Speak Out, Rochester!

SPRING, 2005-2006

The Grasso-Zimmer plan to re-water the original Erie Canal bed is an intriguing alternative to the current proposal to fill in the subway tunnel in downtown Rochester. The proposal is intended to lead to revitalization of the area along Broad Street from the Genesee River to the future location of Paetec Park. If undertaken, the project has great potential for economic development, tourism, and historic preservation. The merits and challenges of this proposal were the focus of the Sixth grade's studies throughout the year.

In order to better understand how cities make decisions that have an impact on their economic development, students traveled to four cities in the United States and Canada where similar downtown waterways have been successful in revitalizing and preserving urban neighborhoods. In Ottawa, Canada; Providence, Rhode Island; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and San Antonio, Texas students met with city planners, business owners, mayors, city engineers, economic development experts, city council members, and visitors' bureau representatives. They also interviewed tourists and residents. Students gathered data about steps in the planning process, financing municipal projects, economic outcomes, and the impact of revitalized waterways on residents, business owners, and visitors.

For this expedition, students are compiled and analyzed their data in order to prepare and present their findings and recommendations to Rochester city officials and other interested parties.