The development of the Port of Rochester in Charlotte has always been a subject of debate for community leaders and residents. So the City of Rochester collaborated with the Community Design Center Rochester and city residents to host a charrette Saturday.
The charrette, a public brainstorming session, gave residents and anyone interested in the growth and development of Charlotte a chance to share their ideas.
Around 70 people broke into groups at one point to tour different sections of the port. I hoped on to a group who was surveying a gravel lot just east of the port, at the base of a small hill. Here, they strategized how to develop the land without blocking views from Lake Avenue.
Ron Crandall has lived in Charlotte since 1988 and hopes the city will move forward, learning from past mistakes.
“I want to be sure that - what happened back when the hotel was planned to be here, one of the main objections of many people I know is that they didn’t feel like they had much say about preventing a multi-story hotel being built and blocking their view."
Attendees included architects, urban planners, Charlotte residents and just concerned city residents.
Amber Powers lives in the South Wedge but still wanted to help generate ideas for Charlotte, she grew up spending summers out here.
"Having a process where everyone gets a say and the design makes sense for the community involved, I don’t think we do enough of that in Rochester."
Teresa Kubiak grew up in Charlotte, moved away for 30 years and has made her way back to the lakeside community. She said she’s very invested in its development.
“I came back because I want to be near here. I've been all over the world and I don’t know any place so beautiful, as the end of that pier."
Ideas will be compiled into a report and another public forum will be held in early 2018 to share the results.
The event was held all day Saturday at the Port of Rochester Terminal Building.