2nd Quarter 2005
ECONOMIC & BUSINESS
Eastman Kodak - Kodak lost its ranking as the largest employer in the area as its local employment fell 21% in 2004. The University of Rochester/Strong Health surpassed Kodak with a total of 16,565 employees. In 2003, Kodak employed 64,000 worldwide, 54,800 in 2004. Locally, Kodak ranks 2nd with 16,300 workers, down from 20,600 in 2003. The peak employment for Kodak was in 1982 when 60,400 were employed locally. (4/8)
Constellation Brands - The fiscal year end net income for the Fairport Wine company reached $4.09 billion, a 15% increase from last year. The fiscal fourth quarter net income dropped to $47.5 million which reflected the costs of purchasing of Robert Mondavi Corp. Constellation became the largest wine company in the U.S. after acquiring Mondavi, surpassing E & J Gallo, Inc. Net sales totalled $794.7 million in their 4th quarter, up 26% from the same time last year. (4/14)
Bausch & Lomb - The first quarter results were better than expected for the local eye-care company. Figures were up 47% from the same time last year as Bausch & Lomb recorded earnings of $34.5 million. B&L also announced that it will increase its spending for research and development by 12% to 15%. The company has plans on hiring researchers locally and around the world. Another 100 jobs will resume production of the PureVision contact lens at its optics center on North Goodman Street. in May. (4/20)
Renaissance Square - The architect has been chosen for the Renaissance Square project by local officials. Internationally known architect and urban planner, Moshe Safdie, was picked as lead designer. The Renaissance Square project will combine a bus terminal, performing arts center and a satellite campus for Monroe Community College. The facility is planned to be built on East Main Street and cost $230 million. It is the largest project undertaken in the history of the City. (3/24)
Fast Ferry - The Fast Ferry will begin sailing again on June 17th, one year to the day from its official inauguration in 2004. After a $2.8 million engine overhaul, the ferry service to Toronto will begin with one round trip per day. A new name has also been adopted by the City and the ferry will now be known as "The Cat." Ticket prices have not been set, but will be comparable to previous prices. (5/5)
Homes Sales - Area homes sales increased slightly in April with 936 houses sold, a slight increase from the same time last year. Homes selling above the $200,000 market are not selling as quickly as the homes listed at the $150,000 range. The median sales price for a single family was $104,000, up $200 from March and up $8,100 from April, 2004. (5/13)
Bausch & Lomb - B&L announced that they will be expanding research & development and invest $35 million into its optic center on North Goodman Street. A 73,000 square foot addition will be added to the North Goodman Street facility with new laboratories and office space. The existing research facility will also be renovated and updated with new equipment and machines. B&L expects to add up to 200 new research jobs. Construction will begin in July and be completed in 2007. One of the reasons Rochester was chosen over other sites is because of the research relationship B&L has with U of R and RIT. (6/10)
Genesee County - In a study of economic development in small communities across the country, Batavia was listed 7th as for its economic efforts. Last year, Genesee County listed 37 economic development projects totaling $48 in capital investments. Over the last 2 years, there have been 80 projects totaling $80 million in investments and creating 1,100 jobs. (3/18)
Monroe County - A number of multi-billion dollar real estate transactions took place in 2004 in Monroe County from out of state buyers. The biggest real estate sale was the $2.33 billion acquisition of Wilmorite Properties by Macerich Partnership of California. Macerich bought Wilmorite's 11 regional malls in 5 states, including Eastview Mall and Marketplace. DDR of Ohio bought up 18.8 million square feet of retail space from Benderson Development Corp. for $2.3 billion, which included 1.5 million square feet in Monroe County. DDR now owns Culver-Ridge Place, Panorama Plaza and West Gate Plaza. (3/25)
Renaissance Square - Funding for the Renaissance Square has been 60% secured with $140.9 million. $12 million was included in the New York State budget and another $12.5 million is coming from the Genesee Transportation Council. Monroe Community College has secured $55.6 million from the SUNY and the county. $67.4 million has been allocated for an underground transit center. The remaining $17.9 million will be put towards the $106 million performing arts center. On an average, 80% of funding comes from federal money, 10% from the state and another 10% from local funding. Anticipated costs for the project is $230 million. (6/3)
