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Photonics HQ Discussion Shifts Back To Sibley

University of Rochester

A day after a group of business leaders labeling themselves as the “Rochester Business Leaders Photonics Working Group” suggested that Legacy Tower, the former B + L building, might be easier to use as a headquarters buildling for the new photonics initiative, another group of business and political leaders issued a statement to say they still think the Sibley Building is the wisest choice.

The statement issued Friday includes Wegmans CEO Danny Wegman and U of R President Joel Seligman, who are co-chairs of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. Wegman had also been listed as a member of the group that issued an earlier statement that suggested Sibley might be able to be occupied more quickly since less renovation would be needed.

Also signing Friday's letter were Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, and RIT President Bill Destler. They said in their statement that they wanted to make it clear they remain united in their determination to bring the most effective photonics program to Rochester, and they believe it “unwise” for various program elements to be determined “in haste without full consultation with appropriate leaders in our community.”

The leaders say they continue to feel Sibley is the wisest choice given its strategic importance in the region’s economic revitalization, because it is located within the city’s Innovation Zone. And they say that the U of R and RIT and government entities have already made significant investment in that area.

But the officials say regardless of where in downtown Rochester the AIM Photonics headquarters is located, they are confident it will provide leadership to the future development of photonics in Rochester.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.