Downtown Task Force looking for feedback to build a better downtown experience

(ABC 6 News) – More brainstorming and discussions today on how to improve downtown Rochester as a recently formed downtown task force held another work session.

This was the third meeting looking to identify problems business owners have and work toward solutions.
Pasquale Presa, the owner of Pasquale’s Pizzaria hosted today’s work session. He says a successful downtown requires collaboration from the city, mayo clinic, and business owners – and this task force is part of that.

“They understand that people are hurting, so we need to listen to them,” Presa said. “Because you know without us being an extension of their patient care, we’re not going to have a downtown.

“So I think it’s important that we listen to each other we come together and we grow.”

The Interim Director for the Rochester downtown alliance, Kathleen Harrington says downtown is seeing growth, with 13 new businesses opening last year. Most recently a new restaurant opened in the former Dooley’s location.

“We need to have a brand of downtown Rochester, understood by everyone,” Harrington said. “This is a safe community, there’s a lot of activity going on and it’s thriving and energetic.”

The next and final work session is a week from tomorrow, Tuesday, March 14th. That one is virtual.