Fast Ferry - The June 17th launch date for the high-speed ferry to Toronto has been canceled and a new start-up date has not been determined. Problems with the computer software that maneuver the ship were found and repairs were being made. The boat is currently docked at Welland Canal in Ontario, Canada for engine upgrades and is expected to return to Rochester by June 10th. (6/2)
Downtown - The Urban Land Institute completed a study for the Rochester Downtown Development Corp. outlining their recommendations for downtown. The $110,000 outline included plans to demolish Midtown Tower for a public park; rehab Sibley Tower into apartments; move Midtown mall tenants to both sides of Main Street with storefronts facing the street; and building the bus station at street level instead of underground as planned for the Renaissance Square project. The report nixed the casino idea for the Sibley building as suggested last year. As recommended by the study, two groups will form to evaluate the recommendations of the study. One group will focus on specific "re-creation" concepts, while the second group will explore creative financial alternatives. The groups will meet again in September. (6/11)
Home Sales - Figures released for May for homes sale in the 11-county Rochester area show a 5.5% increase over last years figures. Real estate closings were up 12.8% from May of last year with 1,098 closings taking place, and up 17.3% from April of this year. A total of 4,328 homes have been sold since the beginning of 2005 which is up 5.5% from last years tally. The median sales price in May was $106,500 and for the year is $125,476. (6/14)
OFFICE
Farmington -Unisys Corp. announced plans to move its offices from Farmington to Henrietta later this year, when its lease expires. The 350 employees will be moved to the new facility. Unisys manages computing and network systems for large corporations and reported $5.8 billion in sales last year. (5/20)
Victor - A controversial office park proposed for Route 96 is a step closer to reality as the Planning Board recommended the Town Board approve its rezoning request. High Point Business Park is a 550,000 square foot development of office and retail space, including 80 townhouses. The rezoning of the 105 acre parcel from residential to planned development was essential for the project to proceed. If the Town Board approves the changes in zoning, the project will be back in the hands of the Planning Board. (4/13) The Ontario County Planning Board rejected Victor's Planning Board's recommendation to rezone the property proposed for High Point. The decision to rezone the land is now in the hands of the Town Board, which will vote on June 27th. (6/12)
RETAIL
Canandaigua - Constellation Brands is working with Wegmans, RIT and the NY Wine & Grape Foundation to build a culinary institute located on South Main Street, near the Canandaigua Inn on the Lake. The institute would educate students and tourists in the wine industry about New York wines and foods. The proposed 17,700-square-foot center could open as soon as next summer and draw more than 75,000 visitors annually. (4/8)
Canandaigua - A vacant drugstore on South Main Street will have a new tenant after getting approval from the Planning Board. The former Eckerd Drug store has been vacant since last summer and will now be home to Kinney Drugs, a chain based in St. Lawrence county. A drive through lane will be added for the pharmacy as well as additional landscaping. (4/10)
Greece - The Town Board granted Wegman's Food Markets a special use permit to build a superstore on Latta Road, just south of the existing Wegman's store. The current store will be converted into a Chase Pitkin Home and Garden Store. According to the approved plans, Chase Pitkin will be in the existing 88,000 square foot store, and the new store would be 130,000 square feet. (3/16)
Greece - Crescent Beach Restaurant is seeking approval from the town planning board for a 41-room inn and spa on the shore of Lake Ontario. The inn would be the area's only hotel on the lake. The restaurant has all ready received rezoning of 5 residential parcels for commercial use, and a setback variance allowing the inn to be built 37 feet from the lake, instead of the required 85 feet. Owners hope the inn and spa to be up and running by the end of the year. (4/20)
