Cuomo commits $50 million to revitalize Genesee River corridor

Gov. Andrew Cuomo committed $50 million in state aid Thursday to revitalize the Genesee River corridor — jump-starting an expansive vision that includes everything from the Broad Street aqueduct to High Falls.

"The time is now," Cuomo said.

Cuomo made the announcement speaking at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center downtown. A yet-to-be-assembled advisory board will work over the next three months to prioritize projects and set out a plan for going forward.

"It is an investment. I believe it is going to reap dividends," Cuomo said.

Chamber of Commerce President Robert Duffy and Monroe Community College President Anne Kress, who co-chair the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, will lead the advisory board. That work will focus on what is being called "ROC the Riverway," a conglomeration of 30 potential projects assembled by the city that also includes upgrades to the convention center and Blue Cross Arena at the Community War Memorial, completion of the Genesee Riverway Trail through downtown and a redesign of Charles Carroll Plaza and Genesee Crossroads Park.

Cuomo is expected to name the remaining advisory board members in the coming days. And state officials have promised a public process in developing the corridor plan.

Many of these projects have been on the city's wish list for years. Others could be added. The potential to leverage private investment will be key.

"This is the future of Rochester," said Assemblyman Harry Bronson, D-Rochester.

For Mayor Lovely Warren, revamping Charles Carroll Plaza and the Rundel Library terrace are top priorities, as both sit right along the river and the plaza has "become dilapidated" over the years, she said. 

Duffy envisions focusing on zones, eyeing the area around Blue Cross Arena, convention center and aqueduct as having the potential for the biggest impact. However, he is quick to add the area from Andrews Street north past High Falls, or the southern river corridor and the old Vacuum Oil site.

Transforming the riverfront will help bring businesses to downtown, which is what young people are looking for, Warren said — they're already filling new residential offerings in the city, and more attractive commercial and green space options would only enhance downtown's appeal. 

"This is about revitalizing our downtown," Warren said. "We want our young people to look at Rochester as a place to raise their family in, to come back home to." 

There is, as yet, no total budget for the project nor a specific city commitment. Past estimates have placed the convention center renovation at $100 million. A laundry list of desired upgrades at Blue Cross Arena was priced at nearly $40 million in 2014.

The state money, to be drawn from a previously announced $500 million Upstate Revitalization Initiative award, is seen as an initial investment. 

"On the way out, (Cuomo) whispered, 'Can you get this done in two months?' " Duffy said of the time needed to prioritize projects and draft a development plan. "I think we can. In all honesty, this is so exciting, I think we can get this done in less."

More:Photonics, Rochester 'Riverway' highlighted by Cuomo in State of the State

BSHARP@Gannett.com

STADDEO@Gannett.com

Includes reporting by Victoria E. Freile