San Jose, California

New rail transit systems have proven their worth in cities the size of Rochester, such as Portland, OR and Sacramento, CA, as a means of revitalizing older areas. Rail transit provides the economic incentive for more concentrated development.

The road building efforts of past decades have encouraged the decline of older areas by making it cheaper to build new in undeveloped areas instead of renovating and revitalizing existing areas.

Since population growth in Monroe County has been flat since the 70's, new developments draw away residents and businesses from existing areas. The decline of our cores has led to worsening problems with crime, joblessness, welfare-dependence and disinvestment.

With proper zoning controls in place, rail transit can serve the population of suburban areas without encouraging over-development. The upsurge in suburban office, industrial and residential developments has not only drained established areas, it has changed the character of suburban and rural areas against the wishes of many residents.