About us:

Our current focus involves challenging the current proposed development at 75 Monroe. This is the largest development in the Village since the Erie Canal.
Our larger vision is to provide opportunities for neighbors to get together to improve our community. We would like to provide channels for improved communication among residents, and foster friendship and civic engagement. Whether you want to help plan a community garden, an art festival, or engage with government in shaping the future of our Village, a strong civic association is the vehicle for positive change.

75 Monroe: Recent Activity


Preliminary Presentation to APRB (Architectural and Preservation Review Board) of Mark IV’s proposed 75 Monroe Project

A special meeting was held Monday, February 11 of the APRB at Village Hall during which the developer’s architect summarized their revised design features.

The discussion raised the following concerns:
  • The regulatory role of the APRB is to determine compatibility of the plan with the historic context of the Village. This was not discussed. 
  •  Mark IV’s architect failed to examine and incorporate the Canal Commercial Style criteria mandated by the APRB and the Village Board’s Special Use Permit Resolution. (Pages 3-4 and 8-9 of the Special Permit Resolution)
  •  Mark IV’s architect was misinformed as he repeatedly stated, according to the Special Use Permit Resolution, the developer was “required” to build 167 apartment units.  In fact, the Resolution states that any number of units, not to exceed 167, may be built.
  •  According to the Special Permit:
o    “…the proposed development  must be compatible in terms of scale massing and architectural design” (page 3 of the Special Use Permit Resolution)
o   The Village of Pittsford’s Comprehensive Plan and Local Waterfront Redevelopment Program state that new development must be compatible with the Village’s existing historic character. All new construction must blend harmoniously with the village and is a primary intent of the R-5 code.
  •  By citing an irrelevant project case and focusing on other issues, the applicant’s architect diverted the public and the Board from the core issue at hand: The project is far too large for the small scale (two-story) character of the village. Article V R-5 Residential District (210-19.2 B.(3.)(c.)[2.]
  •  The revised plans differ substantially from the regulating plan approved as part of the Special Use Permit. Again, this was not discussed.
o   The buildings have been increased in width by 20%.
o   The number of buildings has been reduced, but the buildings have larger footprints.
o   The restaurant building has been relocated along Monroe Ave.
o   The bulk of the apartment buildings has been increased i.e., four-story buildings have dormers on top creating five stories.
o   Mark IV’s architectural design incorporated eclectic architectural features without reference to the Canal Commercial Style.

For further information please refer to the Special Use Permit Resolution that is posted on our website.
The developer did not leave any copies of illustrations from their presentation for residents to review at Village Hall.  The architect, Martin Architectural Group, does most of their work n Philadelphia and Maryland areas.  Here is a link to a document the architectural firm presented:

http://www.cityofbowie.org/DocumentCenter/View/873  or [Here]

Here are some sample images of other projects (in the document) designed by this firm.  We will post photos of the latest proposals for 75 Monroe as soon at they are available to us.
From Friends of Pittsford Village
From Friends of Pittsford Village
From Friends of Pittsford Village
From Friends of Pittsford Village


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