Rochester Reporter

The City of Rochester is applying for Round 8 of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) for up to $10 million in grant funding. To inform the application, an open house will be held to seek input from residents, developers, and business and property owners. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the lobby of First Federal Plaza at 28 E. Main St.

“We are committed to revitalizing Downtown’s Four Corners area, restoring its historic significance, and creating a vibrant, thriving Center City,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “If successful, this Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant will allow us to build on the momentum of recent investments and the success of our last application as we work with the community to shape a future that serves and inspires both residents and visitors alike.”

The City of Rochester's application targets the Four Corners section of Downtown, generally bounded by W. Broad Street, the Genesee River, the Inner Loop North, and N. Fitzhugh Street. This historic center has experienced extended disinvestment leading to vacancies and increasing blight.

The proposed DRI grant aims to build upon recent investments in the area including Constellation Brands' new headquarters and numerous public infrastructure improvements such as the State Street Reconstruction, Aqueduct District Street Improvement, Main Street Streetscape projects, and Austin Steward Plaza.

For more information about the DRI planning process and the City’s application visit www.cityofrochester.gov/DRI8.