Rochester, N.Y.-- When you walk the streets of North Clinton Avenue, it may be hard to see the promise.“When I was younger, Clinton Avenue was a lot different,” said Coordinator of Project Hope Miguel Melendez. “There were less vacant buildings, more business.”
But a few believe that what the area once was can be restored.
“Every area of the city at times needs an upgrade and this has been an area that is very much a place that we would like to be a destination,” said Jacklyn Ortiz, City Councilmember At-Large.
The city wants to use the empty lot that sits on North Clinton Avenue across from St. Michael’s church to build businesses, hoping to thrive off the neighborhoods rich culture and diversity – La Marketa.
“A Latin flavor, in terms of shopping experience, the plaza and market which is what that means,” said Ortiz.
The city has attempted this idea before, but perhaps what stands in its way is something a consultant's report points out; common urban issues, crime, drugs and safety.
“There's challenges, there's no doubt about it but there's a lot of good people who want to do great things to this community, “said Melendez.
The city relies on partnerships with people like Melendez, hoping to encourage residents to invest in their community.
“There's a lot going on in this general neighborhood. In the last year we've built 25 new houses,” Melendez said.
“You see an update in the street lighting and the planters, they may seem like small things but that's the start of changing the look,” Ortiz says.
They hope more people will invest in this neighborhoods future.
“This has the potential to really uplift this whole neighborhood,” said Melendez.
The city is accepting project proposals until April 23rd.
