The City of Rochester would like to replace the portion of the Inner Loop that forms the northern edge of downtown. The City’s Request for Proposals essentially calls for a repeat of the Inner Loop East project that was completed last year. This project, funded mostly with federal stimulus money, raised the terrain, removed bridges, reconstructed streets, and created development parcels. However, the north portion is more than twice as long as the east portion and wider in spots, so the expected cost to taxpayers would be more than double the $21 million of the earlier project.
I would like to propose a project that could actually generate revenue for decades into the future, with vastly lower maintenance costs of new roadways, sidewalks, sewers, etc.
On July 18, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act that requires the elimination of carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2040. This means we need to transition to solar and wind power and increase our reliance on hydropower. The Inner Loop North could be part of this transition.
My idea is to retain the sunken portion of the Inner Loop North, which runs for about one mile from Charlotte Street to the river, deepen it in some areas, and use it to hold river water for a new hydropower station at the High Falls for shaving peak electricity loads. As done at Niagara Falls, river water would be diverted into the trench overnight or during times of high flow, held until needed, and then dropped to the new station. Because of RG&E’s existing hydro station across the river gorge, we know that the head height of the falls is adequate and we can estimate potential costs and revenues. Importantly, as a utility capital investment, construction costs could be rate based, thus not requiring tax dollars.
Serendipitously, a dam exists at the juncture of the Genesee River and the Inner Loop. Called the Central Avenue Dam, it was constructed in the 1910’s when Central Avenue crossed the river before the Loop was built. It spans the width of the river adjacent to the sunken portion of the Loop, and it still works. By excavating a short trench, water could be diverted into the Loop. Another short trench excavated northward could empty the stored water into a new hydropower station alongside the High Falls. If pumping is needed to move river water into the Loop rather than simply being diverted, pumps could be run by off-peak power from the existing hydro station.
Schiller Park, which once was one of the City’s most beautiful spaces, could be restored and become part of a green promenade along both sides of the reservoir. The monument to composer Schiller that stands in the park was originally located in Anderson Square, which would also be restored as part of this plan.
Playfields for Schools 14 and 58 could be created using fill cut from the high spots of the Loop, which occur between the bridges. A multi-use soccer/football/baseball field would easily fit in the available space.
Four large development blocks could be created with the same material. Importantly, two of those blocks would enclose the restored Anderson Square and help define Main Street and the restored University Avenue.
The shorelines of the reservoir would be attractive and usable, with natural landscaping, walkways and lighting. Wetlands at the edges could help improve the ecology of neighborhoods long exposed to toxins. Rainwater running off from nearby streets could filter through the wetlands and help fill the reservoir while reducing the load on our water treatment plant. Properties that have been devalued by adjacency to a highway would now be on waterfront and gain value and investment.
Four of the current six bridges would remain but would be rebuilt to be much more attractive, walkable and rideable than what we have now. Both the East Main Street and Scio Street bridges would be eliminated. A seventh bridge that forms part of an access ramp near the schools would also be eliminated.
Partnering with neighbors and City Hall could be the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency, Rochester Gas & Electric, Friends of the Garden Aerial, Monroe County Pure Waters, Rochester District Heating System (which could use the water as a source of geothermal energy), local universities and many others.
