Rochester study session advances 6th Avenue greenway concept, asks staff to study 2nd Avenue alternative

Consultants and city staff presented concepts for reimagining 6th Avenue and restoring north–south bicycle connectivity in downtown Rochester at the council’s Nov. 10 study session, and council members directed staff to produce additional analysis — including a targeted study of 2nd Avenue — before taking final action.

“Streets are so much more than just infrastructure and transportation,” said David Gamble, an architect and urban planner with Gamble Associates, arguing that protected bikeways and expanded streetscape can increase safety and public‑realm activity. Consultants presented a two‑part project: a reimagined 6th Avenue streetscape from 2nd Street Southwest to Civic Center Drive and a separate effort to reconnect the downtown bike network that was disrupted when 3rd and 4th Avenues were vacated as part of the Mayo development agreement.

Mitzi Alex of TOOL Design described outreach (more than 15 engagement activities including open houses and door‑knocking) and the design concept the team brought forward: within the existing 75‑foot right‑of‑way, keep two vehicle travel lanes but…