ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Members of the public had their first chance to weigh in on the 28 proposed projects for the "ROC the Riverway" Program at an open house Thursday night. Ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the state appointed advisory board, but they say they are open to suggestions.

"I'm not a decision maker, I want to forward what is the best plan," said Bob Duffy, Advisory Board Co-Chair.

"Walking into this room, I saw excitement, I saw people that really want to get something done. We just really want to get started," said Mayor Lovely Warren.

Those who attended were able to post their opinions at stations that grouped the projects into geographical areas around the city; High Falls, South River and Downtown. General comments were taken as well.

"Really, to try to prioritize and to look at each of these projects and see what is the biggest momentum that we can get to get this jump started, but also to take care of what we need to take care of," said Warren.

Priorities included connections between neighborhoods and accessibility to the water.

"The thing with the river here is you see it, but it's hard to access it," said Duffy.

"I love the idea for redeveloping High Falls as an EcoDistrict. I think that has a lot of legs because it really focuses on keeping the neighborhood as is, while still encouraging multi-use development," said Dr. Susan Spencer with the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

While the project hopes to increase tourism, improving residential life is also key.

"It has to be focused on the current residents as much as it is on those of us that want to come visit the falls or walk along the canal," said Spencer.

"We want people to come in and visit, we want them to have things to do while they're here, but we also want our residents to utilize the Genesee River and see it in a new light," said Warren.

Currently, the 28 proposals exceed the state's $50 million in funding, but the idea is to spur economic growth that will help complete the remainder of the projects within 10 years.

"I look at this as a starting point, as a catalyst for years and years of other development," said Duffy.

"This is one piece of a larger puzzle. I appreciate and thank the Governor for giving us a jump start," said Warren.

The 13 member advisory board has until May to submit their final proposal.

"We're going to work hard. We're clearing calendars, a lot of meetings, a lot of discussion, but 'I think we're off to a great start," said Duffy.