An early study for Irondequoit's $4.5 million NY Forward initiative suggests the Titus-Cooper-Howard district could support additional restaurants and retailers, while identifying streetscape improvements and walkability as key priorities for future investment.
The local planning committee overseeing Irondequoit's award discussed the findings at its second meeting Aug. 19; its membership featuring local officials, business owners and experts on topics like education, real estate and transportation. The funds provide matching money for downtown recovery in smaller communities or neighborhoods.
Key themes discussed at the meeting on the subject area — which includes Irondequoit Plaza, I-Square and Joshua Park — were vibrancy, identity and connections.
The district already has grocery, retail, transit, open space and restaurants within walking distance, as well as recent private and public investment. Those elements set the stage for a vibrant mixed-use community, but the district lacks a cohesive identity, a study of the district argues.
The development pattern in the region is a hodgepodge of historic streetside business, suburban-style shopping plazas with a sea of parking and new urbanist development. All of these development types can be experienced in a short walk down Titus Avenue, emphasizing the disconnect.
The plan, the study said, should be to focus new development close to the street, encouraging walkability and more visual cohesion. Creating a more uniform streetscape would not only enhance safety but also create a better sense of place.
The study looked at opportunities for commercial growth in Irondequoit and believes there is room in the market for:
- three more full-service restaurants
- two more clothing retailers and
- a snack or nonalcoholic beverage bar (smoothies, coffee, etc.)
Analysts based the estimate on spending that Irondequoit residents currently take to businesses outside town, assuming 25% of that spending could be captured locally.
Census data showed a trend that wasn’t unexpected: the town of Irondequoit, and the study area, is getting older and household size is shrinking, if only slightly, compared to 2010. The number of households in Irondequoit aged 65 and older is expected to increase 8% in the next five years.
The planning committee is now accepting applications for projects through Sept. 2, with matching funds as a requirement. Eligible project types include new development or rehabilitation, public improvement projects like streetscapes or parks, a small project fund, and branding and marketing.
The town’s successful application included more than $10 million in potential project spends, including residential, commercial and public projects.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New restaurants, retailers eyed for Irondequoit corridor | Exclusive