Greece - Developer's of Kohl's Plaza on West Ridge Road have proposed expanding its plaza with another large retailer. The second phase of construction would be called the Shops at Hampton Ridge. Included in the plans are a 64,500 square foot retail plaza, two one-story and two 3-story buildings for both retail and office space. The project would be built on 21.6 acres. Plans are still preliminary. (5/12)
Greece - The Krispy Kreme donut shop on Center Place Drive, off West Ridge Road will close as the local franchise owner restructures and consolidates. The Greece store, and a store in Henrietta, both make the donuts for sale. The Henrietta store will remain open and plans are for the popular donuts to be sold in smaller shops. Krispy Kreme stock has fallen over the last 1 ½ years, with slow sales and a SEC investigation. (6/8)
Henrietta - Wegman's Food Markets will go before the Town Board for the third time with plans for a store on Calkins Road. In 2002, Wegmans first proposal was dropped because of lack of support from the Board and area residents. In 2003, the board voted against plans for a Wegmans store, retail and commercial space, and a senior housing development. A scaled down plan will be submitted which includes a 130,000 square foot Wegmans and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. The Town Board will have to rezone the land from residential to commercial, among other things. (6/8)
Irondequoit - COMIDA approved a special payment in lieu to taxes agreement with the developer purchasing the Irondequoit Mall. The agreement will give the buyer a break on property taxes, in exchange, jobs will be created and $44.3 million will be spent renovating the mall. The mall is being bought by an executive from Syracuse for $5 million and is expected to close this spring. (4/20)
Macedon - Final site plans were approved by the Town Planning Board for a 205,000 square foot Super-center Wal-Mart on Wayneport Road. Included in the plans were a department store, grocery store, an auto service center and drive through pharmacy. Work on site preparation is expected to begin as soon as possible. (5/3)
Pittsford - The Springfield House on Monroe Avenue will be the location of a new restaurant, Northfield's Food & Drink, opening in early July. The 21,000 square foot plaza next door, Springfield Commons, has also opened a number of stores, including gift shops, salons and a tailor shop. One store front remains left on the first floor and the second level is available for office space. The Spring House has been totally renovated with a contemporary colonial decor. (5/13)
Rochester - The East End entertainment district received another shot in the arm as the building which houses Tonic will be purchased. The complex at 336 East Avenue will be transformed into a high-end liquor club, Soho East, with a dining area; a martini bar will share space with Soho East on the second floor; and on the first floor, Roc City Hots, offering hot-dogs, hamburgers and garbage plates. (3/11)
Rochester - A developer has purchased the former Jilllian's Restaurant at 61 Commercial Street for $710,000. The High Falls' restaurant has been closed since October after its owner filed bankruptcy. The new owners have two prospective tenants for the site. (5/20)
Victor - Two new restaurants are being built on each end of Route 96. A 3,800 square foot Wendy's restaurant will be near Main Street Fishers. On the other side of the town, a 4,000 square foot Atlanta Bread Co. is being built along with additional retail space. Both restaurants have submitted plans to the Town Planning Board for approval. (5/1)
INDUSTRIAL
Greece - Kodak is seeking site plan approval for a 30,500 square foot manufacturing facility in Kodak Park. A $45 million plant will manufacture dye transfer ribbon for printers for digital imaging. The new factory will produce supplies which will transfer digital images into high quality prints. When approved, the factory will be located on Ridgeway Avenue, between Mt. Read Boulevard and Route 390, and open by mid-2006. (4/20)
Palmyra - Garlock Sealing Technologies has received $35 million in grants allowing for upgrades to the facility and secure 450 jobs. Previously, the company had looked into relocating to North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee. The plant is the one of Wayne County's largest employers and manufacturers gaskets and sealing materials. (5/11)
Rochester - Kodak announced that it will be shutting down its paper mill after more than 40 years of continuous production. The paper mill was experiencing decline due to the digital photography growth. The decision to close the mill is part of Kodak's three-year restructuring plan. Kodak will purchase paper from another source that supplies specialty papers. (3/17)
