Thomas Grasso and Charles Lattuca
Guest essayists

With Gov. Paterson's commitment to make Midtown Plaza a shovel-ready site for PAETEC's new headquarters and future development, now is the time for us to consider our city's history while we think about building its future. We need to use this opportunity to leverage other development initiatives, including restoring Rochester's old Erie Canal and aqueduct, below the Broad Street bridge.

America's first inland boom was fueled by construction of the Erie Canal. If not for the canal, Rochester would be just another sleepy town along the Genesee River. Since 1822 and up until the end of that century, the canal helped fuel our city's rapid growth. In the mid-1800s, expansion of the canal through the city helped to turn Rochester into a manufacturing and commercial center.

However, by the early 20th century, Rochester had outgrown the canal; the final expansion and reconfiguration completed in 1918 took the canal south of the city. Rochester officials then launched a major construction project converting the old canal bed into a subway by putting Broad Street over the canal trench. The subway operated from 1925 to 1956 when it, too, faded into oblivion. Since 1956, people have debated what to do with the old subway bed and aqueduct.

Knowing our past will help our political leaders see the sense in using our historical identity to bring prosperity to our city's center. Funds secured by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport, have helped turn the debate into a study; the city hired a consultant to develop a master plan that includes rewatering the canal.

Here are a few reasons why our leaders should consider removing Broad Street and restoring the aqueduct and canal:

	Turning history into tourism: Many cities such as Cooperstown and Buffalo have maintained or are restoring their historic features to foster tourism. In Rochester, we have the country's largest intact and significant canal and aqueduct; let's use it to foster tourism.
	There are no substitutes for waterways in urban settings as engines of economic revitalization and regeneration. Imagine what it would be like to live, walk or eat dinner right next to the water, much as you can do in Pittsford or Fairport. A waterway with boats and wide promenade would be a magnet for housing, shops and restaurants.
	A rewatered Erie Canal and aqueduct near the Midtown site would give workers and residents access to a cultural and commercial area where they could find recreation and entertainment venues.
	Canal development is a proven moneymaker. The British have made significant investments in canals to revitalize their urban areas. According to Roger Squires' book Britain's Restored Canals, more than 12 billion U.S. dollars have been derived from canal redevelopment.
	More than 53,000 vehicles travel the Rochester section of the Thruway every day. Our challenge is to bring more of this traffic to Rochester. A new office tower will not have the desired effect, but a tourist attraction like a restored urban canal and associated development could be the answer.

Competition for tourist dollars is growing. In Buffalo, efforts are being made to restore the waterfront and old canal, and build hotels, restaurants and marinas. In Syracuse, the Destiny USA megamall project is under way. Syracuse and Buffalo understand the value of becoming a destination city and the potential for tourist dollars.

Midtown Plaza redevelopment is a solid project that will improve the city and the quality of our lives, but it will not make Rochester a tourist destination or more unique than other places. A restored old Erie Canal through downtown across the 1842 aqueduct would bring new meaning to the word "unique."

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