Evidence that a story can be spun in multiple directions. Here is Rich Lozyniak today announcing that he has listened to the community but he’s not open to allowing 13 Cataract St. 
to be redeveloped—a building which was designated one of official historic value by the City in 2003. He’d rather threaten to scrap his project across the street than remain open to the possibility for two development projects side by side. The threatening tone of his statement below is clearly aimed to scare the Planning Board into denying Landmark status for 13 Cataract. Yet, somehow, it’s his name that is being “dragged through the mud”? Be careful what you wish for Mr. Lozyniak. That “small group of people” you say are standing in the way of progress might actually be standing on the progressive side of the issue. Enough of that. Here’s his statement…
For Immediate Release:
March 8, 2012
Statement from: Rich Lozyniak CEO of North American Breweries In response to The Preservation Board decision to delay the $2.6 Million Genesee Brew House Project in Northeast Rochester
Rochester, New York – “From the very beginning of the Genesee Brew House project, we have been forthright. We represent a brewery that hopes to create a world-class destination that would revitalize our neighborhood, attract people to downtown Rochester and capture the rich history of Genesee for generations to come. The Genesee Brew House project stands for local pride in our Genesee Brewery, job creation and economic development that our community cannot stand to lose.
“The Genesee Brewery followed the government process to get the Genesee Brew House project approved. Now, a very small group of people stand in the way of the progress that this community wants and needs. We are asking for those who support us to have their voices heard.
“Throughout this process, our motives have been misrepresented. We have in fact talked to our neighbors, community leaders, employees, union representatives and government officials. We listened and shared our vision for the development project. We reached out and met with preservationists, developers, zoning officials and community groups. We opened up the buildings to everyone who requested a tour. And we chose not to fight the small percent of people who attacked us and repeatedly dragged our name through the mud – at the expense of our employees and their families.
“The Genesee Brewery, that employs nearly 600 people locally, along with the Rochester community are now at the mercy of a small group who neither works nor lives in the northeast section of Rochester. They continue to cause delays that jeopardize jobs, investment and a community project that will attract people and development to downtown Rochester. Our opponents value a decayed building that needs millions of dollars of repairs more than community revitalization and sustainability.
“We are extremely disappointed that this new delay compromises this important project. Despite the delay, our long-time Rochester employees urge us to keep moving forward. They know that Rochester needs jobs, added tax revenue and community investment in order to sustain itself.
“We are now in a position to evaluate if The Genesee Brew House project is economically viable for us to continue to put resources and energy against. At this point, we are unsure if we can ever receive the necessary regulatory approvals to move this project forward. The time and resources needed to continue to fight individuals – takes us away from our core mission of growing The Genesee Brewery, which creates jobs and opportunities for Rochester for years to come.
“We are appreciative to those who understand and support our vision including: The City of Rochester, Monroe County, City Council President Lovely Warren, The Rochester Business Alliance, The Greater Rochester Visitors Association, the North East Block Club Alliance, Group 14621 Community Association, local business owners, our local union representatives, our employees and their families,” said Rich Lozyniak, CEO of North American Breweries.
Always drink responsibly
Tags: Cataract Brewery, Genesee Brewery, North American Breweries, Rich Lozyniak
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Conan 
![Genesee Brewery, demolition of historic Cataract Brewhouse. [PHOTO: Rick U.- RocPx.com]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/topics/wp-content/uploads/genesee-brewery-demolition-00.jpg)
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I love the idea that the project might not be feasible if they have to spend the money to fight to tear it down. So don’t fight it. Work with it. A parking lot is not the project, the center is.