Seneca County - An industrial park proposed in Seneca County will be powered by electricity generated from landfill emissions. The proposed IESI-Seneca Meadows Renewable Resource Park all ready has a tenant that will build a 20-acre greenhouse in 2006 that and be operating in 2007. The industrial park plans call for 4 generators to be built at the facility by the end of this year. The electricity will power the industrial facilities with the overage sold to the State power grid. (4/8)
RESIDENTIAL
Canandaigua - A home being built on West Lake Road will be torn down after being in violation of setback and height requirements codes. The 4,250-square foot house is 28 feet, 9 inches high and sits 30 feet from the lake and 52 from the road. The allowable height limit is 25 feet and setback should be at least 60 feet. Neighbors had alerted the zoning officer who found the house to be in violation. (3/16)
Canandaigua - In a City Council vote, it is now required that all new single-family homes will have garage set backs of 12 feet from the front of the house. After months of debate, the new law will make for safer and attractive neighborhoods. A number of new subdivisions are being proposed which will be affected by the setback law. Canandaigua Classics has room for 150 homes and another developer is eyeing property near Bristol Street which could generate close to 80 new homes. (4/8)
Canandaigua - Town homes that were approved in 2003 by the Town are waiting for approval from the State to incorporate its homeowner's association. The Fallbrook Meadows, a 34 unit town home community, is being developed on 7.5 acres along Route 364. Site preparation has been started and approval from the state is expected by the end of May. (5/3)
Canandaigua - A large subdivision has been pitched to the Town of South Bristol for an upscale housing community on the west side of Canandaigua Lake. A 37-acre parcel located on Seneca Point Road near Bristol Harbor Golf Course would include 37 homes. The development would have access to Canandaigua Lake and lake frontage along with boat docks for each homeowner. The proposal is under review by the town planning board. (5/6) The proposed Seneca Point Landing was withdrawn as local residents opposed the development. The attorney hired by lakefront owners argued that the subdivision only had enough space for 11 boats under the local laws. The plans called for a 38-slip marina. Developers will submit revised plans at a later date. (6/15)
Canandaigua - A Rochester developer is working with town and city officials on a 50 acre subdivision near Bristol Street and Routes 5 & 20. The property is situate in both municipalities. The 71-home subdivision would be a "cluster" plan with homes on lots smaller than 1/3 of an acre. The close building lots allow for a large common area for the subdivision. The developer is required to present their environmental and traffic studies before submitting their application. (5/26)
Fairport - The Fairport Baptist Home has expanded its senior living facility with 69 unit complex offering enhanced care options. The new facility offers one and two bedroom apartments with services including meals, laundry, personal care and 24-hour security. One bedroom apartments with services will cost $2,400 per month and the two bedroom will be $2,800 per month. The complex is scheduled to open in May. (3/24)
Fairport - Neighbors of a proposed 26-home subdivision brought up their concerns at a Planning Board meeting as the developer presented its project. "Canal Walk" would be built on 12.4 acres off Sunnybrook Lane featuring homes starting in the upper $200,000. The neighbors were worried about the water run-off and increased traffic. The Planning Board asked the developer to work with the town's Conservation Board for drainage and change the access road to Garden Circle. (4/28)
Farmington - A Rochester developer who proposed building 500 homes on 300 acres 2 years ago will be submitting preliminary plans to the town for approval. Auburn Meadows will be located west of Route 332 and be built over the next 10 to 15 years. The planning board must grant final approval for the first phase to begin. The developer has all ready received approval from the State DEC for sewer lines, and from the DPW to move the intersection of New Michigan Road and County Road 41 to the east. Plans also call for the developer to donate 50 acres to the town to use as a park. (4/27)
