100+ years ago: now that was a river
A few re-marks
This "...re-envisioning the Riverfront Re-Imagine site..." is worth a re-ad. As is the slide deck re-plete with a sketch with which the mayor re- cently re-turned. (Note how the public "just another asset" library is already commodified for leveraging shiny land swaps and foot traffic. It's all good. Just talking the talk.)
So let's see who is interested before we figure out who's qualified before we ask them to propose the re-vised re-do. Consultants at every step stand re-ady to assist, advise, and re-commend. Meanwhile, supplies of foam core are being laid in anticipation of much re-engagement with the re-sidents.
(Wonder what we'll end up thinking we want that's different from the last time(s) we were asked.)
This ain't bad:
"...Even with this amount of housing activity, the supply of affordable housing units has not met demand. To alleviate the affordable housing shortage, the City has been working diligently with developers to promote housing developments that offer units for a range of income levels. Although the city needs a variety of workforce and affordable options, the biggest push is for the development of 50% AMI and lower."
But dibs instead on the next luxury hotel with a brewery (!) and a so two years ago food thing from the coast (either one). Be re-assured that whatever comes will come awash in art and green and bike racks and a "rapid transit" stop. And parking.
Better be good because we're building for the next century now - and beyond.
"The community vision for Riverfront Re-Imaged is for an innovative, unique and enduring development. The expectation is to create an architectural and culturally significant amenity that will serve this community for 100+ years."
Hope they saved the receipts on the foam core. Looks like we've had our say. (Note to all those who have said that some of us are too old to have an opinion or say in what happens next - most of you aren't young enough for this next new thing. Neither are your kids, but they'll be the ones stuck with answering "What were you thinking?!" crouched around the blasted skyway drumfires as they look up at the twinkling passage of Mayo Clinic in near earth orbit.)
Anyway these are critical:
"CRITICAL ELEMENTS • Transformative one-of-a-kind project • Land & environment are renewed and sustained • Welcoming to all and diverse community appeal • Vibrant public spaces & natural integration • Connected physically & socially • Year round use, with easy riverfront access • Natural integration of neighborhood characteristics • Encompass Rochester’s past as well as future"
And an unobstructed view of the backside of the Government Center
We'll see. Well, maybe not us, but surely someone will.
Oh, almost forgot. Here's my Post-It (TM) note:
- Affordable, accessible housing at 50% AMI and lower.
- A public library.
- A center for health, innovation, and culture.
- A better view.
- A river.
