News Release - Mayor Warren Seeks Proposals for Downtown Revitalization Initiative

City of Rochester

News Release


(Monday, May 23, 2016) -- Mayor Lovely A. Warren is seeking project proposals for the City of Rochester’s submission to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s $100 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The program will invest $10 million into one downtown community in each of the State’s ten economic development regions.

“Rochester is on the move and on its way back, and we are seeking every opportunity to ensure that our future is as bright as our past,” Mayor Warren said. “With the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Governor Cuomo is again demonstrating his commitment to our communities. Seeking the community’s input is just the first step in putting together a proposal that, if accepted, will help us create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities.”

The funds are intended to transform downtown areas into more vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods where tomorrow’s workforce will want to live, work, play and raise families. Each of the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) will nominate one downtown in their region, best positioned to take advantage of the DRI.

To accomplish these goals the selected cities will formalize a comprehensive approach that covers several topics that are key to the success of the downtown core.

Mayor Warren is now accepting proposals to be considered as part of Rochester’s DRI submission to the Finger Lakes REDC. Proposals are requested to follow a common format to describe their potential impact. For each of the below topic areas, please describe quantitatively how the proposal creates/is in close proximity to/enables access to:

 

Main Street Vibrancy and Iconic Riverfront Infrastructure


• Main Street foot traffic and first floor activity (retail, restaurant, or similar activity generator)
• Sense of place, walkability, and street level visual appeal
• Improved downtown riverfront access
• Improved use of an existing building or land
• Market-rate or mixed-income housing

 

Business Development and Investment


• New jobs created or increased entrepreneurship
• Innovative business development or attraction strategies
• Enhanced local property tax base
• Private investment leverage

 

Poverty Reduction


• Creation of accessible entry level, living wage jobs
• Increased entry level worker job retention
• Access to financial services
• Quality mixed-income housing

 

Quality of Life and Culture


• Recreation, parks, gathering spaces
• Year-round social events for downtown residents and workers
• Arts, culture and entertainment, including public art
• Access to healthy and affordable food
• Diverse, convenient, and active transportation options
• Access to health care facilities


Proposals will be reviewed by the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development and the Mayor’s Office of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives. Proposals are due 5:00 pm, Tuesday May 31th via email to Raul Salinas at: raul.salinas@cityofrochester.gov 

 To review the nominating criteria for the FLREDC DRI Council, please Click Here

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.