By Clarke Condé
Next in the Wear to Where series, we look to the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge. For years this span of 180 feet has been less of a unifier than a divider in this community, but Senator Chuck Schumer has an idea (or rather wants someone to come up with an idea) that could change that permanently…
This past week, Senator Chuck Schumer called for $70,000 in federal funds to study ways that both boats and cars can get though the narrow Irondequoit Bay outlet. Since the current bridge opened in 1998 it has been an imperfect solution to a vexing problem for all involved. From November to April, the bridge is open and the beach communities of Irondiquoit and Webster are connected. But from April to November, the bridge is moved aside and boats flow between these two towns.
“Right now, this situation is a lose-lose,” said Schumer. “The boaters are unhappy half the year. The motorists and the businesses are unhappy half the year.”
Indeed, in many ways it is a classic urban planning problem that pits the needs of residents, businesses and visitors against one another. Senator Schumer has called for a federal study, but it may be a good place to begin a larger discussion within our community about our priorities.
Model: Melania Velasquez
Clothing: Paislee Boutique
Bracelets: Emerson & Oliver
If you are a local boutique, maker or model that is interested in participating in the Wear to Where series, please contact Clarke Condé at clarke{at}condephotography.com
Local representatives have been calling for a fix to the bridge problem for years. In the photo above, then Monroe County Legislator Stephanie Polowe-Aldersley again raises the issue at the November 1 bridge reopening back in 2006.
Tags: Clarke Conde, Emerson & Oliver, fashion, Irondequoit Bay, Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge, Melania Velasquez, Paislee Boutique, photo, photography, Rochester, Rochester fashion, Rochester NY, Rust Belt chic, Sen. Charles Schumer, Senator Schumer, Stephanie Polowe-Aldersley, Wear to Where
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on Thursday, December 11th, 2014 at 11:45 pm and is filed under Art + Culture, Rochester Destinations, Rochester Images, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure.
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So, I’ll give my reason for wanting to have the bridge in place in the Summer: I could ride my damn bike to work! As it stands, there’s no way for me to get to my office in Webster from Irondequoit by bike.