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Archive: ‘Rochester News’...

Roll Up Your Sleeves. Let’s Reconnect Rochester.

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Don't confuse her with Rosie the Riveter. The model for this WWII poster is actually Geraldine Doyle. We're borrowing this powerful illustration from Howard J. Miller to help us Reconnect Rochester.
Hopefully by now you’ve read Rochester’s Case for a Streetcar Line. If you haven’t, go read it. Go on, I’ll wait.

…Okay great, now here’s an update. Since that article, traffic to RochesterSubway.com has doubled, our Facebook fan club external link has grown from 100 to over 400 (and counting), and my inbox hasn’t had a moments rest. This is all very encouraging and a sure sign that the people of Rochester really want to see their city thrive. The big question is; do the people of Rochester care enough to make an effort? All signs point to yes. So far we’ve got 12 people (including myself) who have risen to the challenge. Together we will lead a city wide movement to Reconnect Rochester.

(more…)

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
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Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure | No Comments »

High-Speed Rail is a Necessity

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Rochester City NewspaperA letter to the editor in this week’s City Newspaper caught my eye tonight. It echoes many thoughts that have been rattling around my own head since the feds announced $151 million in high-speed rail money for New York—but stated much more eloquently than I could ever wish to. The gist of the commentary is clear from the title, “High-Speed Rail is a Necessity”. But the real golden nugget… and the point I’d like to scream from the top of Xerox tower… was this: News of high-speed rail funds should have been hailed as a positive breakthrough for our region. Instead it drew an avalanche of skepticism and negativity—two ugly characteristics that have become hallmarks of this town and will ultimately hurt us all.

Here is the letter from Roger Brown, president of the Rochester Regional Community Design Center…

(more…)

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
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Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure | 1 Comment »

Rochester’s Case for a Streetcar Line

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Photo simulation of a new Rochester streetcar on Main Street.

America seems to have taken a renewed interest in mobility. Maybe due to President Obama’s recent commitment to high speed rail—or perhaps the positive results seen in towns like Portland and Denver have caught our collective attention. Whatever the reason, from the top down, people are rethinking our automobile-oriented culture—and getting excited about the possibilities.

There’s also good reason to focus on transportation as a way of jump-starting economic development. Industry requires access to people. And people need to have easy access to centers of employment. Continually improving access makes further development possible. Interrupting access will have the opposite effect. Likewise, doing nothing or simply maintaining existing infrastructure for an extended period of time will also hinder development.

For 30+ years Rochester has relied on the infrastructure choices it made in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. At that time we made development choices that encouraged our population to emigrate from the downtown core. We scrapped our extensive streetcar system, choked off downtown with the construction of the inner-loop, and paved super highways to take us from the city to the NY State Thruway and beyond. Since then that’s exactly where our money, our workforce, and our future have gone—down I-490 and out of state.

(more…)

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
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Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure | 26 Comments »

Harry Davis asks Rochester City Council to Give Up Their Cars

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Harry Davis and his newly formed PAC brought their 'green' development and transportation agenda directly to Rochester City Council last week. (photo: Rochester City Hall, 2009)

Some of you may remember our story on Harry Davis last September. At that time Harry was running a long-shot campaign for Rochester City Council. He didn’t win any of the 5 open council seats. But that didn’t discourage him. He turned right around and announced he’d be write-in candidate for Mayor in November. Mayor Duffy squashed that dream pretty easily on election day. But Harry kept at it. He promptly asked to be hired by Mayor Duffy to lead a “green” urban renewal plan for the city. The Mayor turned him down.

So now Mr. Davis is coming at things from a different angle. Last month he formed his own Political Action Committee (PAC). According to Mr. Davis this new group stands for “green, sustainable development and transportation.” Davis affirms, “The importance of sustainable and efficient transportation for Rochester cannot be overstated. This would include light rail, high-speed rail, bike paths and additional pedestrian options – all of which should complement a rational and minimalist approach to automotive traffic.”

(more…)

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
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Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 3 Comments »

Party-On Rochester. BYOT! (Bring Your Own Train)

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

HO Gauge Model Trains at the New York Museum of Transportation. The museum as several model train set ups including a working model of the Rochester Subway line.