Greece - The Town Board rezoned two properties to make way for senior housing developments. A 10.5 acre parcel on Kirk Road was welcomed by its neighbors when rezoned from industrial to residential. The property on Maiden Lane originally included 26 townhouse duplexes, or 52 homes, on 7.5 acres. The project was scaled back by 25% to 39 dwelling as area neighbors opposed the density. Both complexes now need site plan approval from the Planning Board. (3/17)
Greece -The Town Planning Board approved preliminary plans for a subdivision located east of North Greece Road. Birkdale Park will have 75 homes on 42.99 acres. Final plans will need to be reviewed by the town board before construction can begin. (4/14)
Macedon - A subdivision has been proposed for a 41-acre parcel on Route 31 and Wayneport Road. Plans call for 47 homes, with smaller lots on the north end and larger lots closer to Wayneport Road. The developer has requested a zoning change for to allow for the different size lots. So far, the parcel meets the town's requirements for the zoning change. (5/31)
Mendon - A group of property owners dropped its lawsuit against Mendon Green, a proposed 54-lot housing development at 838 Pittsford Mendon Road. Neighbors had fought the Town and builders over density and rezoning part of the 87-acre parcel, which requires a building lot size minimum of 5 acres. Property owners had given up their fight because of the expense involved. The builder can now proceed with site-plan approval. (4/14)
Palmyra - A 5.8 acre parcel was rezoned by the Village Board so an upscale senior housing project proposed can gets its construction plans underway. The property on East Foster Street could house a building with 36 apartments, three separate buildings or an L-shaped building with a patio in the back. Each unit will have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with living and dining areas. (5/8)
Perinton - A proposed subdivision off Aldrich Road is on hold until officials can determine the exact wetland boundaries. The Planning Board is concerned after finding the property under water at the end of March. Aldrich Glen Subdivision will be 31 homes on 18 acres with lots ranging from 1/3 to ¾ of an acre. Plans are now with the town's Conservation Board for review. (4/14) Preliminary plans were approved by the town board after the developer made changes to the layout of homes. The plans have a total of 44.8 acres with 25 acres being donated to the town for a park area. A more detailed map identifying the wetlands is still required. (6/2)
Perinton - A housing development has asked for preliminary approval from the planning board for 11 single-family homes to be built off of Kreag Road. Custom patio homes will be from 1,300 to 1,600 square feet and range from $275,000 to $425,000. Area residents attending the planning board meeting concerned about storm-water drainage and traffic. The developer plans call for a new storm system along with retaining walls to obstruct vehicle headlights. The planning board granted the preliminary plans. (6/9)
Perinton - A builder received the Town Boards assurance in a vote regarding the results of an environmental study showing that building on their site would not have a negative impact. Preliminary plans have not been submitted for approval of 155 homes on 216 acres off of Monroe-Wayne County Line Road and Wakeman Road. (6/9)
Pittsford - A proposed housing development received approval of its concept plans for 32 homes on 48 acres on the old Aldridge farm. The property is located at the northeast side of Calkins and Pittsford-Henrietta Town Line Road. Two more approvals from the town are needed before work can begin. (6/15)
Rochester - After 5 years of development and delay, Corn Hill Landing will be opening one of the apartment buildings. The $20 million project is a mixed-use space of retail and luxury apartments. The apartments range from $600 a month studio apartments to 3 or 4 bedroom apartments for $2,000 per month. The development includes a Market Square for retail, underground parking for tenants and boat docks available along the Genesee River. Completion of the whole project is expected to be December 2005 or January 2006. (3/30)
Rochester - The City is looking taking requests for proposals for the development of city owned property on Charlotte Street, behind the Eastman Theatre. The 1.25 acre parcel was cleaned up after an environmental review and the city would like to create 22 two-bedroom townhouses. Units could range from $175,000 to $250,000 per unit. The townhouses will have a row building appearance with an open floor plan and exterior patios and garden areas. (4/22)
