October 1, 2026 - October 20, 2026

$16.1M renovation planned for Hyatt Regency Rochester

The owners of the Hyatt Regency Rochester are seeking $16.1 million in renovations to upgrade guest rooms, meeting spaces, cooling systems, fitness and pool areas, escalators, signage and other building features. The project is tied to maintaining the hotel’s competitiveness and its role as the primary convention hotel connected to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The owners are seeking more than $2.7 million in combined tax incentives through COMIDA, with the proposed PILOT agreement requiring the project to meet city workforce goals of 20% minority workers, 6.9% women and 25% Rochester residents. The 25-story hotel, which opened in 1992, employs 115 full-time and 62 part-time workers, and COMIDA is expected to consider the project later this month.

New York is giving Greece $5M to buy part of the local mall and build housing

The Town of Greece plans to purchase 13 acres of parking lot space at The Mall at Greece Ridge using a $5 million state grant, with plans to eventually make the property available for senior housing and other potential development, including retail, office and community spaces. Town officials say the project could help address the local shortage of senior housing, create more opportunities for homeowners looking to downsize and support the mall’s long-term viability. The property, located near the former Sears store along Long Pond Road, will give the town greater control over future development, though officials cautioned that construction is likely several years away.

State awards push RMSC planetarium project to funding goal

The Rochester Museum & Science Center has secured $1.67 million in state funding, completing its $2.11 million fundraising campaign for improvements to the Strasenburgh Planetarium a year ahead of schedule. The funding, secured by Assemblymember Harry Bronson and Sen. Samra Brouk, will support facility and accessibility upgrades, including new theater seating and walkways, roof repairs, observation deck masonry improvements, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing updates. The completed funding campaign allows RMSC to move forward with the project, helping preserve the planetarium as a regional resource for science education and community engagement.

Women expand roles in Rochester construction amid workforce growth

Women’s participation in Rochester’s construction industry is growing, but they remain significantly underrepresented, making up just 4.3% of the national construction trades workforce. Local industry leaders say expanding that participation will require earlier career exposure, stronger mentorship and sponsorship, supportive workplace cultures, and clearer opportunities for advancement. Women in the Rochester construction community are increasingly working in skilled trades, engineering, project management, safety, leadership and business ownership, while employers are using outreach, apprenticeships and career programs to broaden the talent pipeline. The article also highlights ongoing barriers, including jobsite culture, family responsibilities, lack of visibility and access to meaningful opportunities

State responds to News 8 inquiry on nuke site in Rochester

The New York Power Authority is still reviewing Rochester’s proposal to locate a small modular nuclear reactor at Eastman Business Park, where RED-Rochester says existing infrastructure makes the site well suited for nuclear development. The proposal is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s effort to expand New York’s nuclear power capacity, with several Upstate communities submitting potential sites. State Sen. George Borrello said recent advances and federal efforts to accelerate development could allow SMRs to be built and operating in as little as three to five years, rather than the 10–20 years often associated with traditional nuclear projects.

America's skilled labor gap: 1.7M job openings yearly to meet growing demand, report says

The Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, a coalition of major companies, is highlighting a growing skilled-worker shortage, with about 1.7 million skilled trades openings projected annually through 2035 while training programs are producing only 55 workers for every 100 needed. The group’s new report found strong demand for occupations such as electricians, HVAC technicians and industrial machinery mechanics, while identifying gaps throughout the workforce pipeline, from recruitment and career counseling to apprenticeship completion and training capacity. The Alliance is expanding its corporate membership and plans to use its new workforce data dashboard to help employers, educators and policymakers target investments in training, apprenticeships and career pathways.

Willow Domestic Violence Center to open Family Justice Center

The Willow Domestic Violence Center is opening a 14,000-square-foot Family Justice Center at Skyview on the Ridge in Irondequoit, bringing multiple services for domestic violence survivors under one roof. The facility will house representatives from local police departments, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, crisis intervention services, medical examination space and Willow’s hotline, making it easier and safer for survivors and their children to access support. The $1.5 million project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, includes extensive security measures and aims to reduce barriers for those seeking help.

State-funded Irondequoit playground project to bring new accessible play area to town campus

The Town of Irondequoit has broken ground on a 7,000-square-foot inclusive backyard playground funded by $800,000 in state funding secured by Sen. Samra Brouk and Assemblywoman Sarah Clark. The new play area will feature New York’s only fully accessible, fenced 12-foot play tower, along with ramps, climbers, sensory panels and rubber surfacing designed to accommodate children of all abilities. The project builds on community input gathered through a 2021 resident survey and is expected to be completed by spring.

Rochester airport named among nation's best for 4th straight year

The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) ranked No. 9 in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Airport, marking its fourth consecutive year receiving national recognition. The ranking follows a $38 million terminal renovation and the addition of new airlines and nonstop routes. ROC was recognized for its traveler amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, children’s play areas, parking guidance and accessibility features such as hearing loops and ASL interpretation. The awards evaluate airports based on factors including flight options, accessibility and passenger experience.

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