Wednesday, October 22, 2008

LONA Meeting Notes will be posted as soon as possible: March 9th, 2009

As soon as notes are available, they will be posted here.
LONA meeting held on March 9th, 2009.

Our Guest Speaker - RCSD's Superintendent Brizard

Topics Of Discussion:

- why the "problem" students are being sent to our neighborhood, especially without prior warning/notice/discussion with the area residents?

- questions regarding these students and their coming and goings; i.e. - are they monitored to and from school, or are they on their own to roam our area freely?

- is there enough security in and around this "special" school - to protect both the students, teachers and area residents?

- why are they being sent to this location instead of somewhere else?

FREE FLU SHOTS AT THE ROCHESTER PUBLIC MARKET

Subj:FREE FLU SHOTS AT THE ROCHESTER PUBLIC MARKET
Date:10/9/2008 9:02:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
From:lists@cityofrochester.gov
To:CoolGrrl28@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)

The Monroe County Department of Public Health Immunization Program will offer free flu shot clinics, 9 a.m. -- 1 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 30 and Thurs., Nov. 20 at the Rochester Public Market Office, 280 N. Union St.

Individuals should supply their insurance card.

Those not insured may request free service.

Flu shots will be offered on a first come-first serve basis.

Those who are most vulnerable during the flu season are encouraged to participate.

Please call the Rochester Public Market Office, 428-6907 for more information.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

LONA MEETING: MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008

The next Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association (LONA) meeting will be held on Monday, October 20th, 2008. 

All are welcome and encouraged to attend!  

Please join us from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
at the Lyell Branch Library
located at 956 Lyell Avenue.
Parking is available in two adjacent lots.
Unfortunately, there is no child care area available at this venue.    

Positive media attention is always welcome!
Questions/comments from the community are always appreciated! 

For more information or clarification,
please email Pamela Davis, LONA Public Relations Coordinator, at NiceNRG@aol.com
or call Bob Van Sice, LONA Vice-President, at (585) 458-3784.

Monday, September 1, 2008

***CANCELED*** - LONA meeting will *NOT* be held on Monday, September 8th, 2008

*** MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE ***

 

The next LONA meeting will ***NOT*** be held on Monday, September 8th, 2008.      

                  

The LONA meeting that was to be held on Monday, September 8th has been CANCELED due to many medical situations that arose for the officers.
 
Instead, please plan on attending the LONA meeting on Monday, October 20th.
 
As always, if you have any questions, please contact the LONA officers.
 
Thank you for your understanding.
 

Sunday, June 29, 2008

MAYOR ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CRIME FIGHTING SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS - BUT NOT FOR LYELL-OTIS!!!!!!

Subj: MAYOR ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CRIME FIGHTING SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS 
Date: 6/20/2008 9:01:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Mayor Robert J. Duffy and Chief of Police David T. Moore today joined New York State Assemblymember Susan John, New York State Senator Joe Robach, Director of the Public Safety Initiatives Center, John Klofas and neighborhood leaders at a press conference to announce the official launch of the City’s Surveillance Camera project.

“I’m proud to say that, working together, we will be able to make our city safer using the most advanced technologies available to apprehend criminal offenders,” said Mayor Duffy. “This project required tremendous collaboration. I want to thank Assemblymember John, Senator Robach, City Council and the Rochester Police Department, Professor John Klofas and all of the neighborhood associations involved for their outstanding partnership. In concert with the efforts of our local policeofficers and of concerned neighbors, these cameras will help us ensure our citizens are safe and can feel safe.”

“The surveillance camera is one more tool that we can utilize to continue our fight against gangs, guns and drugs,” said Chief Moore. “The cameras in conjunction with our other efforts will undoubtedly continue to enhance the safety of our community.”

“These cameras will provide another tool for the Rochester Police Department to use for the protection of our citizens,” said Assemblymember Susan John. “I know from hearing the stories from many families in our community that crime is the number one issue affecting the quality of life for them and their children. They asked me if I could help get surveillance cameras in their neighborhood to help discourage those who commit crime. After consulting with Chief Moore, I went out and fought for the funding to help families stay safe in their neighborhood and homes Today is the next step in using a new technology to help police serve and protect our community.”

“I am very pleased to have worked with Mayor Bob Duffy, the Rochester Police Department and area community leaders to secure this funding to improve public safety throughout our city,” said Senator Joe Robach. “We owe our very best efforts to these families so they can feel safe walking
along the streets in their our neighborhoods. These cameras will assist law enforcement in the apprehension of criminals and will hopefully serve as a deterrent to crime in these communities.”

The project began in late 2006 when Mayor Duffy proposed funding for twenty-five surveillance cameras. Funding obtained by Assemblymember John ($250,000) and Senator Robach ($150,000) enabled the City to purchase twenty-five additional cameras for overt surveillance of the city’s streets. Each camera costs approximately $23,000. There are twelve surveillance cameras currently mounted on neighborhood corners, with thirty-eight more cameras slated to be in place by mid-summer The cameras have already helped law enforcement officers make seven arrests.

The mobile, state-of-the-art cameras are able to zoom, pan and tilt to 360ยบ. The command center is located in police headquarters at the Public Safety Building and the cameras will be monitored by employees assigned to the police department, such as light-duty police officers and public safety aides.

“The installation of these cameras is vital to the safety of ourcity,” said City Council President Gladys Santiago. “I hope they will add both to residents’ safety and to their sense of security in and around their own neighborhoods.”

PLEASE NOTE: It was LONA's Pam Davis' inquiry that lead to Assemblywoman Susan John giving the Lyell-Otis area the $250,000 that was mentioned in the above press release.
 
This money was to be spent HERE, to help improve our neighborhood's safety. Unfortunately, NOT ONE CAMERA of the TEN PROMISED TO LONA BY MAYOR DUFFY has been delivered as of June 29th, 2008.
 
Instead, we were told that OUR MONEY went into a fund that set up the surveillance system. LYELL-OTIS' $250,000 has been mismanaged! 
 
