# Monroe Avenue Revitalization Coalition (MARC)
## MARC Mission Statement *"A coalition of residents, merchants, property owners, and community partners dedicated to revitalizing Monroe Ave through a holistic approach that will make the avenue a vibrant place to eat, live, play, and shop.”* ## Background After re-emerging from the COVID pandemic In 2023 several neighborhood association leaders representing groups located in proximity to Monroe Avenue met informally to talk about issues of concern that became manifest along the Avenue in recent years and opportunities for improvement. After a few discussions the group felt it needed support so they invited Mike Evans from the [South East Area Coalition (SEAC)](https://seacrochester.org/) to engage with the group and help guide development of the group's efforts. Over the same period of time the [Monroe Avenue Merchants Association (MAMA)](https://www.monroeavenue.com/), led by Elyssa Rossi, was re-emerging as a force to support business and improve Monroe Avenue. It so happened Mike Evans from [SEAC](https://seacrochester.org/) was a member of the [MAMA ](https://www.monroeavenue.com/)board of directors. MARC developed 2023 out of a common interest among neighbors and merchants to work together to reboot Monroe Avenue. Early in 2024 MARC adopted it's name and the mission statement noted above. Over time MARC meetings have grown to include local and state government representatives and related governmental entities, public interest entities, non-profits, individual businesses and other types of organizations. A subset of supporters play a sustained role in driving MARC's activities while others plug in on an ad hoc basis. ### MARC Steering Committee The MARC Steering Committee typically meets every other week to organize their efforts and plan initiatives to advance their goals. MARC meetings are listed on the UMNA public calendar along with other UMNA meetings & activities <[HERE](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=591d2cbdbf62fb898d885c250d56a120efc9210fdc49e9183a3cc09b8640fe8c@group.calendar.google.com\&ctz=America/New_York)>. * [Lock 66 Neighborhood Association](https://www.facebook.com/groups/493067406018979/) ([Ted Benedict](mailto:tedbenedict.voice@gmail.com)) * [Park Meigs Neighborhood Association](https://parkmeigs.org/) ([John Lembach](mailto:jembach86@rochester.rr.com)) * [Pearl Meigs Monroe Neighborhood Association](https://www.facebook.com/groups/pmmneighbors) ([Stephen Mokey](mailto:stephen.mokey@gmail.com)) * [Monroe Avenue Merchants Association](https://monroeavenue.com/) ([Jen Plunkett](mailto:aaronsally@aol.com)) * [Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association](https://www.uppermonroe.com/) ([Rome Celli](mailto:umna@uppermonroe.org)) * [Wadsworth Square Neighborhood Association](https://www.wadsworthsquare.com/) ([Dan McCabe](mailto:danieljgmccabe@gmail.com)) In addition to organizational leaders, MARC is supported by a variety of partners. In particular, The City of Rochester's [Southeast Quadrant Neighborhood Service Center](https://www.cityofrochester.gov/sensc/) has been deeply involved in supporting MARC's goals. ## Contact To communicate directly with MARC please write to .
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