Governor David A. Paterson

As Governor of the State of New York, I am proud that Empire State Development is playing a significant role in the redevelopment efforts at Midtown Plaza in the City of Rochester. State funds will go toward demolition and abatement of the site to make room for the new headquarters of PAETEC Communications and other mixed-use projects.

This breakthrough project will spur private investment and job creation and, most importantly, serve as a jumping-off point for a downtown resurgence - one that will take advantage of Rochester's architecture, corporate headquarters, shopping opportunities, culture and, of course, its history, including the Erie Canal.
I commend everyone for their work on this crucial revitalization effort. The partnerships formed between Mayor Robert J. Duffy and the City of Rochester, PAETEC CEO Arunas A. Chesonis, Upstate Empire State Development Chairman Dan Gundersen and other key community stakeholders have moved this exciting project forward.

I am committed to strengthening the City of Rochester and its sister cities in Upstate. This is a project that is driven, and will continue to be driven, by sound economic development practices. The Midtown Plaza/PAETEC project is alive and well and this public/private partnership is certain to contribute to the vitality and future of the City of Rochester.