OUR MONEY, for which we are VERY GRATEFUL to Assemblywoman John to grant us, WAS TO BUY TEN CAMERAS FOR THE LYELL-OTIS NEIGHBORHOOD, and that was only to start us off! We were supposed to get more cameras afterward, along with the other areas of the city, as funds allowed.
 
Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association members and officers are very saddened, disappointed, and feel victimized by our city's government.
 
We will continue to work to improve this area, but we feel that our needs and concerns are not being met by our current city representatives. We look forward to speaking with them, and hopefully, get this rectified as soon as possible. Our $250,000 is too valuable to us, and we won't be robbed by those who we elected to protect us!
 
(Please also note: Carla Palumbo is a wonderful supporter of LONA, and is not meant to be lumped in with those that we take issue with! **Thank you, Carla, for all you do to help us!**)

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATE OUR COUNTRY'S FREEDOM

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATE OUR COUNTRY'S FREEDOM

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced that the City will light up the downtown skies with a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate our country's freedom, 10 p.m., Fri., July 4.

"Downtown is the place to be this 4th of July," said Mayor Duffy. "We will kick-off the holiday weekend with the start of the all-new ‘River City Rhythms’ concert series and conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. It will be a fitting commemoration to our nation's independence and a very exciting night."

The FREE "River City Rhythms" concert, featuring Dixieland jazz band the Smugtown Stompers (5:30-6:30 p.m.) and party-time band Orient Express (7:30-9:30 p.m.) is located along the west side of the Genesee River at Exchange Blvd. and Plymouth Ave. near Corn Hill Landing. The fireworks can be viewed from the concert location.

Other recommended fireworks viewing areas include the Main St. Bridge, the Broad St. Bridge, Chestnut St. near the Washington Square Garage and the streets surrounding those areas.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for more comfortable viewing of the fireworks show and to refrain from bringing pets for everyone's safety. Free parking is available at the Washington Square, Court St., and Sister Cities garages. The fireworks are produced by the City and co-sponsored by Freetime, Entercom Radio, WBEE and The Buzz.

The entrance ramp to I-490 E off the Inner Loop westbound will close, 12 noon-- midnight; the Sister Cities bridge will close to pedestrians, 6--11 p.m.; Court St., from Exchange Blvd. to South Ave. will close, 8--10:45 p.m.; Woodbury Blvd., from St. Mary's Place to South Ave. will close to vehicles and pedestrians, 9--10:45 p.m.; South Ave., from Broad St. to Griffith St. will close, 9:45--10:45 p.m.; No stopping will be allowed on Route 490.

Any cancellations due to weather will be broadcast from Entercom stations or call 311 (outside the city of Rochester call 428-5990).

FREE laser, light and sound shows!

MAYOR ANNOUNCES RIVER OF LIGHT LASER AND LIGHT SHOWS

As part of the 2008 “Rockin in the City” series of events, Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced FREE laser, light and sound shows throughout the summer in the High Falls Heritage Area, 60 Brown's Race off Lake Ave.


"Laser and light shows are another great reason why we will be "Rockin in the City" this summer," said Mayor Duffy. "From the "Rochester JazzFest" and “MusicFest” to our "Party in the Park" series and "Bands on the Bricks" at the Public Market, we're revitalizing our city and it's showing. I want to thank our new presenting sponsor, the High Falls Brewing Company, and our other generous sponsors for helping to keep Rochester buzzing with great entertainment. I'm looking forward to seeing crowds of people downtown all summer long."


“We've been at High Falls for more than 130 years and we think it is important to sponsor events like this that showcase our city and our region,” said Patrick Magallanes, vice president of marketing for High Falls Brewing Company. “We see our sponsorship as one of many steps we'll be taking this summer as we look to invite our community into our brewery and bring our brands back into their homes.”


Starting Fri., May 30, the “River of Light Show” will be presented every Fri. and Sat. through Aug. 30. There will be an “American Dream Labor Day Show,” 9:30 p.m., Sun., Aug 31 and Mon., Sept. 1. There will be no High Falls laser show on Fri., July 4 when the City presents its annual July 4th downtown fireworks display over the Genesee River. The popular, 20-minute “River of Light Show,” developed by Lightscape Media, includes laser animation and captivating laser light displays, flood lights and fireworks choreographed to music and projected onto the spectacular Genesee River Gorge and the 96-foot cascade of the High Falls.


The laser show season is presented by the City of Rochester, with generous support from sponsors High Falls Brewing, City Newspaper, Entercom Radio (WCMF, WPXY, WBEE, WBZA) and Lamar Advertising.


The displays are best viewed from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge on Platt St., off State St., and from the terraces of the Centers at High Falls on Brown's Race. Parking is available in the High Falls Parking Garage. For further information, call 311 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov.

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS!

CITY'S NEW CONCERT SERIES DEBUTS JULY 4 


Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced that the City’s all-new “River City Rhythms” concert series will debut on Fri, July 4. Five free outdoor concerts are scheduled, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Fridays, July 4--Aug. 1.

“We are excited to highlight Rochester’s talented musicians and the historic Corn Hill neighborhood with this new concert series,” said Mayor Duffy. "This is a great way to kick-off the holiday weekend and it’s just the latest in a long list of fun activities going on in the city throughout the summer. I want to thank our sponsors who helped us assemble a great line-up of entertainment that is going to keep the city rockin’ all summer long."

The concerts showcase Rochester’s top area musicians, including Irish folk favorites, The Dady Brothers (July 18), Dixieland jazz band the Smugtown Stompers (July 4) and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, who will be joined by the afro-cuban, jazz-fusion artists the Mambo Kings for a special concert on the barge (July 25). The concert venue is located along the scenic Genesee River at Corn Hill Landing, between Exchange Blvd. and the Genesee River at Plymouth Ave. Parking is available on-street along Exchange Blvd., in nearby parking lots and at the Court St. Garage.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chairs. Food vendors are available, as well as restaurants at Corn Hill Landing and directly across the street on Exchange Blvd. Patrons are asked to refrain from bringing pets for everyone's safety.

