City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, August 11, 2016) – The New York State Senate has secured $2 million in state funding to enhance the Main Street streetscape, making it safer for both pedestrians and traffic, and more appealing to business owners looking to create jobs in the City of Rochester, Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced today, along with state Sens. Joe Robach and Rich Funke.
“Downtown Rochester is once again thriving, and with the Main Street Streetscape Project, people will not only be able to park along our main thoroughfare, but also walk and bike safely between their destinations,” Mayor Lovely A. Warren said. “Thanks to the assistance of Senators Robach and Funke, and the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, this important project will make our Main Street more vibrant while creating more jobs and better educational opportunities.”
The funding will go to complete the Main Street Streetscape Project, which is currently in the design phase and will start construction in Spring of 2017. The project includes reconstruction of the sidewalks on Main Street from Liberty Pole Plaza to Saint Paul Street, new recessed parking areas, updated lighting and landscaping features, a renovated Liberty Pole Plaza, and implementation of the first phase of the new Center City Pedestrian Wayfinding System.
“East Main Street is an important business corridor in the City of Rochester, accommodating thousands of commuters and pedestrians every day,” Robach said. “These are needed upgrades and additions that will provide residents and visitors of our city with improved safety and better accessibility, while also promoting new pedestrian-friendly activities in this part of downtown Rochester. I was happy to work with Senator Funke to help secure state funding for this important project.”
Currently, Main Street is experiencing unprecedented investment. The Streetscape Project will open the doors to new retail opportunities, along with new residents, workers, dozens of hotel rooms and scores of new visitors.
“An investment in a revitalized downtown Rochester is an investment in more jobs and a better quality of life for our entire region,” Funke said. “I am proud to help support this vital infrastructure project that will improve accessibility for residents, workers, and visitors alike in the heart of our center city. I thank Senator Robach and Mayor Warren for their partnership and commitment to a stronger downtown economy.” It has been 30 years since the Main Street corridor was reconstructed.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.