Urban News Vol. 37

Unfortunately the talons of the national credit freeze have clamped around the neck of Rochester urban development as well. The only newsworthy items these days center around the development, using federal and state dollars, of the northwest corner of Main Street and Clinton Avenue.

Today we have news that pressure by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has forced Maggie Brooks' hand and will allow for construction of the bus terminal/MCC Campus complex minus the proposed performing arts center.

There is one small hitch. Senator Schumer is essentially admitting that the private money for the theater is not likely forthcoming in the foreseeable future and has made Neil Bauman (and myself) very happy by stating he is open to alternatives for the rest of the block, namely the critical corner lots.

Here are the mainstream reports (less the D&C) in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and fudge brownie.

Ren Square Proceeds Without Theatre
by Rocco Vertuccio, RNews.com

Renaissance Square Project to Move Forward
by Ray Levato, WHEC-TV

Ren Square to Proceed; Theater Delayed
by Rachel Barnhart, WHAM-TV

With or Without Theatre, Renaissance Sq, Will Move Forward
by WROC-TV

My favorite quote comes from the RNews story: "Brooks and Schumer say they have not seen Bauman's plan. Schumer says he is open to other ideas. Brooks may not be."

Would it be surprising that Maggie Brooks is not interested in rival development plans to the Maggie Brooks Memorial Performing Arts Center? Here's to the hope that Mr. Bauman's plan is well developed so as to give Schumer a viable option. He (Schumer) does seem reasonable when it comes to the highest and best use for the site.

For the next entry, which may come as soon as later today, I'm going to step out of the mainstream sources to highlight a real prescription for change that would have a lasting improvement on urbanism nation wide as well as our national culture.