Sponsorship and support for the series was provided by New York State Senator Joseph Robach, New York State Canal Corporation, Mark IV Enterprises, Corn Hill Navigation and City News. For further information, call 311 (outside the city of Rochester, call 428-5990).

NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY IN ROCHESTER!

PUBLIC MARKET, FARMERS MARKET FEDERATION OF NY LAUNCH FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

City officials today joined representatives of the Farmers Market Federation of New York, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the Friends of the Rochester Public Market to announce an exciting new program aimed at enhancing community nutrition.


“I am proud to announce that beginning July 5, those with food stamp benefits will be able to use their food stamp (EBT) card in a new and convenient way at several area markets including the Rochester Public Market,” said Charles Reaves, Commissioner of the Dept. of Recreation and Youth Services. “Customers will be able to “swipe” their EBT cards at a central terminal at the Public Market to receive $1 wooden tokens, which will function as cash at the Market.”


In addition to the Rochester Public Market, EBT Tokens will be available at the South Wedge, Westside, Irondequoit and FoodLink farmers markets.


The goal of this program is for food stamp customers to more easily obtain affordable, farm fresh foods at farmers markets, which are an excellent and highly economical alternative to convenience or grocery stores. The tokens can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, baked goods, processed foods and even seeds and plants which produce foods.


To kick-start the program, each time a food stamp customer purchases $5 in tokens, they will receive an additional $5 N.Y. Fresh Check certificate to spend at the market. “The Farmers Market Federation of N.Y. is excited to partner with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the City of Rochester to bring the N.Y. Fresh Checks to the community”, said Diane Eggert, Executive Director of FMFNY. “The checks are like an invitation; we are confident that once customers visit the Market, they will want to return.”


The potential for those who can benefit from the token program is significant. In Monroe County, over 39,000 households receive food stamps, benefitting more than 78,000 individuals at a cost of more than $8 million per month. The program will allow farmer’s markets, often the most affordable outlet for farm-fresh, nutritious produce, to be accessible to holders of EBT Benefit cards.


“This is a win-win situation for everyone, both farmers and food stamp customers”, said Jim Farr, the City’s Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation who oversees the operation of the Rochester Public Market. “Food stamp customers will now have access to the freshest, healthiest produce and products that New York State has to offer. We are grateful to the Friends of the Public Market, our volunteer organization for their efforts to launch this new program.” Anyone interested in joining the Friends of the Market is invited to call the Market office for more information at 428-6907.

space holder - LONA updates will be posted soon

space holder - June meeting minutes will be posted soon

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Catching crime on camera

Click here: www.whec.com - Catching crime on camera

http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S463943.shtml?cat=565

 

Posted at: 06/02/2008 11:20:01 PM

Updated at: 06/03/2008 06:09:25 AM
By: Thalia Hayden
Print Story  Email to a Friend

Catching crime on camera
 

Two surveillance cameras were installed in Rochester today, and eventually there will be more. The first one was put up in the Jones Park neighborhood.

"What was going on with the street girls and the activity - that couldn't happen in the park and have the little kids running around," says resident Carleen Alhart.

Girl fights, drug deals, and prostitution are just a few of the problems plaguing the park, and that's exactly why the city is installing surveillance cameras.

"It's not a neighborhood where folks do a lot of night time walking, so hopefully it'll give folks the feeling of safety to walk in the area," says City Council Member Carolee Conklin.

And this isn't the only place getting a camera. The city is putting up 50, all across Rochester. Police say the cameras will clearly capture anything you can see on the street.

"We'll be able to see what the naked eye could see just as if we were there," says Rochester Police Department Deputy Chief, George Markert.

Markert says the cameras are high quality -courtroom quality- they have night vision capabilities, making it easy for them to identify suspects.

"It's a tool to help us in areas where we may not be able to get into or where criminals can see us coming - those types of things," says Markert.

Police say it's a live system, so they'll have instant access to the situation. And for anyone worried about their privacy, the cameras will be blocked from seeing into people's homes and windows.

CITY RECREATION AND SWING TENNIS ACADEMY TO OFFER SUMMER TENNIS INSTRUCTION

Subj: CITY RECREATION AND SWING TENNIS ACADEMY TO OFFER SUMMER TENNIS 
Date: 5/23/2008 9:01:20 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
 

The City's Bureau of Recreation joins the Swing Tennis Academy to offer professional tennis instruction for ages 18 and over. Well-known Rochester tennis professional Curtis Carter, who has been an instructor locally and at the national level for more than 20 years, will offer courses.
 
90-minute outdoor classes are being offered at beginner and intermediate levels at Cobbs Hill Park on Norris Dr. (off Culver Rd.) and at Genesee Valley Pk. at 131 Elmwood Ave.  Sessions are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends to accommodate busy schedules. Enrollment is available by session and each four-week, eight-lesson session costs $96. City residents ages 60 and over may use their "Good Times Pass" for a 50% discount on this program.

8-Week Session Schedule:
• Session 1, June 2--26
• Session 2, July 7--31
• Session 3, August 4--28
• Session 4, Sept. 8--Oct. 2.


Individuals ages 18 and older are invited to enjoy tennis and meet new people at the “Adult Tennis Social League,” 7--8:30 p.m., Fridays and 6-7:30 p.m. Sundays at Cobbs Hill Park. The cost is $25 for both days per four-week session, June through September.

Pre-registration required. Call the Bureau of Recreation at 428-6755 for days and hours of sessions or visit 400 Dewey Ave., 9 a.m.--5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. to register.

PROPOSED 2008-09 CITY BUDGET

Subj: PROPOSED 2008-09 CITY BUDGET FEATURES STRATEGIC SHIFTS IN SERVICE DELIVER 
Date: 5/16/2008 9:04:48 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
 

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today presented his proposed 2008-09 City of Rochester Budget, entitled “Funding Our Priorities.” The $477,878,500 budget will close a $24 million gap without the use of gimmicks, one-shots or the $20 million one-time state spin-up.

