U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “Today we move the tassel and graduate College Town from dream to reality. It is now the latest University of Rochester alum to go forth as a force of good to revitalize the Mt. Hope neighborhood and the City of Rochester. With College Town, we are harnessing the economic development might of Rochester’s largest employer to turn 14 aces of dilapidated land into a showcase of shops, restaurants, offices, apartments, and at long last a new neighborhood grocery store, Constantino’s Market. I fought hard to secure the $750,000 federal loan last month to end over a decade of struggle to finally get a grocery on Mt. Hope. Together with the game-changing $20 million federal investment I pushed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to approve in order to green light the overall $100 million project, College Town is now one of the City’s largest redevelopment projects and is poised to create over 900 construction jobs, and 320 permanent jobs.”
U.S. Representative Louise Slaughter said, “Over the past 18 months of construction, the greater Rochester community has witnessed the tireless efforts from the development and construction team and the University staff to bring College Town to life. I am so proud to help dedicate this remarkable project, which is energizing the Mount Hope neighborhood and attracting new students, residents, and medical professionals to the area. I congratulate the University for putting forth this unique, non-academic, forward-thinking investment that provides unparalleled opportunities for their students, world-renowned staff and researchers, and also the public. The importance of the University of Rochester to the Mount Hope neighborhood and our region cannot be overstated. College Town is a destination that our entire community can and will enjoy.”
New York State Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy said, “College Town will be an outstanding addition to the City and University of Rochester, both as an economic driver and cultural center. The project’s planning began during my first year as Mayor of Rochester, and Governor Cuomo’s support and investment was absolutely instrumental throughout its development. I applaud all of our federal, state and regional collaborators for making this a reality, and I look forward to the rich new economic opportunities this will bring to the Finger Lakes community.”
Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle said, “Today’s dedication was made possible because as a community we came together, unified by our belief in College Town as a truly transformational project for the University of Rochester, the Mt. Hope neighborhood and the community at-large. I applaud the University of Rochester, my colleagues on the Finger Lakes REDC, and all of our local partners who have worked so hard to make today possible.”
New York State Senator Joe Robach said, “This is an exciting day for the City of Rochester, the Mount Hope neighborhood and the University of Rochester. College Town will not only benefit University of Rochester students, faculty and staff, it will also have a positive impact on our local economy by way of 300 permanent jobs and a variety of retail and dining attractions for area residents. This project was truly a collaborative effort between the University of Rochester and all levels of government, and is something we can all be proud to be a part of.”
New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, “I commend the University of Rochester and its President Joel Seligman on a job well done. College Town will help to strengthen our local economy and create jobs, making a positive impact for the Mount Hope Neighborhood and the City of Rochester.”
Assembly Member Harry Bronson said, “I applaud the University of Rochester under the leadership of President Seligman, as well as our federal, state and local partners for ensuring that College Town is now a reality. This ribbon cutting represents the university’s ongoing commitment to our community and our families. President Seligman’s vision of what this corner could represent is remarkable. And that vision was enhanced with the input of the neighbors and their understanding of the needs of their community. I believe that this project represents what works best in private-public investment to provide good jobs and to enhance the economic growth of the Rochester region.”
Rochester City Mayor Lovely Warren said, “Our neighborhood groups, the University of Rochester, our business partners and the City have all worked collaboratively to turn a quiet corridor into a thriving economic center, and College Town represents a true Rochester success story. As a teen I worked at the Wegmans that used to be on that site. Now, I am happy that our federal leaders have made it possible for another grocery store to build on those roots. All over Rochester we see this, the city working with our dedicated partners to build a brighter future for all Rochesterians.”
County Executive Maggie Brooks said, “College Town is truly a testament to a new comprehensive, collaborative, and results-driven approach that has transformed economic development in our region. Gone are the days of individual stakeholders working in isolation to create jobs and grow our economy. Today, we are working side by side as public and private partners to unite behind transformational projects like College Town that will keep Monroe County on the fast-track to prosperity. I thank the University of Rochester, the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, and all partners involved for their help in moving this important project forward.”
City Council President Loretta Scott said, “College Town brings with it opportunities for all members of our community, whether they need a place to live, a place to work, or a place to shop and eat. As a member of the Action For a Better Community Foundation Board, I am especially pleased about the opening of Constantino’s Market, and welcome the employment opportunities that they will offer our residents.”
City Councilman Adam McFadden said, “I have had the honor of representing this area for the past decade and can attest to the transformation that has and will continue to take place here because of this project. This development will create a hub of activity, integrating the University of Rochester students even further into our community. This is a great project, and this outcome is what happens when everyone comes to the table and collaborates with the goal of improving our community. I am hopeful that this is only the first of many ribbon cuttings like this.”
Mt. Hope Business Association President Melanie Warren said, “The neighbors and businesses are very excited to have Mt. Hope Avenue, and College Town open for business. This revitalized gateway to the city of Rochester and commercial corridor is now a destination for the local neighborhood and an invitation to the community to visit the treasures on Mt. Hope Avenue.”
