THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY
JOSEPH D. MORELLE
Majority Leader

November 30, 2017

Dear Neighbors:
I want to thank the hundreds of residents and businesses who signed petitions and
contacted my office to express their concern about the proposed Whole Foods development
project on Monroe Avenue.
As I publicly stated last year, I have grave concerns about this project as currently
proposed. Like many of you, I am not opposed to development at this site, but the current
proposal is simply too large. It will directly impact a stretch of Monroe Avenue that is already
one of the most congested in the county. I have met with the Town of Brighton and the New
York State Department of Transportation (DOT) on multiple occasions regarding this project.
From the outset, I have expressed my serious concerns about the negative impact a project of
this size and design could have on the safety and character of the community.
Even with the additional mitigation factors, DOT continues to be very concerned about
the significant negative impact this project will have on traffic. I take DOT’s strongly-worded
findings very seriously. I do not believe acceptable solutions exist that will adequately address
our shared safety concerns and drastically improve traffic outcomes. I cannot support this
project as currently proposed.
Let me assure you that I understand your concerns. I continue to advocate on your
behalf with the Town and actively work to ensure your voices are heard.
Again, I appreciate your advocacy on this important issue and I will keep you updated on
my efforts.
Warmest personal regards,

Joseph D. Morelle
Majority Leader

ALBANY OFFICE: 926 Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248, (518) 455-5373, (518) 455-5647 (FAX)
564 East Ridge Road, Suite 103, Rochester, New York 14621, (585) 467-0410, (585) 467-5342 (FAX)
morellj@assembly.state.ny.us