“This year’s $24 million budget gap forced us to do what many of our citizens have had to do -- pull the family together and have a tough talk about cutting our spending and re-focusing our resources on what is important to our future,” said Mayor Duffy. “We did just that. We conducted a scientifically valid survey and held seven public meetings to gather our citizens’ opinions about the City services and programs we value the most and those we could live without. In the end, we had to invest in our priorities of public safety, education and economic development and disinvest in areas that while deserving, we could no longer afford.”

Despite the budget shortfall, the City had some positives to build on. This year, the City completed a reassessment and homestead properties increased in value by 11%. The value of non-homestead property also grew 9.8%. This growth in the value of property is a clear indicator of a strong and stable community.

The budget proposes the consolidation of several City departments. They include the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Community Development.

The budget also proposes the elimination of more than approximately 100 positions -- 70 full-time and 33 part-time. Unfortunately, these reductions will require the layoff of 40 full-time employees and seven part-time employees. In total, this budget will see 2,893 full-time city employees. Looking back, this is the fewest since before the Truman administration and could possibly be the lowest number of City employees in modern times.

The $24 million gap was closed as follows:

• $6.6 million -- in additional increase state aid -- this is recurring aid;
• $5.8 million -- in departmental efficiencies;
• $2.1 million - in increased enterprise fund revenue, including fee increases;
• $1.5 million -- in departmental reductions;
• $0.9 million - in lower required contributions to the NYS Retirement System;
• $5.8 million -- in capturing some of the growth in city property values from the tax levy increase; and
• $1.3 million -- net of other changes.


“As you can see, closing the shortfall was no easy task. It required painful cutbacks, efficiencies and reductions,” said the Mayor. “The single largest source of revenue came from an increase in our base state revenue sharing. I want to thank our local Assembly and Senate delegations for their commitment and dedication to the City of Rochester.”

The budget focuses on the City’s priorities of public safety, education, economic development and customer service. The following are some of the priority highlights:

In the area of public safety, this budget includes a $1 million investment in police recruits. A new class of 50 this summer, a fall class of 30 and a winter 2009 class of 20. That’s 100 police recruits to ensure new officers are available as others retire. It redeploys 53 sworn personnel into the Tactical Unit to reduce violent crime. Two new mobile command posts will be deployed to areas the Police Chief identifies. These mobile command posts will be a meeting location for interdepartmental teams that will be formed to address specific immediate needs in an area.

In the area of economic development, the budget reflects a commercial tax rate decrease of 6.6% to assist economic investment. At the same time, commercial property values increased by 9.8%. The “Summer of Opportunity” program will be extended. This is a public/private cooperation that trains and provides jobs to our youth. In addition, the budget will fund $171,000 for a new employment initiative for young adults.

In the area of education, the budget includes $119.1 million in aid to the Rochester City School District. This represents 73% of the City’s total tax levy. To significantly increase graduation rates, the proposed budget maintains an annual $1 million in challenge funding initiated in 2007-08 for the Hillside Work Scholarship Program. The pilot literacy outreach initiative that began in 2007-08 is expanded. The “Safe to be Smart” youth program is expanded. Youth workers will engage our teenagers to show them how to constructively use the library and help to ensure their academic success.

In the area of customer service, the Departments Community and Economic Development and Neighborhood Service Centers will be consolidated into one department to streamline and expedite delivery of neighborhood services. The most visible change from this consolidation will come from the current six NET offices evolving into to four quadrant Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC). This is not just a cut of two NET offices, it is a philosophical and operational shift in service delivery. This is a “team-based” service delivery model - and each quadrant office will have a “quarterback” to coordinate City services to that neighborhood area. The Lake and Lyell NET offices will be consolidated at the Westside Police Station. Webster NET office staff will be consolidated into the Clinton NSC.

A number of efficiencies were achieved. The city will realize a $1.2 million savings by successfully transitioning a number of current employees from a plan offered by Excellus to a comparable lower-cost plan offered by Preferred Care. An estimated $800,000 and $629,000 in additional health insurance savings is achieved due to increased employee contributions and the planned reduction in workforce, respectively. An efficiency study conducted during 2007-08 by Center for Governmental Research identified recycling routes that could be redesigned to deliver the same service at savings of $607,000.


Throughout the budget process, the Mayor has said the raising taxes will be the last resort, and it was. “After a long and difficult process, there remained a $5.8 million gap. I propose that we use a fraction of the increased property values to close that gap. As I mentioned before, city property values grew by 11%. I plan to capture 3.9% of that growth,” said the Mayor. “We are capitalizing on our positive growth in property value without punishing the taxpayer for that growth.”

Consequently, the typical homeowner will see the tax rate go down, but will see a small increase in the tax bill. Combined with the proposed increases in water and local works charges, the increase in the typical homeowner tax bill will be $88.79 this year, or $1.71 per week.

“I believe this increase is reasonable and responsible given the challenges we face. And I only proposed this increase after making major cuts and changes in our City government,” concluded the Mayor.

LONA May meeting agenda

Thursday, May 22, 2008

free event 5/24/08

Submitted by a LONA member:
 
Just to advise the neighborhood groups that this Saturday we are holding this event, and you are all welcome. The event is free of charge.

MONROE AMBULANCE/TRANSPORTATION

VS

BUFFALO SABRES

When: Saturday May 24th

1 P.M.

Where: Monroe’s parking lot

Event: Street Hockey!!!!

 

Help cheer on Monroe’s family and friends as they play

Rob Ray and others from the Sabres on our own turf.

Great Photo opportunity.

 

Friday, April 18, 2008

MAYOR ANNOUNCES DATES FOR ROCHESTER CLEAN SWEEP

Subj: MAYOR ANNOUNCES DATES FOR ROCHESTER CLEAN SWEEP 
Date: 4/14/2008 9:01:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
 

Mayor Robert J. Duffy joined Dept. of Environmental Services Commissioner Paul Holahan and Neighborhood Empowerment Teams Director Molly Clifford to announce the dates for “Rochester’s Clean Sweep...Showing Pride in Our City,” today at Cobbs Hill Park. Beginning Mon., April 21, the City will work alongside community volunteers beautifying Rochester’s neighborhoods during six-weeks of neighborhood spring cleanup activities.

