FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, Nov. 8, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

City of Rochester to Host Informational Forum on Downtown Master Plan Work

Free Child Care, Refreshments Available for Those in Attendance

ROCHESTER — City Manager Blaine Cox is pleased to announce that Rochester residents are invited to to a Downtown Master Plan Community Input Session later this month.

WHEN: 

Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. (two identical sessions)

WHERE: 

Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Strafford Conference Room, 11 Whitehall Road

WHAT: 

Residents will have a chance to attend one of two identical sessions where they can learn more about the ongoing efforts to update Rochester’s Downtown Master Plan, ask questions and offer their feedback on goals they believe should be set out in the master plan.

A “Master Plan” is a local document that lists goals, aspirations, concepts, and action items that are used as set of directions/directives to guide growth and development/redevelopment.

Steve Whitman of consulting agency Resilience Planning, along with members of the Rochester Planning Department, will provide introductory remarks about the process before facilitating an interactive discussion with all in attendance about their hopes for the future of Rochester’s downtown.

“This is a unique opportunity to have a hands-on role in shaping the future of our city, and I hope residents will capitalize on the chance to provide feedback and input on this process,” Senior Planner Michelle Mears said. “The Downtown Master Plan will serve as a blueprint that will shape the face of our downtown for years to come, so it’s something our entire community has a significant stake in and something everyone has a chance to be involved with and make tangible contributions.”

Rochester Government Channel has also created two informational videos residents can watch in order to more fully understand the master planning process:

• Part 1: “What is a Master Plan?” featuring Planning and Development Director Jim Campbell and City Manager Cox
• Part 2: A discussion of the process and the current conditions in Rochester featuring representatives from Resilience Planning

Free child care will be available on-site for those who would like to attend the sessions, though parents and guardians seeking to take advantage of this service are asked to register by Nov. 18 at RochesterRec.com.

Light refreshments will also be provided, and while there is no cost to attend, residents are asked to RSVP ahead of time by emailing Mears directly at  [email protected] or by calling 603-335-1338.

There is also an online survey seeking resident input regarding the master plan that remains open and can be filled out by clicking here.

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