Rochester plans $43 million Parks and Forestry expansion with tax abatement bonds

Rochester, New York – In a significant move to enhance its municipal facilities, the city of Rochester is considering a proposal to borrow nearly $12 million through the issuance of tax abatement bonds. This funding is crucial for a planned $43 million project aimed at relocating and expanding the Parks and Forestry Operations. The decision to pursue this financial strategy was prompted by the growing needs of the city’s parks department and the limitations of the current facility.

Currently located between Mayo Field and the Zumbro River, the existing Parks and Forestry Operations center is hampered by space constraints that affect both full-time and seasonal employees. The difficulties in vehicle maneuverability at the site have further necessitated the need for a new facility. Mike Nigbur, the head of the Parks and Forestry Division, highlighted these challenges, emphasizing the inefficiency that the current setup imposes on staff operations.

The proposed new facility will be situated behind the city’s existing Public Works and Transit Operations Center at 4300 East River Road NE. This location was chosen following the acquisition of the property last year for $6 million. Plans for the new site include a substantial increase in space, featuring 13,500 square feet of office area and up to 92,400 square feet designated for garage purposes. This expansion will not only accommodate Parks and Forestry staff but will also allow some Public Works employees to relocate to the new site. Such a move is expected to free up much-needed space in the existing buildings, thereby optimizing operations across multiple city departments.

The financial outline for the project was further detailed by Rochester’s Finance Director, Brian Anderson. The project’s total estimated cost has escalated to $43 million, up from an initial $35 million, largely due to increased expenses in building design and construction. Anderson explained that the city has secured $14 million of the $17.5 million requested from state support last year. Additionally, nearly $16 million is expected to be funded through revenue generated from 2013 sales tax, with portions of these funds already allocated for land acquisition.

To cover the remaining costs, the city initially planned to borrow $19 million, but with the strategic use of excess sales-tax revenue, the borrowing need has been reduced to $11.85 million through tax abatement bonds. This approach, according to Anderson, will not only save approximately $1.8 million in interest expenses but also reduce the city’s annual debt payments.

The Rochester City Council is set to hold a public hearing to discuss this funding approach. Scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the city-county Government Center, the hearing is part of a three-step process to approve the bond sale. The final sale of the bonds, pending council approval, is slated for April 7.

As Rochester continues to develop its urban infrastructure, the new Parks and Forestry facility represents a critical investment in public service efficiency and urban planning. With the facility’s development approval process ongoing, a site development plan is due for submission within 30 days, and a zoning change is underway to accommodate the operational needs of the Parks Department.

This project, pivotal for the future landscape of Rochester’s public spaces, sets a significant precedent for how cities can effectively manage growth and infrastructure needs through strategic planning and financial management.