Mayor Duffy and state leaders cut ribbon at reconstructed South Avenue Garage | News

It's not every day a top leader in the New York State Legislature comes to Rochester for a ribbon cutting.

But that's what happened today.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver flew to Rochester to help cut the ribbon on the newly rebuilt South Avenue Parking Garage. 

The state chipped in $12 million of the $18 million cost. In 2006, the spiral exit ramp suddenly collapsed from the effects of weathering. 

Miraculously, no cars were hit by the falling concrete slabs.

Leaders today talked about how the garage is centrally located, and a key to the downtown economy.

"For there to be any growth in job creation, there must be a strong foundation of infrastructure that supports economic activity," said Sheldon Silver, Assembly Speaker.

City Council President Lovely Warren, in thanking Silver, made a pitch for state funds for a new downtown performing arts center.