The Survey Results Are In!
During the spring and early summer, the City launched two public opinion surveys seeking input from Rochester stakeholders. One survey polled the public on issues related to cultural and historic resources. The other survey sought input on natural resources.
Explore Chapter Content
Explore content, maps, and images compiled for the Master Plan’s Cultural & Historic Resources chapter and the Natural Resources chapter. Click on the image to the right to see the final version of the Cultural & Historic Resources chapter, adopted by the Rochester Planning Board on June 17, 2024.
Downtown Architectural and Public Art Walking Tour
On May 17, 2023, some 27 Rochester residents, business owners, and members of the Historic District Commission joined us for a downtown walking tour. We discussed Rochester’s ethnic history and how successive waves of immigrants shaped the community during the 19th and early 20th century. The built environment in the city center is part of that legacy.
We examined public art installations, discussed preferences and the type of installations we would like to see going forward.
The tour served as an intro to Architectural History 101, where participants honed their skills at spotting clues in the streetscape that reveal changes over time, and the reasons for those changes.
We discussed modern design and how that may be integrated in to downtown’s historic fabric in a manner that does not detract from the historic resources. We further discussed rooftop solar panels, slate roofs, the repointing of historic masonry walls, and the neoclassical styles that characterized new buildings during an era of considerable prosperity in Rochester, 1890-1920.
The importance of the Cocheco in Rochester’s story was recognized, as was the potential of the riverfront to enhance outdoor recreation.
And finally, we heard from folks that they would like to see more historic plaques such as the one that tells the story of the Scenic Theater.
A more expansive version of this narrative may be found here. The tour guide’s field notes may be viewed here, and the itinerary may be seen here.
A Community Conversation on Natural Resources
On July 17, 2023, Rochester residents and city officials gathered at Hanson Pines to offer their views natural resource policies.
Participants discussed the natural resources they view as important, and concerns related to those resources.
We then addressed what the city and local residents could do to protect, enhance, and promote these resources.
Finally, participants shared their visions for natural resources ten years from now. What would we like to remain the same, and that which we would like to see different.
A detailed narrative encompassing these discussions may be found here.
