There are a lot of proposed new projects in around the city that have been causing neighborhoods and residents to stand up, take notice and participate. And that’s a marvelous thing. The loss of the original brewhouse at 13 Cataract, the new East Ave Wegmans design, the struggle to save the historic church at 660 W. Main St. from being demolished and replaced with a Dollar Store, a proposed apartment development behind the George Eastman House and one on Park Avenue and the Village of Pittsford, as well as a proposed garage off East Ave have sparked all sorts of great discussions about the character of our city, its neighborhoods and making progress and preservation work together (and they can.)

And neighbors are standing up before its too late to voice their opinions, concerns and participate to reach compromises and, in some cases, prevent mistakes we will regret later. But it needs to begin by simply knowing about a project. Development and new projects help a city grow and remain vital! Development is not necessarily bad if done the right way, pays respect to the character of the neighborhood and adds to the quality of life of the residents and businesses. And citizen participation is a crucial part of that process.

We’re all about arming people with information so they can make good rational decisions instead of gut reactions. People care about their neighborhoods and the character of them. They care about property values. And they want a voice. And together, they can make a difference.

Pete has been doing a series on zoning laws to take some of the mystery out of how, why, when and where things can be built to hopefully encourage residents to be active participants in the process. And we will continue to share information that we receive from you on various neighborhood projects/proposals. Send them our way!