Rochester Reporter

Irondequoit Town issued the following announcement on Dec 30.

The Town of Irondequoit will see several significant economic and community development projects come to fruition in the coming year. This represents tens of millions of dollars in investment in a community that continues to transform itself by reimaging and repurposing properties throughout Town.

“Irondequoit has seen tangible signs of revitalization over these past few years, and we are optimistic that 2021 will be one of our busiest years yet on the development side,” said Supervisor Dave Seeley. “From the redevelopment of the former Irondequoit Mall and our commercial corridor to increasing our senior and affordable housing portfolio, we are moving in the right direction as we continue to write our own story of progress, not the broken promises of the past.”

Skyview on the Ridge

The redevelopment of the former Irondequoit Mall into Skyview on the Ridge remains the key priority development project in Irondequoit. At present, every corner of the former Mall is in the process of being redeveloped, representing over $50 million in investment in the site. Central to this is the construction of the $9.5 million Irondequoit Community Center, which will be completed this coming Summer.

On the eastern end of the former Mall, Pathstone Corp is redeveloping the former Sears store into Skyview Park Apartments. This development will create 169 units of senior housing, an amenity in major demand throughout Irondequoit. The project, which will feature a partnership with Rochester Regional Health for supportive services, will be complete in the Fall.

The southern façade of Skyview on the Ridge has received a makeover throughout 2020, and the coming year will see the former food court area repurposed by the owner of the facility. To the west, the former Macy’s store – which has seen various occupants over the past two years, will be transformed by Rochester Regional Health into a school of nursing.

Senior & Workforce Housing

The Town of Irondequoit continues to find strategic ways to address a need for both senior housing, and updated workforce housing to ensure that the community remains affordable to reside in. This, especially, as the median sale price of a home in Irondequoit has increased 40% over the past four years. This represents a challenge, as much of the community has already been “built out.” With shovel-ready, “green” parcels scarce, working towards these housing goals often requires the repurposing of properties.

Culver Road will see three major housing developments move forward in 2021. The former Wambach’s Farm Market will be home to two new housing communities. Rochester Management will soon break ground on an 80-unit senior housing development, which will have on-site services for residents, such as primary care physicians, transportation and more. Providence Housing has received the necessary Town Board approval to proceed with the construction of nearly 100 housing units, targeting low- and moderate-income residents, and those working in health-care fields.

Further north on Culver, adjacent to St Cecilia’s Church, Episcopal Senior Living has received approval to construct 74 units of market-rate senior housing.

At the I-Square development on Titus Avenue, the finishing touches are being added to patio homes to the rear of the Irondequoit Beer Company, which are being marketed towards older residents.

“Whether you’re an older resident looking to age in place and be near your children and grandchildren, or a young family looking for affordable housing alternatives, Irondequoit must continue to take proactive steps towards making our community welcome for everyone,” said Supervisor Seeley.

Better Park Amenities in Sea Breeze

The Town is partnering with New York State on a major reconstruction of the Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park, which is operated by the Town. As part of the NYS Resiliency & Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Program, the public boat launch is being elevated two feet to withstand continuously rising water levels. To compliment this resiliency effort, the Town is managing the construction of a kayak launch, playground and pavilion area, all while providing several dozen additional parking spots. This represents the realization of long-sought vision to enhance the public park at the Bay Outlet – Irondequoit’s primary access point to the waterfront.

Repurposing Vacant Retail

The Portland Ave and East Ridge Road intersection will see vacant storefronts revitalized in the coming year. The site of the former Staples store, vacant since 2018, has received all required Town approvals to demolish the existing vacant structure and construct a new 5,000 square foot Chick-fil-A restaurant – which would be both the largest in Monroe County and have the lengthiest queuing plan for cars.

The former Rite Aid store at 1233 East Ridge Road will see a new life as a mix of retail and fast casual restaurants, including a Moe’s Southwest Grill. And the vacant structure at 1267 E. Ridge Road will be demolished to make way for a new building to house the regional fast casual restaurant chain, Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill.

“These development projects are making a wonderful community an even better place to reside,” said Supervisor Seeley. “Irondequoit will always be known for its beautiful neighborhoods, quality schools and strong sense of community. We cannot rest on our laurels, however, and cannot remain a community stuck in time, but rather, one that is looking to the future.” Also included as attachments are renderings of the Irondequoit Community Center Gym, Skyview Park Apartments and Rochester Management Senior Housing at the former Wambach’s Farm on Culver Rd.

Original source can be found here.

Source: Irondequoit Town