Socio-Ecological Urban Development for Genesee Riverfront in High Falls Area of Rochester, NY

Shagha Shahhosseini (Graduate Research Assistant, SUNY ESF)
Emanuel Carter (SUNY ESF)

Urbanization significantly impacts natural systems such as waterways, the urban forest, species diversity, and can degrade landscapes attractive for human activities. These challenges can be addressed through thoughtful urban revitalization strategies aimed at re-establishing local and regional ecological integrity in a way that strengthens the delivery of ecosystem services, strengthens the ecosystem function and identity, offers opportunities for human / nature interactions and activities that support physical and mental health, and instills in populations a sense of pride in place and commitment to stewardship.

Like so many American cities, Rochester, New York’s relationship with itsriver (the Genesee) was through industry and transportations systems such as railroads and canals. As a result, the Genesee was treated as an industrial and economic asset rather than a natural one. With the decline of heavy industry, the red-lining of American cities and the great migration to the suburbs, the Genesee, like so many other American urban rivers become largely an abandoned linear eyesore. That is beginning to change in Rochester.

This paper studies the High Falls area regarding the “ROC the Riverway” project which created a new Vision Plan prioritizing the transformation of the area along the Genesee River through targeted public and private investments. This project is to address the gaps in the ROC the Riverway Vision Plan, especially with regard to the extension and enhancement of Rochester’s urban forest as a framework for biodiversity and for human activities in the heart of the city. The result will be an enhanced master plan that makes the High Falls area as compelling as the other elements in the Vision Plan.

Key words: Riverfront, Socio-ecological urban development, Waterfront, Urbanization, Sustainable Urban Development.