12:00: New safety measures and programs: what to expect at Ontario Beach Park
1:00: Vacant buildings can still be… vibrant?
The annual Harborfest is set to kick off at Ontario Beach Park this Friday, and attendees will see some new security features at the beach. They are part of a broader effort to create a safer space after fights broke out among some teenagers earlier this month. The Ontario Beach Park Program Committee wants parkgoers to know that despite the disturbances, there are still a number of events and activities planned that are free and open to everyone. This hour, we're joined by local leaders to discuss those programs and the new safety measures. In studio:
- Captain Greg Bello, Rochester Police Department
- Legislator Yversha Roman, Monroe County District 26, and president of the Monroe County Legislator
- Rich Tantalo, director of public safety for Monroe County
- James Farr, chair of the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee
Then in our second hour, there’s been a lot of talk in Rochester lately about vacancy – vacant houses, vacant buildings, vacant spaces that were once thriving. An upcoming symposium will offer ideas on how to fill those spaces – and not just with the first person or company to make an offer. What cities do with vacant spaces will be critical to their next generation. The city of Rochester has at least one example of a thriving neighborhood, anchored by the Strong National Museum of Play. So how can more spaces follow? We explore it with our guests:
- Craig Jensen, partner at CJS Architects and member of the American Institute of Architects
- Melissa Suchodolski, president of USC Builds and a member of the DevelopROC team, leading the Bulls Head Revitalization in partnership with the City of Rochester
*Note: "Connections" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.