 “This year, we are going after litter and illegal graffiti, incorporating our Rochester Blossoms planting day, supporting more than 400 local Boy Scouts and announcing a citywide e-recycling day,” said the Mayor. “This is the third year of Clean Sweep and it keeps growing. The more than 10,000 volunteers and the many organizations that have supported Clean Sweep realize how keeping our city clean and beautiful benefits our community’s public safety, education and economic development.”

 Groups and individuals can join the Mayor for one or more Saturday Sweeps, where volunteers receive a Clean Sweep t-shirt, have coffee and donuts, get assigned to a team, pick up their tools and then head out to beautify the streets. Graffiti removal kits will be available this year. At noon, they’ll meet up again for a picnic lunch. The City’s show wagon stage and a large tent are set up and music plays throughout the morning, making for a fun and festive scene. The Saturday Sweeps will take place rain or shine, 9 a.m. -- 12 noon:
• April 26, Genesee Valley Park, 131 Elmwood Ave.
• May 10, Cobbs Hill Park, corner of Culver Rd. & Norris Dr.
• May 17 Norton NET, 500 Norton St.
• May 31 Edgerton Park, 41 Backus St.

 The City is also supporting “Scout Sweep,” April 26, by providing Clean Sweep t-shirts, tools and lunch for hundreds of local Boy Scouts who will pick up litter and debris along the Genesee Riverway Trail and Erie Canal. In addition, Rochester Blossoms will join Clean Sweep on May 31, when Green thumbs will fan out across the city to plant thousands of flowers in public spaces. “Flower Sweep” can accommodate about 300 volunteers. Gardeners must preregister and will begin their day at 8 a.m. at the City Parks Administration building, 400 Dewey Ave. A morning snack, flowers, maps and planting advice will be provided.

Participants are asked to bring their own garden gloves, trowels, shovels and rakes. Rochester Blossoms will also provide around 100 perennials for each of the other Saturday Sweeps.

A city computer and electronic recycling day also takes place during Clean Sweep. Residents and small businesses can drop off computer and electronic equipment, 9 a.m. -- 2 p.m., Sat., May 31 at the Frontier Field VIP parking lot on Morrie Silver Way. Call 458-2460 for more information.

 During Clean Sweep, city crews come out in force to sweep streets; pick up bulk refuse; cut grass and clean up city properties, alleys and underpasses; repair potholes; survey street signs and street lights for repair and replacement; and repair hazardous sidewalks.

 City residents and businesses are encouraged to do their spring cleaning during Clean Sweep by raking their yards and tree lawn areas, sweeping their sidewalk and curb areas and taking litter and rakings to the curb for collection. Citizens are asked to call 311 to report graffiti on utilities or buildings, broken street lights and hazardous sidewalks. City residents can take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of large bulk refuse items.

 Groups who would like to organize their own street or block projects to collect litter, rake tree lawns or perform a special clean up or beautification project can call their local NET office. The City will provide suggested projects, tools and bags, mulch, soil and/or flowers for planting as supplies last.

 Volunteers may register by calling 311 or visiting www.cityofrochester.gov. Walk-ups on the morning of the Sweeps are also welcome. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and teams will hit the streets at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to wear appropriate clothing, including hard-soled shoes and long pants. Gloves and tools will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own, if possible.

 RG&E has provided title sponsorship for the spring Clean Sweep event. Stantec, Cricket Wireless, and UNICON have committed to supporting sponsorships for program expenses. City Councilmember Dana Miller is once again sponsoring a Clean Sweep coloring contest for children in grades K-6.

CITY RELEASES DRAFT CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN-2008-09 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Subj: CITY RELEASES DRAFT CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN-2008-09 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN 
Date: 4/16/2008 9:01:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
The City's Dept. of Community Development has released the Draft Consolidated Community Development Plan/2008-09 Annual Action Plan.

The Action Plan contains the one-year plan to carry out the City’s housing and community development activities funded by Federal formula grant funds received in the 2008-09 program year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds are from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs.
 
The amount of revenue expected to be available to fund plan activities is estimated to be $17,315,630. Of this amount, $13,765,630 represents new grants from the federal government and $1,550,000 represents the anticipated receipt of loan and interest repayments on prior year Urban Development Action Grant and other program income. We are submitting an application in the amount of $2,000,000 for a Section 108 loan to provide additional funding for a Business Loan Program.
 
The following table provides a summary of funding by program goal:
GOAL                                                                   AMOUNT             PERCENT OF TOTAL
Promote Economic Stability                           $4,548,700                       26%
Improve the Housing Stock                             $9,620,586                       56%
Respond to General Community Needs           $2,326,344                       13%
Other                                                              $820,000                         5%
Total                                                          $17,315,630                      100%
 
The City’s Community Development Program has been nationally recognized. In 1998, the City was awarded eight John J. Gunther Blue Ribbon Practices in Community Development from HUD, one of which was in the area of administrative excellence. Rochester also received the prestigious HUD-Buffalo Meritorious Award in 2006
 
A public hearing on the Consolidated Community Development Program /2008-09 Draft Annual Action Plan will take place 8 p.m., Tues., May 13 at City Council Chambers, Third Floor, City Hall, 30 Church St. The hearing will consider the Plan, including the City Development Fund and annual performance report on the 2006-07 Consolidated Community Development Plan Program Year.
 
Copies of the Plan are available at the City’s Department of Community Development, City Hall, Room #125-B, 30 Church St.

