News Release - Trailways Relocation Project Will Move Forward

City of Rochester

News Release

(Tuesday, December 15, 2009) – The City has released a Public Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Public Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds for the Trailways Relocation Project. These notices satisfy two separate, but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City.

On or about December 20, 2009 the City will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Home and/or Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds to undertake the Trailways Relocation Project. This project involves the relocation of New York Trailways bus depot from Midtown to 186 Cumberland St. The Cumberland St. site is owned by N.Y. State Dept. of Transportation and the City of Rochester has a Use and Access Permit to it; it is currently being used as a parking lot.

“This relocation helps us move forward with the work we have begun on the development of the Midtown Rising site,” said Mayor Duffy. “The relocation of Trailways adjacent to the Amtrak facility will provide travelers coming into our Center City with a practical and convenient connection.”

The relocation will take place in two phases. Phase I will be the temporary relocation of Trailways onto the southern portion of the parking lot. Phase II will begin in the Spring of 2010 when interim facilities will be constructed on the northern portion of the lot. Trailways will finally relocate to a permanent facility in five-to-seven years at the proposed high-speed Amtrak Rail Station when that work is completed. The total cost of both phases of the project is estimated at approximately $1.4 million, funded by the Community Development Block Grant and City Cash Capital.

Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at City of Rochester, Office of the Business and Housing Development, 30 Church Street, room 005A, Rochester, NY 14614, where the ERR can be examined and copied, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Any individual, group, or agency wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the City of Rochester. All comments received by December 19, 2009 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments may be directed to the office noted above, and should specify which Notice they are addressing.

While HUD's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of Rochester to use Program funds, HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Rochester’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later). Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures. Requests for more information may be addressed to HUD grant administration office at Buffalo Area Office, Lafayette Court, 465 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

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News Media: For more information, contact Bret Garwood, Director of Development Services, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development at (585) 428-6150 or garwoodb@cityofrochester.gov.