Who is asking tough questions and making balanced decisions?  Who is not?  Follow the issues and partnerships you care about as they progress.  As current events unfold, stay on top of announcements, dates, action items and other relevant information.

As we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of arguably the most well known and successful master plans (Plan of Chicago by Burnham and Bennet), Rochester is kicking-off its own downtown planning process.  The growth of Rochester’s downtown core in the past four years has been significant and well documented.  New restaurants, businesses and of course the new Peace Plaza are highlights of a concerted effort to revitalize the urban center.  The Rochester Downtown Alliance was formed out of a recommendation from the PUMA plan presented in 2004.  The PUMA plan was the genesis for the accepted quadrants of downtown Rochester: Medical District, Arts and Entertainment Disctrict, Urban Village, and Central Business District.  Spurred by the Rochester Downtown Alliance, Thursdays on First, Rochesterfest, and the Urban Village concept have all received increased attendance and press.  This district diagram has been supported for years, but recently a new wrinkle was introduced.
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7/25/2009
By Matt Russell
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

PINE ISLAND A boost was given to a proposed interchange for the Elk Run biotechnology development Friday as it received $14.56 million in funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The money is “the first key phase” in the funding for the interchange at U.S. 52 and Olmsted County Highway 12 in Pine Island, said MnDOT spokeswoman Kristine Hernandez.

More money is needed for the estimated $35.6 million interchange, but Hernandez said the $14.56 million will show Elk Run developer Tower Investments that progress is being made on getting an interchange built.
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7/22/2009
By Jeffrey Pieters
Post-Bulletin, Rochester, MN

A nine-member city commission focused on energy efficiency and cost savings gets under way next month.

The Rochester City Council on Monday appointed seven citizens to the new Energy Commission. Two council members, Ed Hruska and Michael Wojcik, also were appointed.

“I believe this group will work hard to save tax dollars in this community and improve quality of life,” Hruska said.

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7/20/2009
By Jeffrey Pieters
Post Bulletin, Rochester, MN

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz is “incredibly pleased to support” a Rochester railroad bypass proposal, he told a group of business leaders this morning.

“We think this project … borders on a project of national interest, of national priority,” said the DFL represenative for Minnesota’s 1st District. “That’s because you’ve elevated it to that.”

Rochester has proposed a 48-mile bypass of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad mainline. As currently drawn, the bypass would circle the city’s south side, starting from the mainline near Dover and rejoining it near Dodge Center. It would connect to the Rochester International Airport.
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