Community Name & Location:
Rochester, New York, Monroe County
Challenge:
To revitalize the Lake Ontario, Genesee River and Erie Canal waterfronts with connections to the city's commercial areas.
Vision:
Restore and revitalize deteriorated and underutilized waterfront areas by promoting water and recreation-oriented uses and activities in shoreline areas.
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An extensive housing and boating market analysis was also completed as part of the LWRP planning process, and opportunities for public investment evaluated.
Specific projects identified in the LWRP included:
• Developing a mixed-use, waterfront center/festival site and enhancing existing water-oriented recreational, commercial and public access points at the Port Authority site;
• Developing another mixed-use waterfront district through enhancement of water-oriented recreation and public access opportunities, construction of new housing, and rehabilitation of existing commercial facilities;
• Developing a boat launch facility with adjacent public access and water-related recreational activities along the east bank of the Genesee River; and,
• Implementing improvements at numerous existing park and recreational facilities including public access improvements, enhancement of existing water-oriented facilities, and development of new water-oriented recreational facilities.
One of the primary implementation tools involved zoning modifications. The City’s River Harbor (RH) zoning district was amended to include a purpose statement emphasizing the importance of preserving and enhancing the recreational character and visual quality of the river harbor area; preserving and promoting public access to shoreline areas; and encouraging tourism in waterfront areas.
Allowed uses in the River Harbor district were also modified to allow a broader range of water-dependent, enhanced and related uses including facilities such as marinas, boat launches, and docks, and public walkways. A new Harbor Town Design Overlay District was also adopted, requiring a certificate of design compliance for certain types of new development in the shore zone. Within the overlay district, design approval is based on specific design guidelines for landscaping, signage, visual compatibility, site development and similar factors. |
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Ongoing project implementation. The City has moved forward aggressively to implement projects identified in the LWRP. |
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The City is focusing on revitalizing the Erie Canal waterfront. |
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Undertaking public investments in shoreline areas can attract private investment, stimulate economic growth, and substantially increase public recreation and access opportunities for improved quality of life.
How/why is this a success?
The Rochester LWRP created a comprehensive "blueprint" for waterfront redevelopment along the City's Lake Ontario and Genesee River waterfronts. Rochester is strongly committed to involving the public in all aspects of planning and has won several awards for its neighborhood-oriented and driven approach to planning.
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Monroe County Planning Department; City and County Planning, Parks and Environmental agencies; County Fisheries Advisory Board; yacht clubs and marina operators; realtors; neighborhood and business groups.
LWRP approved in 1990, implementation 1990-present
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Larry Stid
Planning Director
City Hall
30 Church Street
Rochester, NY 14614
(716) 428-6953
stidl@cityofrochester.gov
Kevin Millington
NYS Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources
41 State Street
Albany, NY 12231-0001
(518) 473-2479
kmilling@dos.ny.gov
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Governor Cuomo Announces 
Local Waterfront 