 

Mayor’s Proposed Budget for 2008-09

Pam,

May we ask you and your neighborhood newsletter to  include this information in your next publications.  I've sent it in two formats--Word and as pdf so it everyone should be able to open of them for their use. 

thanks,
Ann Flynn

Ann Flynn
City Council/Clerk Office
City Hall
30 Church Street
Rochester, NY 14614
428-7421, 428-6347(fax)

I opened the Word document and copied/pasted it here for the LONA community:

Dear Fellow City Residents:

I am pleased to announce that the City Council is preparing to review the Mayor’s Proposed Budget for 2008-09.  In mid-May, Mayor Duffy will present this document to the City Council for our analysis, which I believe is the most thorough public review conducted in Monroe County.  This year we have scheduled two all-day budget hearings (see schedule below) that will be broadcast on City’s Cable Channel 12.  My Council colleagues and I hope that the broadcast will provide City residents and business owners with a close look about how we review spending priorities for the City.  Please feel free to attend these meetings in person in City Council Chambers.

 

Thursday, May 29

     9:00-9:10            Council/Clerk

     9:15-9:40            Emergency Communications

     9:45-11:10           Fire

     11:15-12:25          Police

     12:30-1:30           Lunch break

     1:30-2:25            Recreation and Youth Services

     2:30-3:20            Library

     3:25-5:00            Administration (NET, Law Dept., Mayor’s Office, Communications, Office of Management and Budget)

 

Monday, June 2

     9:00-9:55            Community Development

     10:00-10:55          Economic Development

     11:00-11:55          Information Technology

     12:00-1:00           Lunch

     1:00-1:40            Finance

     1:45-2:25            Undistributed expenses

     2:30-4:00            Environmental Services

 

 

We expect that the public hearing on the City’s and the City School District’s Budgets will be held during the week of June; the exact date will be available soon.  Council’s final vote on the two budgets will be held during the June 17 Council Meeting.

 

If you should have any questions, feel free to call the Council office at 428-7538.

 

Sincerely,

Carolee A. Conklin

Finance Committee Chair

Monday, April 14, 2008

Sunday, April 13, 2008

MAYOR UNVEILS RESULTS OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY (City of Rochester News Release - 04/11/2008)

Results of the City’s Customer Satisfaction (CSI) Survey released today reveal that 84% of residents think Rochester is improving. The survey polled 646 city residents, business owners and landlords from Nov., 2007 -- Jan., 2008, with the question: "On balance and all things considered, do you agree with the following statement? There’s still a long way to go, but the City is improving."

“This is an amazing vote of confidence for our team at City Hall because it comes from our customers," said Mayor Robert J. Duffy. "We are grateful for the recognition, and I am pleased that the overall results of our survey are positive. But our customers also feel we need to improve in certain areas. We intend to keep working hard to make Rochester the best place in the nation to live, work and raise a family.”
 
The Mayor also noted that public safety, the City’s most important priority, weighed heavily on people’s minds. Nearly half of respondents indicated that they do not feel safe and that is a huge concern for the mayor and his administration. “People did have concerns about public safety and that is disheartening,” said Mayor Duffy. “But, by a nine-to-one margin, they overwhelmingly support the City’s efforts to curb violence by continuing to invest resources in public safety. People told us loud and clear that ‘Zero Tolerance’ should be a top priority. I hear them and will do everything in my power to make our community one where everybody can feel safe and be safe on any street in any neighborhood.”

Mayor Duffy and his team commissioned the study, contracting with the Rochester Research Group, to measure customer satisfaction levels in a wide variety of areas. The in-depth, scientifically valid survey gave the people the City serves a chance to offer their input about a range of issues, from their quality of life to City services and programs. The survey was an unusual move for a municipality, because the questions were posed with no realistic expectation as to the outcome and knowing that all data would be released publicly. The City will use this valuable input to focus on areas for improvement and make important budget decisions. In the coming year, the City will convene focus groups and track the results.

Some highlights of the survey include:
We asked what people thought about a number of City initiatives, including:
• 71% think re-opening Durand Beach was a good or great idea
• 94% think Clean Sweep is a good or great idea
• 86% think demolition of the city’s vacant and abandoned homes is a good or great idea

    
On public safety in particular, they said:
• 89% think Zero Tolerance is a good or great idea
• 77% say it should be a high priority
• 85% think hiring more police is a good or great idea                                      

Compared to two years ago:
• 70% of residents say our city is looking cleaner
• 60% say we are better off
• 47% say they feel less safe 

Our customers graded us on a number of services, including:
• Fire Department: A-
• Trash Pick-up and Recycling: B+
• Festivals: B
• Restaurants and Entertainment: B
• Parks and Recreation: B-
• Neighborhood Empowerment Teams (NET): B-
• Public Transportation: B-
• Parking: C+
• Noise: C+
• The condition and repair of the City’s streets: C+

Some other interesting findings:
• We asked people whether they had contacted City Hall over the last year. 22% (or 1 in 5) had. Asked how they would grade their service, respondents gave us a B.
• 75% of respondents said they don’t care who provides their water
• 75% think it’s very important that the City be an environmental leader
• 87% say we are paying enough attention to recreation

  A summary of the City’s CSI Survey results can be obtained from the Communications Bureau by calling 428-7135 or by visiting the City’s website, cityofrochester.gov.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

info sheets/letters of interest from past meetings, Sep '07 - Mar '08

 

CITY'S 18TH ANNUAL FLOWER CITY LOOKING GOOD PROGRAM OFFERS SPRING GARDENING OPPORTUNITIES

CITY'S 18TH ANNUAL FLOWER CITY LOOKING GOOD PROGRAM OFFERS SPRING GARDENING OPPORTUNITIES (City of Rochester News Release - 04/01/2008)

The City of Rochester offers gardeners an opportunity to attend workshops, adopt a garden, tour an urban farm and more during the months of April and May as part of its “Flower City Looking Good Program.” For more information on the City’s gardening programs or to adopt a garden within a city neighborhood, call 428-6770 or visit www.cityofrochester.gov.
 
