Campaign Six Highlights Economic Vitality Developing an environment in which business flourishes, jobs are plentiful, and technological innovation is encouraged.
		The City of Rochester provides key support to many new and existing City businesses through the provision of services including infrastructure improvements, technical assistance, real estate and siting assistance, and access to low interest loans for new and expanding businesses.

Continuing the Expansion of the Cascade and High Falls Districts

The City of Rochester has worked closely with developers and brokers, as well as new and expanding businesses, to continue to transform two historic City areas into high technology live/work/play environments essential for attracting a skilled work force. The Cascade District is home to 20 technology companies and features new loft housing. The High Falls District has become a business and entertainment center with every building in the district redeveloped or scheduled for redevelopment. Both districts are part of the Empire Development Zone. The dramatic turnaround of these districts has resulted in significant private investment (approximately $27 million), job growth (approximately 500 new jobs and 200 retained jobs) and positive development in two formerly deteriorated districts.

New Business Park!

With technical assistance from the City of Rochester, Maguire Family Properties has purchased the former General Motors plant to create the City’s newest business park. The site, which has been vacant for two years, will undergo a major renovation that will result in an anticipated 200 new jobs and 200 jobs retained. The facility should be fully leased by 2003.

Upper Falls Shopping Center, Phase 2

The Upper Falls Shopping Center is a $11.3 million project that resulted in the creation of more than 350 new jobs and restored essential services to a neighborhood in need. Phase 2 of the project added 10,500 additional square feet of retail space. The City of Rochester assisted in Phase 2 by providing approximately $1 million in low-interest loans and with technical assistance to the new businesses that have located there.

Plenty of Parking With more people working, living and visiting Downtown, the City has made the availability of convenient parking a priority.

During the 24 month Phase 1 Implementation of the Plan, the City of Rochester invested $5,541,600 on municipal operations and programs in support of the “Economic Vitality” Campaign goals and policies. In addition, $24,645,179 in external funding was devoted to this campaign by community partners.