If you and the kiddies find yourselves moping around the house this winter watching the lint in your bellybuttons pile up, don’t blame the good people at the New York Museum of Transportation! That’s because NYMT is holding “Bring Your Own Train Sundays” every Sunday now through April 25. Visitors who bring there own model trains can take over the throttles under the supervision of museum volunteers. Visitors are also welcome to become a subway motorman for a day on the museum’s N-scale model of the Rochester Subway.

(more…)

Saturday, January 16th, 2010
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Posted in Events, Rochester Destinations, Rochester News, Train/Railroad Stuff | No Comments »

A Rochester Church Organ is Featured in The New York Times

Friday, January 1st, 2010

“The organ [at Christ Church, Rochester NY] is a unique instrument, not only because of its lovely sound, but also because it is a nearly exact copy of a late Baroque organ built by Adam Gottlob Casparini of East Prussia in 1776. The original stands in the Holy Ghost Church in Vilnius, Lithuania. There is no other contemporary organ quite like the one at Christ Church.” These were the remarks of Guy Gugliotta, writer for the New York Times in a recent editorial entitled New Pipe Organ Sounds Echo of Age of Bach.

My brother-in-law who lives in Delaware spotted the article in the NY Times and immediately sent an email to tell me he found another reason to come and visit us in Rochester—to which I wittily replied, “Like you need another reason?” But he was truly impressed—as was I. Having walked past the Christ Church on East Avenue a zillion times before, I’m embarrassed to say I had no idea there was such a local treasure inside. So last week, my family and I decided to break tradition and attend a 10 o’clock Christmas Eve service just so we could witness the Craighead-Saunders Pipe Organ first hand. My brother-in-law was so jealous…

(more…)

Friday, January 1st, 2010
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Posted in Rochester Destinations, Rochester News | 5 Comments »

Happy New Year Rochester. 24 Ways to Give Back in 2010.

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

This Rochester Streetcar and Subway weekly pass from December 29, 1940 wishes riders a 'Happy New Year'.

When I started this web site a little over a year ago I made a personal commitment to make sure I gave something back to Rochester. So I identified some of the things I value (education, community, family, etc.) and I did a little research to find local charities and organizations that matched up with those values. It wasn’t very hard really and didn’t even take that much time. Once I picked out a few good groups, the actual act of “giving” turned out to be the easy part!

So it’s the holidays and the curtain is drawing closed on 2009… maybe you didn’t give as much as you would have liked to in 2009. And now you’ve just sucked down a quart of eggnog so you’re suddenly feeling generous? Or maybe you’re looking for some volunteer ideas for next year. First, I’ll tell you about 4 things that RochesterSubway.com (that’s me) did in 2009 to give back. Then I’ll list 20 additional Rochester based charities and organizations that need your help…

(more…)

Thursday, December 24th, 2009
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Posted in Opinion, Rochester News | No Comments »

The Rochester Public Market to Get More Parking and a Shuttle

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

The Rochester Public Market will get additional parking and a new rubber-tire tram to carry shoppers to and from their cars. Construction is expected to begin Fall 2010.
My family has a Saturday morning tradition. We all grab our eco-friendly shopping bags and pile into our not-so-eco-friendly family car. But that’s alright. Even if my car is a clunker I usually feel a lot better about myself after a trip to the Rochester Public Market. I can’t explain it—this place just makes me feel good. So how do you improve on a good thing?

I recently heard a rumor that the cool people down at Rochester’s very cool Public Market were considering buying a trolley. Yup, that’d be an improvement! Is the rumor true? I asked James Farr, Assistant Director of Recreation for the City of Rochester.

(more…)

Saturday, December 19th, 2009
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Posted in Interviews, Rochester Destinations, Rochester News, Urban Development | 2 Comments »

Reader Opinion Regarding Broad St.

Friday, December 18th, 2009

I recently invited my readers to attend a public meeting held by the City of Rochester and to make their voices heard. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the public about the Broad Street Tunnel Improvement Project which is slated to begin this Spring. The meeting was tonight and turnout was fair—not great, but I did get to meet a few RochesterSubway.com followers which was very encouraging!

