The Dewey Avenue Revitalization Committee (DARC) focuses on the Dewey Avenue Business Corridor from Ridge Road West to Driving Park Avenue. We believe that a healthy and thriving business corridor is essential to the vitality of the Maplewood neighborhood! This is a grass-roots effort working in collaboration with our businesses and building owners, various departments of the City of Rochester, and non-profit and other organizations.
Our goals include:
– Upgrade the appearance of the commercial corridor, including trash pickup, building code compliance, and improved exterior facades and lots.
– Upgrade infrastructures such as lighting, parking, street beautification, etc.
– Improve the safety and reputation of the area.
– Fill vacancies with a vibrant mix of new businesses.
– Help existing businesses grow and succeed.
– Create a more close-knit and informed business community, leading to a Maplewood business association.
– Create and promote community events.
Some of our current projects include:
– Working with the Neighborhood Service Center and individual businesses on code compliance and façade improvement, engaging one small group at a time.
– Reporting and following up on trash, safety, code compliance and other issues.
– Placement of 23 new large planters along the corridor.
– Placement of additional City trash receptacles.
– Anti-litter poster created by School #7 students.
– ‘Neighborhood News Centers’ in selected businesses.
– Developing relationships through in-person visits to each business several times a year, and encouraging them to join the MNA.
– Development of a database of business and building owner contacts.
– Bringing healthier food options to the corridor.
– Mulching tree wells.
– Painting signal boxes.
– Weekly litter pickups.
If you think you may be interested in participating in this exciting initiative, please contact Linda Fineout at lfineout@hotmail.com.