Learning from Our Community: Reshaping Rochester

SPRING, 2006-2007

The Grasso-Zimmer plan to re-water the old Erie Canal bed is an intriguing alternative to the current plan to fill in the original Erie Canal bed in downtown Rochester. The project is designed to revitalize the area along the Genesee River. Its potential for economic revitalization, tourism, and historical preservation is significant. In order to better understand the level of awareness of Rochester's residents, students traveled to portions of the Greater Rochester Area to find out what Rochesterians know about the Grasso-Zimmer plan. Students also met with town supervisors and business owners to increase their awareness about the project and uncover their initial reactions on this unique proposal.

Through this Expedition, students came to understand the process of making informed, well-researched decisions that have the potential to affect a community's social, natural, and economic future. As a culmination of this Expedition, students presented their findings to Rochester city officials and residents.