Rochester, N.Y. - While MCC’s Board of Trustees says it's time to move out of the Sibley building, some County Legislators say, "Not so fast!""Is this something we really can afford in the first place?" said Monroe County Legislator Ted O’Brien.
The $75 million project would require Monroe County to put in money which would be bonded.
"The legislature has to be very careful when we make this kind of investment using public dollars," O'Brien said.
MCC says it's running out of space for both its locations, but legislators question why the Kodak building, which is twice its size, is needed.
"As far as ongoing expenses, the cheaper alternative may be the Sibley building, but those are the kinds of questions we're going to be looking at,” said O’Brien.
"It's sure going to be a far tougher nut to crack, there's no question about it,” said City Councilmember Carolee Conklin.
Conklin say she's concerned about the impact this could have on downtown.
"It's disastrous, because the Sibley building is an enormous structure right in the center of the city, and to have that sitting empty is certainly not going to help us in the redevelopment of downtown,” Conklin said.
With one in four MCC students residing in the city, some county legislators believe a campus downtown is a better fit.
"Our instinct is that the Sibley building makes the most sense...for the students in terms of parking and transportation with the bus line there,” said O’Brien.
Mayor Tom Richards says there needs to be a true downtown campus. He says the city will still pursue the Sibley plan.
This matter must be brought before the County Legeislators for a vote.
A 2/3 vote is needed to pass, but Democrats could block it.
That vote may not come for a couple of months.
