Schumer Hoping to Bring Home Bacon for Midtown

By Rachel Ward

Rochester, NY – Senator Charles Schumer was in town Monday to announce that he's seeking millions of dollars for downtown Rochester. Schumer says getting $5 million - for the improvement of infrastructure around Midtown - will be one of his top priorities going into the federal budget this year.

The Democrat says Midtown is "critically important" to the redevelopment of downtown.

"When compared to major revitalization projects across the country, Midtown Plaza is impressive. It's an iconic project that represents a transition, from past struggles of the Rochester economy, to the future. It's a notable landmark which will be given new life and play an important role in the lives of a new generation of Rochester residents."

Schumer says he'll also support an application that the city has put in to a federal economic development agency, for $3.4 million for the project. The Federal Economic Development Agency is a little-known, but important economic development agency, according to Schumer, which can provide financing and technical assistance. Schumer said the city's application is a "smart" move, and that he'll put his "muscle" behind it.

Midtown will likely cost over $90 million to complete; the state has promised to cover $55 million of that, to demolish the old mall.

Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy says the city is in a good position to recruit additional funds, with asbestos abatement at the work site on-schedule and on-budget.

Midtown Plaza is slated to become the new headquarters of PAETEC Communications. Duffy says the city is "close" to signing a deal with the firm about the site, but declined to give a time line.