Rochester - Land that has sat vacant for more than a year is now being developed into a $28 million housing project. Originally slated to begin construction last year, the Rochester Housing Authority has begun the first phase of 28 housing units on Ford Street. The project also includes the renovating of Kennedy Tower, an 80-unit high-rise, and building another 77 housing units. Phase one should be complete in the fall of 2006. (5/4)
OTHER
Canandaigua - The Lakeshore House and its 3.5 acres have been sold to a local business man. The property sold for $1.2 million. No plans for the restaurant or land have been made. Another parcel on Lakeshore Drive is also near closing. An offer was excepted on the 5.5 acre parcel for $1.7 million. The property owner had intended to build a six-story condominium building, but the plan did not get past City officials. (5/3)
Canandaigua - The same business man that bought the former Lakeshore House has purchased another parcel on Lakeshore Drive for $1.25 million. The 5.5 acre parcel sold a little over a year ago to the seller for $850,000. The acquisition now has the new owner owning 12 to 15 acres on Lakeshore Drive. No plans have been made public as of yet. (5/15)
Greece - Bids for construction of the town's $5.2 million Community Center were being accepted that could have the project completed by the end of the year. The 35,000 square-foot facility will boast a 7,800 square foot gymnasium with a second floor mezzanine walking track, and locker rooms for adults and families. A senior citizen's lounge, conference rooms and the town's Human Services Department will all be part of the project. (3/24)
Henrietta - The Monroe County Fairgrounds and Recreation Association has a new master plan that will upgrade and enhance the facility in 3 phases. Phase one will include renovations to existing buildings, upgrades to heating and air conditioning, and paving of roadways. Construction will begin this year. Phase two will involve a grandstand and an outdoor track. Phase three will be the most ambitious phase with a $12 million capital campaign to build a 30,000 square foot exhibition hall. The new hall would include a covered horse arena and host equine shows and motor-sports events. (3/23)
Henrietta - After announcing serious financial difficulties the Belfrey International Golf Course will open the front nine holes in June, with the entire course to be open in July. Rain, the economy and a developer's death had kept the course behind schedule. Another developer has invested in the project making it possible for the course to open. The Belfry course is the first U.S. course designed by English architect David Thomas and the first public 18-hole golf course in Henrietta. (4/27)
Henrietta - Two business men have proposed building an 85,000 square foot, indoor water park with a 300 room, six-story hotel. The 18-acre park would be a $60 to $70 million project close to Interstate 390. Building could begin by the end of the year, with completion by late 2007. (6/3)
Penfield - The historic Daisy Flour Mill restaurant has been sold to a local catering firm for $700,000. Gatherings of Churchville will renovate the Daisy Flour Mill into a banquet hall and wedding center. The new owners are investing $300,000 in renovations, including a new deck off the ballroom for weddings. (5/6)
Pittsford - St. John Fisher College has purchased 3 parcels on East Avenue for $3 million. Most of the 14 acres is undeveloped and is located adjacent the college's golf course. The college first acquired 70 acres in the late 1940's and has grown to 140 acres today. There are no plans to develop the newly acquired property. (4/22)
Rochester - A bill before the State Senate passed legislation that would rename part of I-490 the Erie Canal Expressway. The bill is now pending in the Assembly's transportation committee. Passage in both houses would officially change the highway's name and provide new signs. (3/16)
Rochester - Proposals are being taken by the City for the renovations to a parcel located at 250 South Avenue. The property includes a mixed-use, 3-story building and is part of the South Ave. Revitalization near the I-490 ramp. The project is estimated to cost $1.85 million. (4/8)
Rochester - Construction began on the $37 million bridge which spans the Genesee River near downtown. The 8-lane bridge was reduced to two-lane traffic in each direction, ramps were closed and detours were put in place as the project gets underway. About 100,000 motorists use the bridge daily. This year, a portion of the bridge will be demolished and three 70-foot arches will be installed. (3/24)
Rochester - An abandoned railroad bed consisting of 19 acres is being purchased by the City for $1.58 million. The railway runs from Seneca Park and into the High Falls district. The railway is 2.4 miles long and will be converted into a recreational trail. The City has been trying to purchase the property from CSX since 2000. (5/3)