Anyway, I wanted to share one opinion we got from a subscriber, Tim L., in response to our meeting announcement in which I pissed and moaned that the city failed to consider rail transit options for Broad Street. I don’t disagree with all of what Tim has to say, but I do want to hear more of your opinions on this, which is why I’m posting it here…

(more…)

Friday, December 18th, 2009
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Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 9 Comments »

Ray LaHood Announces Money for Transit Projects

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, announced $280 MM in federal money will be made available for street cars and public transportation projects.

BECKY BOHRER (AP) NEW ORLEANS — The federal government is making available $280 million for street cars and other public transportation projects aimed at creating jobs and more walkable, environmentally friendly communities.
(Will Rochester see a dime?)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made the announcement Tuesday at a streetcar barn in New Orleans. The city, which has been trying to overhaul its public transit system since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was LaHood’s first stop on a listening tour on federal transportation policy.

The last transportation spending bill expired in September. While President Barack Obama’s administration has sought a reprieve into 2011, given the federal stimulus package that passed earlier this year and was aimed largely at public works projects, Congress hasn’t agreed to an extension past mid-December.

LaHood said there’s a “pent up demand” for infrastructure work around the country… (more…)

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
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Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | No Comments »

Hot New License Plate Design or Hot Pile of #@&!?

Monday, November 16th, 2009

The newly proposed NY license plate design. Gold with a blue swoosh? Are you kidding me with this?

If you’re a New York motorist you’ve probably heard about Albany’s latest attempt to use your wallet to fix their budget gap. Beginning in May 2010 you may be required to buy a new set of plates external link for your ride (starting at $25). I say “may” because this is not a done-deal and lawmakers just might buckle under the pressure from protesters and decide against the whole idea. But if Patterson has his way, your car may soon be adorned with lovely new blue and gold plates… GAG!

Perhaps being a graphic designer disqualifies me from passing judgement, but based solely on the proposed design, I say this is a bad idea. But let’s take an informal poll…

Leave a comment and let us know what do you think.

Monday, November 16th, 2009
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Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure | 7 Comments »

Subway Tunnel To Be Filled. This time they mean it. Probably.

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

The soon-to-be-filled west entrance to the Rochester Subway at Brown Street.

For decades it’s been an inconvenient truth for Rochester. The abandoned Erie Canal turned ghost subway tunnel has long been considered a ticking time-bomb. It’s widely known that the city has wanted to fill at least the west end of the tunnel for many years, citing critical safety deficiencies in the structure beneath the street surface. But, with Rochester’s ongoing economic struggles and estimates into the $10’s of millions, the project has been repeatedly delayed (or swept under the rug). Until now…

(more…)

Saturday, October 10th, 2009
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Posted in Interviews, Rochester News, Rochester Subway | 22 Comments »

Rochester and Cincinnati transit maps shine in Monocle Magazine

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Monocle Magazine (September 2009). Available at Barnes & Noble and Borders Books.

No it’s not for people with one eye. Monocle is a global current affairs magazine (published in the U.K.) with a sharp aesthetic and an editorial tone that suggests we can build a better world if we just think creatively about global problems. And wouldn’t you know, they took notice external link of our little Rochester Subway map in their September issue. Brilliant!

(more…)

Friday, September 18th, 2009
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Posted in Rochester News, Rochester Subway, Subway Gifts | No Comments »

The Race is On

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

There are 14 Democrats running for five open seats on Rochester City Council. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, September 15, 2009. Meet all the candidates here so you can make an informed decision. Rock the vote.

Harry Davis

(more…)

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
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Posted in Interviews, Rochester News | No Comments »

A REAL Small Town: Rochester Miniatures

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

A few weeks ago we showed you an amazing model railroad in Hamburg Germany called Miniature Wunderland. After we posted that story, let’s just say we were inspired.

May I present to you… Rochester Miniatures…

A miniature scale model of the Rochester Aqueduct... seriously??
Downtown Rochester, NY with Genesee Aqueduct

(more…)

Thursday, August 27th, 2009
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Posted in Rochester News | No Comments »

Harry Davis for Rochester City Council

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

Vote For Trains... Uh, err, I mean Change!

