Neighbors give input on making a vital Monroe Avenue

Rochester, New York – Monroe Avenue neighbors are working to revitalize one of Rochester’s most famous neighborhoods. They launched a survey on Thursday in an attempt to get input from the local population.

“We don’t just want Monroe Avenue folks to take this survey. We don’t just want the neighborhoods. We want every human being who sees this … to fill out this survey for us,” said Jennifer Plunkett, owner of Aaron’s Alley.

The strategy is to revitalize Monroe Avenue one survey at a time.

“Give their input. What they love about Monroe Avenue. What they think is missing about Monroe Avenue. So that once we gather all of that, it will give us a better foundation to go forward with our city, our county, and our state,” Plunkett said.

Plunkett launched the Monroe Avenue Revitalization Coalition (MARC) Input Initiative with other business owners and community associations for this reason.

“People like to be in the city and they like to see galleries, and boutiques, and cafes. It’s something you don’t get much in the suburbs,” said Molly Wolf, who lives along Monroe Avenue.

Wolf braved the heat along with others to provide their opinions on a plan that would combine economic expansion and public safety to revitalize Monroe Avenue.

“Oh, I think it could always be safer and I also teach some conflict resolution through art,” Wolf said.

The online survey will be available until August 31. A link will be posted here shortly. According to MARC organizers, concrete projects will be proposed and implemented following the collection of ideas.

Everything that neighbor Dean Clayton claims to be excited about.

“It always been a vibrant community I think it’s a good thing. I think it will make the neighborhood stronger,” said Dean Clayton, who lives along Monroe Avenue.

MARC organizers plan to have a town hall in the fall to showcase their findings and proposed improvements. The mayor and other city leaders are anticipated to be there.