Remembering Tim Russert, 1950 - 2008

(Associated Press Photo)

I have to admit that I rarely watched "Meet the Press," but you didn't have to to know Tim Russert and respect his work. He was one of those journalists who was bigger than life - an American institution that somehow was just there every Sunday morning.

The most incredible part about Russert though, despite his fame, power, and influence, was his genuine personality grounded in his modest upbringing. He grew up in Buffalo, NY. His father was a city sanitation worker and newspaper delivery man. Tim never forgot his background, as he most clearly demonstrated through his book "Big Russ and Me."

He was a journalist who cared not about his personal status as a celebrity reporter, but about the importance of his profession. He served as the longest running anchor of the longest running television program in America. He drove the news cycle in political reporting for the week ahead for 17 years. He will continue to serve as the gold standard for political reporting and the journalism profession in general. He will be missed, especially in an election year like this one.

See the videos below for NBC's special report announcing Russert's death as well as a tribute done later that day.

NBC News tribute to Tim Russert

NBC News special report - Tim Russert

New website for Midtown redevelopment

The city has launched a new website to keep the public updated on the redevelopment of Midtown Plaza. The site includes an overview of Midtown's history and the plans for the site's future. Governor Spitzer, Mayor Duffy, and Paetec CEO Arunas Chesonis anounced on October 16, 2006 that the struggling Midtown Plaza will be torn down and Paetec will build its new headquarters on part of the site - with mixed-use development planned for the remaining portion of the site

The website also includes historic and current photos of Midtown, along with videos, documents, and a schedule for the project. Once construction gets started, a webcam will be installed as well.

Also last week, we learned some more details about Paetec's new building itself. Chesonis says that vertical windmills will be installed on the roof so the highrise can generate some of its own power. Local firm LaBella Associates, which is also involved in Renaissance Square and ESL's new headquaters, is working on a new master plan for the site, while Paetec has narrowed a search down to 2 architecture firms - both from out the the area but having a strong interest in working with other local firms in completeing the project.

Here are some of the major dates for the project:

May 28, 2008 - City of Rochester acquires Midtown Properties

June 5, 2008 - New website launched

June 30, 2008 - Xerox and Chase skyways close

August 1, 2008 - Midtown closes to the public (with exception of Clearchannel Radio in the Euclid Building and the RGRTA Bus Terminal)

September 30, 2008 - Midtown garage closes

December 31, 2008 - Clearchannel and RGRTA are moved out, all buildings vacated

June 2009 - Demolition begins, starting at Broad Street end & moving toward E. Main

November 2009 - "Paetec Parcel" cleared and shovel ready for new construction

September 2010 - Construction begins on Paetec Headquarters

November 2010 - Demolition of all Midtown buildings complete

2011 - Midtwon Garage reopens

2012 - Paetec Headquarters opens

This blog will continue to keep track of updates. For more information, go to the Midtown Rochester Rising link on the right.

Progress on the river - Transforming River Park Commons

The old eyesore known as River Park Commons, along the Genesee River in Rochester, will get a facelift. Conifer Realty, the owner of the low income housing project built in the 70s, will renovate a 200 unit tower and tear down 5 lower building along the river.

Drawings released this week show what the developer plans to replace them with. The new 100 units will have a mix of wood and brick facades, and will be built on the foundations of the existing buildings.

That leaves Bob Boyd of the South Wedge Planning Committee uncertain whether the new project will be that much of an improvment. He made a video presentation outlining many of his concerns, including the lack of on-site parking (that he fears will force in increase in street side parking in the area), limitied visual and physical access to the river, among others.

The City and the developer understand those concerns, and will work to address some of them. They say that they are limited to the layout of the original development because they need to use the existing foundations. They say that a lot of fill was used on that site, and they have no idea what contaminants may exist under the soil. While that have no knowledge of any harmful substances, they commonly exist in many areas along the river.

Either way, getting the old structures down will be an improvement. The complex is 2/3 vacant - there are 30 remaining tenents in the buildings slated to be torn down. Those residents will be out by the end of the year. For more information, check out the link to southwedge.org and look at Bob Boyd's youtube video posted below.