City officials and residents of the 19th Ward are celebrating completion of the Thurston Village Revitalization. The project has included improvements to public safety, assistance for local businesses, and street beautification.
Norman Jones is the commissioner of environmental services for the city. He says this project was an opportunity to restore the rich, diverse neighborhood to its former glory. Jones says the "streetscape" efforts in particular are important not only to the look of the neighborhood, but the attitude of the people who live there.
"It means that people care about their neighborhood, it means that it's a good place to be, it makes you energized, it makes you feel good about belonging."
The revitalization included improving sidewalks, installing benches and plaques, and even new custom streetlights. Besides the asthmatic, the city also invested heavily in local commerce, providing grants to update storefronts and other assistance to local businesses.
President of the Community Association Diane Watkins says while the 19th ward is mainly a residential village, it is important to support the businesses there.
"As loving as a community can be, it's really not going to reach its full potential unless the business districts are thriving."
The 19th ward is the largest neighborhood in Rochester, with over 20,000 residents.
