Rochester downtown development project threatens local business

A controversial proposal to add seven-story additions to historic buildings in downtown Rochester has been approved. Despite a resident petition requesting a veto, Mayor Norton announced she will not intervene in the decision.

The development involves constructing additions behind and above several existing locations, including Cafe Steam, the Rochester Downtown Alliance office, Threshold Arts, and Treedome. The new structures will stand five stories taller than the current buildings.

The project poses a significant threat to Treedome, a local record store and live music venue. The approved plan includes converting the entrance of the 309 building, where Treedome is located, into a two-story lobby. While the proposal does not explicitly mandate the business's closure, owners Maggie Panetta and Nathaniel Nelson indicated they will likely have to relocate if the residential development proceeds as planned.