"Once again, New York State's innovative, bottom-up approach to economic development, the Regional Economic Development Councils, is working to create jobs and spur growth here in Rochester. Today is a great day for Rochester, and the entire region, as we celebrate this project that will have an incredible impact on the University of Rochester and the surrounding community. Under Governor Cuomo and this administration, jobs are being created all across New York and our economy is coming back stronger than ever before."–Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy

"Today is a banner day for the City of Rochester: a year after what some dubbed the 'Garbage Plate Summit' between me, President Seligman and Mayor Richards, we are breaking ground on the historic College Town project. The promising College Town plan to redevelop 14 acres of University of Rochester property with housing, shops, hotel, and restaurant space - all while creating a link between the campus and the City - is a winner and I knew we had no time to waste to get it done. I was thrilled to fight for and deliver a $20 million federal investment from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in September, which helped get this job-creating project over the financing finish line in time for today's groundbreaking."–U.S. Senator Charles Schumer

"College Town's impact will be felt far beyond the borders of this project. By providing more than 900 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs to Rochesterians and improving the transportation network in and around the University of Rochester River Campus, URMC, and College Town, we will improve our local economy and enhance the quality of life of hundreds of our friends and neighbors." —U.S. Assemblywoman Louise M. Slaughter

"College Town is truly a community project which represents an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government work together to benefit those they serve. I am pleased about the construction and permanent jobs that will be generated by the College Town project. The retail and service district that is being created here will become a gateway between the city, the University of Rochester River Campus and the Medical Center—and we can't wait to see students, residents and shoppers enjoying this vibrant new center."—Rochester Mayor Thomas S. Richards

"I'm proud that Monroe County played a role in helping to bring the University of Rochester's College Town concept through to fruition and I look forward to seeing construction begin at the corner of Mount Hope and Elmwood in the near future. College Town is one of the transformational projects identified by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council as a local priority, due in large part to its innovative vision to provide a welcoming, mixed-use environment for students, residents, and patrons alike." —Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks