue and Genesee Street. The area was a favorite rest stop for westward-moving cattle drovers in the 1860s and hosted a cattle market and a tavern with a bull’s head over its front door. The Bull’s Head Neighborhood of today struggles with a high concentration of poverty and blight and has been designated by City Council as eligible for urban renewal.
The City is seeking to engage neighborhood stakeholders to prepare a plan to revitalize the neighborhood with improved job and business opportunities, quality housing and enhanced public amenities. The consultant’s fee would be paid for using a New York State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) grant.
The Bull’s Head revitalization plan would be used to qualify the neighborhood for additional state and federal grant opportunities, which would be used to leverage millions of dollars in private-sector investments. Mayor Warren has already committed $10.6 million in the City’s Capital Improvement Budget for land acquisition and public improvements in the Bull’s Head Neighborhood.
“The revitalization of this neighborhood has been a subject of study and discussion for well over two decades,” said Mayor Warren. “But I am taking action now because the Bull’s Head Neighborhood can be a catalyst for momentous change across the entire city.”
The RFP was issued Monday, June 22 and consultants have until Monday, July 27 to submit a proposal. Visit www.cityofrochester.gov/bullsheadboa to view the RFP and learn more.
-30-
News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.