It used to be known to many as “the big yellow box.” Eastman Kodak’s presence in Rochester is leaner – on several fronts.

The company says it is taking a proactive approach to finding uses for acres of open space at Kodak-owned property.

Kodak and the city of Rochester are working together to try and find new uses for vacant property at the former Kodak Park.

A public hearing is scheduled for next month to consider zoning changes, which officials hope will turn empty parking lots into successful businesses, office space and even housing.

Downsizing in recent years at Kodak Park has left dozens of acres of unused space.

“We're taking the proactive steps, saying this is what we have, how do we best use it in a way that makes sense for all parties,” said Dave Stoklosa, director of what is now know as Eastman Business Park.

City leaders say the open space at Kodak presents a huge land use issue.

“Clearly it's not going in the direction of heavy industrial development,” said Art Ientilucci, director of Planning and Zoning for the city. “And we have to make an adjustment.”

Officials say rezoning the lots, which are now only zoned for parking, would open the property up to a number of uses.

A public hearing on the proposed zoning changes at Eastman Kodak is scheduled for Monday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Rochester City Hall.

Eastman Kodak

Rochester Planning Commission