This document lists 13 reasons for optimism in Rochester, NY in 2013. Some of the key points of optimism are: 1) Rochester's downtown population is growing and stemming losses; 2) Sibley building has new owners committed to revitalization; 3) A deal was reached to rebuild the Midtown Tower; and 4) Home sales, prices, and job growth are rising while unemployment is falling in the Rochester region.
2. 13 Reasons for Optimism
Downtown
Rochester's
population is growing.
The city's population
as a whole is
stemming losses.
This follows a
national trend of
people rediscovering
cities.
3. 13 Reasons for Optimism
Sibley has new
owners. Winn
Development has a
proven track record of
revitalizing old
buildings. The
company is already
making
improvements.
4. 13 Reasons for Optimism
The city finally made
a deal to rebuild
Midtown Tower. The
tower is a scar on
Rochester's skyline
and arguably the glue
for the Midtown site
redevelopment.
5. 13 Reasons for Optimism
We have the
Rochester
International Jazz
Festival.
6. 13 Reasons for Optimism
The University of
Rochester, the area's
largest employer,
shows no signs of
slowing growth and
has continued to
add jobs.
7. 13 Reasons for Optimism
Wegmans continues
expanding in the
northeast, opening its
first store in
Massachusetts in
2012. As Rochester's
second-largest
employer, the
success of the
supermarket chain is
important to the
region.
8. 13 Reasons for Optimism
It looks like Kodak will
emerge from
bankruptcy. The
patent sale
completed, the
company has secured
exit financing. A
liquidation would
have caused more
devastation.
9. 13 Reasons for Optimism
Home sales and
prices are on the rise
in the Rochester
region.
10. 13 Reasons for Optimism
Rochester has been
adding jobs at a
faster rate than the
rest of the state. Its
unemployment rate
has also fared better.
11. 13 Reasons for Optimism
Rochester is ranked
#2 in the nation for
volunteers.
12. 13 Reasons for Optimism
College Town
appears to be forging
ahead, which will be
great for the Mt. Hope
area and the
University of
Rochester, though I
question the need for
such heavy taxpayer
subsidies.
13. 13 Reasons for Optimism
The scientists at
Rochester area
colleges and firms
continue to churn out
patents. Perhaps
some will lead to a
new company
employing hundreds
of people.
14. 13 Reasons for Optimism
The victims of the
Christmas Eve
shooting in Webster
exemplified the best
of our community.
The Rochester region
showed tremendous
generosity,
compassion and
togetherness after the
tragedy.
