Rochester residents weighing in on a sweeping rewrite of the city's zoning rules raised concerns Sept. 30 about whether neighbors have received enough notice and information about changes that could affect their properties.
The Northeast District meeting was one of a series being held as City Council reviews the city's proposed Zoning Alignment Project, which would replace Rochester's existing zoning code and map. The proposed code and map are intended to bring the city's zoning rules in line with Rochester 2034, the comprehensive plan City Council adopted in 2019.
City Council members are holding district meetings before formal public hearings on the proposal later this month.
Northeast District Councilmember Michael Patterson, who hosted the meeting,
said he wants the new zoning rules to encourage development while expanding opportunities for homeownership.
"I want to find a way to do more owner occupied housing that is economically viable without government subsidy, that's the big push," Patterson said. "How we get there, I don't know, but I'm gonna keep pushing to see if we can get there."
Ida Perez, who lives near Scrantom Street, questioned whether residents had received enough notice about the proposed changes and said information about the project should have been available in Spanish.
"We have a lot of homeowners that may not realize how this can potentially affect them and the properties around them," Perez said. "I for one have several empty lots on my street and I would love to see houses on those lots."
Residents are encouraged to attend the remaining district meetings to provide input and ask questions about zoning.
Following the initial meetings, city council will host official public hearings with the Evans administration on Oct. 21 and 22 from 5-8 p.m. in their chambers.
Specific dates and times for the remaining district meetings are as follows:
- South – Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. at New Life Fellowship (330 Wellington Ave.)
- Northwest − Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Robach Community Center (180 Beach Ave.)
- East – Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ryan R-Center (530 Webster Ave.)
- South − Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at Olmstead Lodge (Highland Park)
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester residents raise concerns over zoning overhaul