Rochester - People traveling from the Greater Rochester Airport increased 7% from the same time last year. There were 128,325 travelers in April, 2005, and a total of 477,526 for the year, up 12%, from last year. (5/24)
GENERAL
Canandaigua - A plan submitted to the City by Rural Opportunities Inc. sites "hardship relief" to demolish 2 historical buildings in hopes of constructing 29 senior apartments. The buildings cannot be saved without considerable expense to Rural Opportunities, a non-for-profit entity that builds senior housing. Public hearings will be held regarding the site plans and senior housing. (4/5)
Irondequoit - Rochester General Hospital is hoping to open a new dialysis center and medical center on East Ridge Road. A proposed 32,000 square foot building needs rezoning, but first the hospital needs approval from the Department of Health. The new center will have a 40-station dialysis center along with medical offices and pediatric center. (5/21)
Rochester - Rochester General Hospital will receive a $9 million gift from Paychex founder B. Thomas Golisano. This is the third largest gift from Golisano to the area. The gift will be part of a multi-million dollar expansion that will include a larger emergency room, labs and intensive care. More than 80,000 patients visit the emergency room which was built to accommodate 50,000. The new emergency room will be completed in about three years. (3/24)
Rochester - RIT has started construction of its 35,000 square foot, $12 million Center for Bioscience Education and Technology. The new facility will have state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms for students in the bioscientific programs. Excellus BC/BS will donate $2 million over the next 10 years for the center's main learning division. The building will be ready for students in the Fall, 2006. (4/8)
Rochester - Plans for a new $4.5 million student development center at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf have been announced. The two-story building will be located on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology and include offices for student government, clubs and a communications center. Rochester is home to one of the largest deaf populations in the country. The new building is expected to be completed by the Fall, 2006. (4/15)
Rochester - The 45-year-old Wegman's building on Mt. Hope will be demolished as the UofR makes way for a parking lot. UofR bought the old store from Wegman's in August, 2004, with no future plans. A long-term plan for the hospital and campus is being started which will include the old Wegman's site. Wegmans closed the store in 2003 after experiencing continual losses. (5/4)
Rochester - The Rochester Rhinos are seeking more money from the state to finish their downtown stadium. $9 million has all ready been asked for, but now the Rhino soccer team has asked for $15 million. The additional funds is needed to make the new stadium a first-class facility. The extra money would increase the seating to 20,000, add 20 luxury boxes, and upgrade the lighting for the field and parking lot. If the Rhino's are awarded the additional money, the total price tag would be $41 million for the new stadium. (5/10)
Rochester - The Seneca Park Zoo is expanding its elephant exhibit by $4.4 million. The new complex will include a maternity stall for one of the Zoo's elephants due to give birth next March. An 11,000 square foot barn will be built along with a 23,000 square foot yard. The new space will be able to accommodate up to 5 elephants. The new complex, along with new pathways, will add 4 ½ acres to the zoo. (6/1)
Rochester - The State has allocated $500,000 for the city to look into redesigning the 40-year old Inner-Loop. The study will target Monroe Avenue to East Main Street portion of the inner-loop. The inner-loop was designed by the DOT to ease on city streets and improve access around the city. The number of cars projected to use the inner loop in 1965 was 100,000. Today, the inner loop sees less than 7,000 vehicles per day. (6/3)
Springwater - The Town Board voted against a moratorium on wind farms and will instead draft a local law to govern the construction and set up regulations. A proposed 14-turbine wind energy farm has local residents split with a 2:1 against the wind farm. Each turbine would stand 400 feet in height. The State of NY and the Public Service Commission has a policy that calls for ¼ of New York's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2013. (6/7)