Activities include:

Spring Garden Talks: 7--8:30 p.m., Wed., April 9, 16 and 23.
• April 9: All about Hydrangeas. Discover hydrangeas: blooming patterns and pruning techniques. Rochester Civic Garden Center, 5 Castle Park.
• April 16: Butterfly Gardening. Learn easy steps to creating a beautiful butterfly garden and how to monitor and track Monarch butterflies during migration. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Auditorium, 249 Highland Ave.
• April 23: Urban Gardening.  Insights on how to succeed at urban gardening--from wind tunnels to wildlife, excessive shade to super heat. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Auditorium, 249 Highland Ave.

Rose Workshop: Pruning Roses. 10 a.m.--12 noon, Sat., May 3
• Greater Rochester Rose Society members provide expert advice on roses and hands-on demonstrations. Meet by the fountain at the Maplewood Rose Garden, corner of Lake and Driving Park Aves.  Free admission and no prior registration.

Free Urban Farm Tours:  Begins Sun., April 20 (3rd Sunday of each month through Nov.)
• Visit city farms which harvest herbs, vegetables and fruit. Tour mini vineyards, rain collection systems and clever composting projects. Visit www.savorlife.com for details.

Flower City Garden Contest -- 18th year!
• Any city gardener may nominate his/her own garden or a neighbor’s garden. Recognition and prizes are awarded in the following categories: 1) Best Use of Container Gardening; 2) Best Use of a Water Feature; 3) Best Educational Garden Project; 4) Best Neighborhood Enhancement; Garden 5) Best Wildlife Habitat Garden and 6) 2008 Butterfly Garden. Call 428-6770 or go to www.cityofrochester.gov for an on-line entry form. Enter by July 31.

 

LONA NOTE: I am confident that we have many talented gardeners in the Lyell-Otis Neighborhood, so I look forward to seeing many winners of the contest come from our neck-of-the-woods! Don't forget to enter!! And please contact us here in LONA so we can let others in the community know of your accolades! :)

MAYOR ANNOUNCES EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES (City of Rochester News Release - 04/02/2008)

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced activities for youth and families at City Recreation Centers to celebrate Earth Day, 2008. This year RG&E joins the City as its corporate sponsor for a “Cache In, Trash Out” event and a series of environmental and educational programs through the “Sprouts Kids Gardening and Environmental Club.”
“Cache In, Trash Out” participants will meet at 9:30--11:30 a.m., Sat., Apr. 19 at Tay House Lodge, 85 Hillside Ave. in Cobbs Hill Park and use hand-held GPS devices to navigate the park, pick up trash and find clues along the way. Walks, games and demonstrations will be aimed at educating families about the natural environment. Tools will be provided or bring your own gloves, folding saws, hand pruners and rakes. The first team with a full trash bag wins! Preregistration is advised by April 11.  
In addition to GPS activities, earth-friendly information and demonstrations will be available at various booths:

• Wind energy
• Water and recycling
• Organic food and local organic food outlets
• Free ‘Laughter Yoga’ class uniting family and friends at 11 am
• Debut service project by the “Sprouts Kids Gardening and Environmental Club” 

Throughout the year, “Sprouts” will also create gardens, learn about trees, assist with outdoor community projects and explore the natural environment. Interested youth and family members may contact their nearest City Recreation Center for club and registration information or call 428-6770.
Earth Day activities are a part of the City's Flower City Looking Good Program, sponsored by the City with support from Preferred Care, the Democrat and Chronicle and Wegmans. For information about the City's Earth Day or any Flower City Looking Good activity call 428-6770, or visit
www.cityofrochester.gov.

THE BIG READ COMES TO MONROE COUNTY! (City of Rochester News Release - 03/24/2008)

The Big Read is coming to Rochester. The Monroe County Library System is inviting everyone to read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and participate in numerous events that will be taking place at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, city branches, and town libraries from April 13-May 31.  Copies are available at Monroe County libraries.

The Big Read is an initiative from the National Endowment for the Arts to encourage lapsed readers to start reading again.  Most of us are born wanting to read but as we grow up there is less and less time to read and many just stop reading anything for the pure enjoyment of it.  The program aims to remind everyone of the joys of reading.  Over 100 communities from around the country have already participated in the program.

The program will begin on April 13th with a “Set Your Mind on Fire:  The Big Read Kick-Off” celebration.  Mayor Duffy and other local dignitaries will be on hand to start the event.  The Genesee Valley Storytellers will entertain the younger set in the Children’s Center’s Secret Room.  A group from the Eastman School of Music will perform.  The Friends of the Library will be offering a simple book-making project in front of the Library Store.  But that is only the beginning of six weeks of programs!

From April 14-May 31st there will be speakers, film presentations, Random Acts of Reading, book reviews and of course, book discussions. On May 4th, Thomas Olson will present “Gutenberg and the Invention of Print:  Revolution or Evolution.  Julie Wosk will discuss “Alluring Androids and Robots in Film, Photography and Art on May 13th.  Authors will discuss having their books banned.  And there will be a tour of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection at the Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester.

See www.libraryweb.org for a complete listing of events.

MIDTOWN UPDATES (City of Rochester News Releases - 03/26/08 and 04/04/08)

MAYOR ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE SHOPPING AT MIDTOWN (City of Rochester News Release - 03/26/2008) 

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today encouraged Rochester residents to continue shopping at Midtown Plaza as the Midtown Revitalization Project continues. While the City works with Governor Paterson and its partners at Empire State Development, PAETEC and City Council to move the project forward, the mayor is reminding people that the Plaza’s shops and restaurants will remain open to the public for several months. There are more than 35 retail stores, salons and eateries that are open Mon. -- Sat., 10 a.m. -- 5:30 pm. 

“As we continue working to revitalize the core of our city, I want to be sure people realize that there are nearly 40 merchants in Midtown who welcome their business,” said Mayor Duffy. “We are working together to find many of these businesses homes right in downtown, so as the new Midtown takes shape, many will be close by to continueserving their customers.”

The City is allocating approximately $5.5 million to assist Midtown Plaza tenants with their relocation. The City is also working to create a special grant program to provide additional assistance for those businesses relocating within downtown or in the city. City Council will vote in April to authorize funding for the City's relocation efforts and to secure approval for the grant program.


