I don’t think I realized it until today.
This project is freaking HUGE-AAA.
I stopped by Passero Associates this morning to look at the computer rendering of the proposed complex.
Wow.
It’s really something. I didn’t grasp it until then.
With a price tag of $260 million, Medley Centre clearly ranks with Renaissance Square and Midtown in terms of scope. As for whether it’s on par in terms of tax dollars – I would have to say no. If anyone has a different perspective, I would love to hear it. So far, the proposed benefits for Medley total $8.5 million. We are still waiting for details the town and school district PILOTS.
A lot of residents at today’s public hearing expressed skepticism about this project. Do we really need a 420-room hotel??? An apartment complex with 330 units? New retail and restaurant space? One resident wanted to see market survey data, which is proprietary of course.
Here are the big questions I have:
If this thing flops, what has the community lost? (In terms of tax dollars, any hope of redeveloping the mall, etc.)
If it works, what have we gained? (Jobs, sales tax revenue, etc.)
If it works, have we still lost something? (I think Rochester’s mayor might have something to say about this kind of development being built in the suburbs.)
