The city says the extensive project is needed because it’s been 100 years since the street has undergone significant improvements.

When Omar Chin chose 147 State Street for a tap and tasting room in 2021, foot traffic was a significant factor in his decision. The federal building, City Hall, and a Holiday Inn are all within walking distance.

Two years later, he believes his business, Red White & Brew, won’t survive the city construction project happening outside his doors.

“I get phone calls where people say maybe next time,” Chin said. “They don’t know where to park or don’t know where to go.”

The strip of commercial businesses on State Street between Church and East Main Street is overshadowed by the ongoing improvement project. Instead of welcoming storefronts, there’s gravel, caution tape and several orange and white cones that might make pedestrians look twice to see whether anything is open.

Chin said he knew of the construction plans when Red White & Brew opened, but he didn’t realize how significant it would be to his business. The diner and barbershop to the left of his tasting room have closed since the construction began, he said.

What is happening on State Street in downtown Rochester?

The reconstruction plan began in 2021. Its purpose, according to the city of Rochester, is to:

• accommodate vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists in the downtown corridor;
• and address geometric deficiencies to improve traffic flow;
• upgrade the overall streetscape.

The city says improvements include:

• curb modifications and bump outs at intersections;
• new sidewalks;
• driveway aprons;
• lighting;
• drainage basins;
• pavement markings;
• signage;
• landscape treatments;
• traffic signal improvements.

The project’s goal is to boost aesthetics and repair infrastructure to prevent circumstances like last December’s water main break that put part of the city under a boil-water advisory four days before Christmas.

“This streetscape and the utilities underneath it hadn’t been re-done in over 100 years, “City of Rochester communications director Barbara Pierce said. “The reality is, we need to address some of this infrastructure while we have the funds to do it.”

Improving businesses for the proprietors on State Street is also part of Rochester’s master plan.

Pierce said the city plans to restrict construction to one side of the street for the remainder of the project to create more parking options for the State Street businesses still open.

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How are State Street businesses faring as construction continues?

Sparrow Harvey, a bartender at The Spirit Room, a bar at 139 State St., said the business has had to furlough employees due the State Street reconstruction project.

Chin said he believes businesses need a brand name to stand a chance under the conditions, meaning it might be tougher for newer businesses.

Lewis Colon, owner of the Pizza Stop at 131 State St., had a line of customers inside the pizzeria when he spoke with a Democrat and Chronicle reporter. He said people in the area know the established business well.

“It’s been business as usual,” Colon said.

The city has made some concessions, such as extending free parking hours at the Fitzhugh Street parking lot, Chin said, but he is concerned that anything short of a grant won’t save Red White & Brew.

“I’m pretty sure that if business keeps going the way it’s going, we will not be open by the end of the year,” he said.

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When is State Street construction expected to end?

The project is scheduled to be completed by December, Pierce said.

Traffic changes are in place. As of Friday, April 7, State Street from the Inner Loop to Broad Street is open only to one-way southbound traffic. It will that way through late November. Northbound travel will be detoured.

Click here for updates on the project.

Contact Robert Bell at: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @byrobbell & Instagram: @byrobbell.

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