It’s not unusual for people to react with groans of skepticism when told that a process is in place to create a master plan. In the case of the recently released JOSANA Master Plan such skepticism would be entirely unwarranted. After six months or so of study Interface Studio of Philadelphia has come up with a compelling and comprehensive document that will chart the path to the renewal of a long neglected part of Rochester.
The success of the Master Plan document is partly due to the expertise and creativity of the staff of Interface Studio and their wizardry in collecting and presenting a host of data to support their conclusions. However, it’s also due to the approach they took in gathering input from stakeholders. Not only were the typical stakeholders interviewed, but input from JOSANA residents, at the beginning, middle and end of the process, played a huge part in shaping the recommendations of the Report.
Interesting findings and recommendation:
- Given population decline, right-size the neighborhood by creating larger lots for house building and increasing green space.
- Demolish deteriorated rental and vacant properties and build new rental units in a variety of configurations.
- Even though there seems to be a store on every corner there is a limited market for retail. Concentrate retail on Broad Street to provide for a variety of shopping needs.
- Repurpose and redesign the parking, play and green areas around School 17 to create an area where children and teens can play and take part in sports.
- Create a positive buzz about the Rhinos Stadium by clever signage along I-490 (“Entering Rhinos’ Territory”), installing gateway landscaping at both the 490 exit and Lyell Ave., enhancing lighting and illuminating a bridge near the stadium, and painting large rhino footprints leading spectators to the stadium from the parking lots.
- Based on teen input create a dance studio and facilities to serve young adults.
- Use various plants such as sunflowers to leach out contaminants from vacant lots.
- Habitat—continue what you’re doing.
We at Habitat are excited that we can continue our work in JOSANA and we hope to build at least 10 houses during the 2011 construction season. We’ll also continue our “A Brush with Kindness” spruce up program for elderly or handicapped homeowners in the neighborhood. We’re also considering a repair program that will tackle more serious repairs. Exciting times are ahead!
(All images pulled from Master Plan created by Interface Studio.)
