Voice of Business Blog

OneROC is proud to announce the selection of a Local Project Administrator (LPA) to lead the West Main Gateway project, funded through the Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP), a transformative public-private investment strategy fueling renewal in Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls. The West Main Gateway project is designed to help revitalize the West Main Street Corridor from West Genesee Street to West Broad Street, a historically significant but long-underinvested area of Rochester.

The multi-faceted team, led by LaBella Associates in partnership with the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association, In.Site Architecture, Community Design Center of Rochester, and Tipping Point Communications, will oversee critical components of the revitalization effort, including a commercial real estate study, urban design standards, community engagement on public realm improvements, and administration of grants of up to $250,000 for business property enhancements. 

Photo Credit | Brian Dold

The selected LPA team will play a critical role in supporting property owners, engaging community stakeholders, and fostering long-term economic vibrancy for the corridor and surrounding neighborhoods, working in close synergy with the City of Rochester’s nearby Bull’s Head Revitalization Project.

OneROC serves as the regional intermediary for the Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP) in Greater Rochester, ensuring that investments are strategically aligned, collaborative, and impactful. As the bridge between funders, government entities, and community partners, OneROC coordinates stakeholders, facilitates project implementation, and ensures accountability in executing the RRP’s goals.

The West Main Gateway project is part of Phase 1 of the RRP in Rochester, which includes 14 projects totaling over $40 million in investment across key commercial corridors, riverfront activation, and workforce development. A full list of projects can be found here.

OneROC Director of Programs and Partnerships, Shannon Ealy, said, "We are thrilled to take this important step forward on the West Main Gateway project. With the expertise of our Local Project Administrator team and strong community collaboration, this project will support local businesses, revitalize the corridor, and establish a vibrant western gateway to Greater ROC. We are grateful to the funders whose commitment to the RRP have made this transformative investment possible.”

Empire State Development Finger Lakes Regional Director, Laura Fox O’Sullivan, said:  “We are excited about this next, crucial step that will assist in moving the RRP initiative forward in Rochester.  This multi-talented team, working with our dedicated community partners, will help to bring these transformative and focused programs to life, maximizing the reach of each state dollar committed. The RRP's enterprising public-private collaboration will bring new opportunity to marginalized neighborhoods and serve as a model that can be replicated throughout New York State."

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Senior Program Officer, Eric Phamdo, said: "Main streets are the core of a community, where their history, commerce, and culture come alive for all to enjoy. This is why the West Main Gateway project is such an exciting opportunity. It supports a vision led by community members who know Rochester and this corridor best, and love it most. We’re honored to be part of the collaborative group of funders behind the Regional Revitalization Partnership, which continues to unlock potential across the region through strategic and impactful projects like West Main. This is how lasting change begins, one neighborhood at a time.”

City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans, said: “We look forward to working alongside OneROC and all the partners engaged through the RRP to advance the West Main Gateway project, a critical step in revitalizing one of Rochester’s most historically significant and high-traffic corridors. This initiative will build momentum for our efforts in Bull’s Head and Downtown Rochester, supporting the city and region’s growth. I’m confident that with these collaborations, the outcome will reflect the needs and aspirations of the community while driving long-term economic growth.” 

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, said: "Investing in Rochester’s neighborhoods means investing in the people and businesses that call them home. The West Main Gateway project is a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can breathe new life into historic corridors, creating opportunities for growth, stability, and long-term success. Monroe County is proud to support efforts that strengthen our communities and ensure that economic revitalization reaches every part of our region."

Monroe County Economic Development Executive Director, Ana Liss, said: “The West Main Gateway project represents the kind of thoughtful, community-centered investment that drives lasting economic impact. By leveraging strategic partnerships and targeted resources, we are not only revitalizing a key corridor but also fostering an environment where businesses can grow, residents can thrive, and Rochester’s rich history is honored. Monroe County Economic Development is proud to support this initiative as we work to create a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.”

KeyBank Rochester Market President Vince Lecce, said: “We applaud all involved in this critical next step forward for the West Main Gateway project that will bring fresh ideas and development to Rochester. KeyBank is proud to support collaborative efforts like this that will help encourage and support local businesses with an eye toward growth that benefits our entire region.”

M&T Bank Rochester Regional President, Steve Epping, said: “M&T Bank is proud to support the transformative West Main Gateway project. Revitalizing this vital corridor in the City of Rochester will create more opportunities for local businesses to flourish, and it will foster growth that uplifts families who live in the neighborhood. At M&T Bank, we are determined to do our part to make a difference in people’s lives, and we’re grateful to our partners within the Regional Revitalization Partnership for their collaboration and commitment to strengthening our community through visionary leadership and ongoing investment.”

Vice President and Director of Planning, LaBella Associates, Ed Flynn, said: “The LaBella Associates team is excited to partner with OneROC, Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, and the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to complement and accelerate the revitalization momentum in the City. LaBella Associates lives, works and plays in the City and are personally invested in the success and future of our neighbors in the West Main business district. We look forward to working collaboratively with all the stakeholders involved in the program to ensure success.”

Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association President Dawn Noto, said: "We deeply value the historical significance of this corridor to our community and appreciate the collaborative efforts underway to revitalize the western gateway to the City of Rochester. This project is a testament to the strength of community involvement, as local voices will play an essential role in shaping its direction. This investment will not only stabilize our built environment but also lay the foundation for sustainable growth and development in the years ahead. Together, we are building a future that honors our past while fostering new opportunities for generations to come."

With the LPA in place, the next phase of work will include engaging property owners, gathering community input, and refining design and investment strategies. Public outreach will begin in March 2025, with a kickoff meeting will be held in May 2025. The West Main Gateway program is expected to be fully implemented over the next three years, with significant visible progress beginning in Spring 2026.

For more information or to get involved in the West Main Gateway project, please contact Shannon Ealy, Director of Programs and Partnerships at sealy@oneroc.com. 

About the Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP)
The Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP) is a $300M comprehensive economic development strategy and public-private partnership that maximizes impact and leverages additional investment for Buffalo’s East Side, Niagara Falls and Rochester. This community-driven, collaborative strategy takes a holistic approach to economic development and is designed to build community wealth through multiple paths. The RRP was developed in collaboration with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development (ESD) and is supported by ESL, Evans Bank, Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation, Five Star Bank, John R. Oishei Foundation, KeyBank/First Niagara Foundation, William & Sheila Konar Foundation, M&T Bank, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and partners in the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Rochester. RRP program implementation is led by the Center for Regional Strategies.

About OneROC
OneROC is a regional economic development alliance accelerating investment, collaboration, and growth across Greater Rochester, NY. As the regional lead for the Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP) and NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, OneROC aligns public and private sector efforts to create even greater positive impact. By investing in partner organizations, we strengthen business attraction, talent strategy, downtown development, and regional marketing – building a more connected ecosystem that enhances Greater Rochester’s competitiveness on a national scale.