On September 15, 2009, there’ll be a gentleman on the Democratic primary ballot for Rochester City Council. Harry Davis is a big advocate for Rochester, sustainable urban planning, and rail transit …That’s all it took for us to take notice. Mr. Davis doesn’t have a long political resume or a lot of connections with big names. He’s a graduate of Brighton High School (1969), owned an antique store on Park Avenue, ran a small alternative Rochester newspaper called The Journal, and traveled around a bit while working as a video producer for Greenpeace. From my brief conversation with Mr. Davis, I’d say whatever he lacks in political experience he more than makes up for with heart and enthusiasm. Take this self-produced anti-RenSquare ad for instance…

(more…)

Sunday, August 9th, 2009
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Posted in Interviews, Rochester News | 5 Comments »

Maggie on Ren Square, “This is no fast ferry”

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Monroe County Executive, Maggie BrooksIn a recent post I implored our readers to send Maggie Brooks an email and request that she listen to Mayor Duffy’s concerns about the Renaissance Square project. It took a while but I actually did receive a response from Ms. Brooks. There no big surprises in it. As expected she defends the project citing the federal dollars, potential new jobs, and the 11 years it’s taken the project to get off the ground (11 years and still counting). But there are a few points that seem rather curious to me—one of which is a “full return on investment [for taxpayers] within seven years. Sure sounds dreamy. Here’s Maggies full response…

(more…)

Sunday, July 5th, 2009
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Posted in Interviews, Opinion, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | No Comments »

It May Be High Times for High Falls

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

High Falls, Rochester NY.

For a little more than 4 years I’ve worked in the High Falls districtexternal link of Rochester. Last Thursday afternoon I took my lunch (which I usually eat over my computer keyboard) and I walked down Mill Street to Granite Mills Parkexternal link. Of course you’ve never heard of it. It’s nothing more than a 50 foot square patch of concrete, a few trees, and 3 or 4 benches—not quite a full fledged “park” in the traditional sense. But on this sunny afternoon Granite Mills Park had transformed into a real urban plaza abuzz with music, laughter, people clapping, and even dancing.

Hochstein at High Falls Concert Series Poster. A series of midday concerts presented by Hochstein Music School and WXXI called Hochstein at High Fallsexternal link had kicked off with music provided by the Po Boy’s Brass Bandexternal link. I don’t know if it was the glorious weather, the site of the surprisingly huge lunch-time crowd, or the sound of those trombones, but think I caught a glimpse of what the future might be like for that neighborhood by the falls…

(more…)

Saturday, June 20th, 2009
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Posted in Rochester Destinations, Rochester News, Urban Development | No Comments »

Mayor Duffy Awakening

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Anti-RenSquare banners hang over the neglected storefronts at Main Street and Clinton Avenue. Photo taken May 2009.

The City Newspaper this week published an interview with Mayor Duffy, ‘It’s not too late to change’: Duffy on Ren Square external link. In it Duffy explains his recent coming out against the project as it is currently proposed. He cites recent changes in the business and development landscape downtown, new transportation stimulus funding, and sort of a personal awakening for his change of heart. Let’s show the Mayor we support him…

(more…)

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
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Posted in Interviews, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 1 Comment »

Gas Stations Pose Urban Design Challenge

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

Abandoned Mobil station at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Clover in Pittsford, NY. It's been years since they removed the pumps from this station.

On Monday evening, June 8, 2009, the Rochester Regional Community Design Center external link will go before Rochester’s City Planning Commission and appeal the decision to allow a Fastrac gas station to be built on Main Street next to the Main/University Inner Loop on-rampexternal link. Roger Brown, Creative Consultant at RRCDC explains, “Though we don’t agree with the Zoning Board’s decision to allow a gas station at that site … much of our case will be about the urban design of the building and how it needs to be designed according to the Center City Design Standards for Main Street.”

I’ll talk more about those “urban design standards” and how you can help. But first, there’s a virus spreading across America…

(more…)

Saturday, May 16th, 2009
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Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | No Comments »


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