********

MIDTOWN PLAZA CLOSING SCHEDULE & MIDTOWN GARAGE PARKING RELOCATION PLAN (City of Rochester News Release - 04/04/2008)

With the exception of the Euclid Building lobby at Euclid St., Midtown Plaza will officially close to the public on August 1, marking the start of a new chapter for downtown Rochester. Rochester-based telecommunications company Paetec plans to construct a half-million sq. ft. high rise and locate its headquarters there by mid-2011.
 
“Thanks to the vision of Paetec Chairman and C.E.O. Arunas Chesonis and the dedication and support of N.Y. State through Empire State Development, we have the opportunity to re-draw our Main St. and forever change our skyline,” said Mayor Robert J. Duffy. “This is an historic event that doesn’t come along very often, and we are proud to be leading the way to downtown’s renaissance.”
 
The City will take ownership of the Plaza’s properties in early May and is working aggressively with the remaining Midtown businesses to relocate them downtown and the city. A majority of the tenants will have vacated the Plaza by the end of June and by August 1, all tenants will have vacated with the exception of Clear Channel Radio in the Euclid Building and the Trailways bus station located on Elm St. Clear Channel and Trailways will remain as tenants through December.
 
Beginning June 30, the City will begin limiting access to the Plaza by closing the Chase and Xerox skyway connections and on August 1, pedestrian access to the Midtown Garage will be limited to the Euclid Building lobby and the Broad St. underground tunnel from the gateway atrium at the southeast corner of Broad St. and Clinton Ave.
 
The Midtown Parking Garage will close on Sept. 30 as asbestos removal begins. A parking relocation plan has been developed to accommodate the 1,300 current Midtown Parking Garage customers and make their transition as convenient as possible. The City is re-opening the Mortimer St. Garage and a creating a new surface lot on Mortimer St. Alternative parking options include the East End and St. Joseph’s Parking Garages.
 
City staff is working closely with the Rochester Police Department and the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation’s Downtown Special Services team to maintain public safety in and around Midtown as pedestrian and parking circulation paths change.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Gov. Paterson's inaugural address - March 2008

Click on:
or copy and paste into your browser:
 
In case anyone else is interested, this is a link to a blog that has Gov. Paterson's inaugural address in a video form.
 
I watched and had a very hopeful outlook afterward. You might too.
 
Enjoy! ~ Pam :)

Press Releases from the City Of Rochester - 2/28/08, 3/12/08, & 3/18/08

MAYOR DUFFY JOINS CHIEF MOORE TO ANNOUNCE BLITZ ON GRAFFITI BLIGHT (City of Rochester News Release - 02/28/2008)

Mayor Robert J. Duffy and Rochester Police Chief David Moore today joined City Councilmember Lovely Warren, Neighborhood Empowerment Team Director Molly Clifford and Dept. of Environmental Services Commissioner Paul Holahan to announce a crackdown on graffiti. The “Crime Stoppers” hotline and reward system will now be used to collect information leading to the prosecution of graffiti taggers. The public is encouraged to call 911 for in-progress events or to call Crime Stoppers (423-9300) with tips on possession of graffiti materials or suspicious activity, and will be rewarded should those calls produce evidence.  “It is important that we stay aggressive and continue to look for creative new ways to prevent the blight that graffiti creates in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Robert J. Duffy. 
“I want to thank the ‘Graffiti Task Force’ for their hard work and City Council and Chief Moore for their ongoing partnership.”
 
“Graffiti adds to the deterioration of a neighborhood. It's not only unsightly but can signal an increase in gang activity,” said Bob Wiesner, Chairman of Rochester Area Crimestoppers. “This is another great use of our Crime Stoppers hotline and we encourage the community to stay alert and keep us informed so we can keep our neighborhoods safe and attractive.”
 
In Sept., 2007, Deputy Mayor Patricia Malgieri asked Clifford to assemble an interdepartmental team to look at the increase in graffiti incidents and make recommendations to the administration. The "Graffiti Task Force" compiled a report detailing a number of suggestions, including the use of the “Crime Stoppers” hotline and reward system. The Task Force also recommended that City Administration review comprehensive anti-graffiti legislation for submission to Council that does the following:

• Clarifies the City’s role in graffiti removal and outlines its notification and enforcement policies
• Clarifies the property owner’s role in graffiti removal
• Establishes a mechanism to cover some of the City’s costs of graffiti removal
• Allows for the legal use of public space for graffiti art
• Encourages the use of anti-graffiti materials on buildings and in building materials


The proposed anti-graffiti legislation is being drafted and City Council will be briefed once it is complete.


Other recommendations of the Task Force’s report include:
• Outfit DES "Defacer Eraser" team with digital cameras so photos of graffiti can be
e-mailed to a centralized database as part of the City’s work order system (implemented 10/07).
• Recruit neighborhood groups for “on-the-ground” assistance. With the delivery of a “Defacer Prep Pack,” community group volunteers can remove light graffiti, adhesive materials and prepare surfaces for the Eraser crews.
• Use the “Prep Pack” concept, the City also plans to make graffiti removal a greater focus of its successful “Clean Sweep” beautification effort.

**********

RESIDENTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN 18TH ANNUAL FLOWER CITY LOOKING GOOD PROGRAM (City of Rochester News Release - 03/12/2008) 

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today encouraged residents to take advantage of the City’s 18th annual "Flower City Looking Good!" program.

"This popular initiative celebrates Rochester’s rich horticultural heritage," said Mayor Duffy. "It encourages residents to engage in healthy outdoor activities in our beautiful historic parks and neighborhoods and along our trails and waterways. For nearly two decades this program has consistently encouraged environmental stewardship and highlighted the importance of our natural resources. It instills pride through beautification and cleanup efforts that ultimately strengthen the vitality of our city."


The program includes events like the "Flower City Days at the Rochester Public Market," "Rochester Blossoms!," "Maplewood Rose Weekend," and the hugely successful "International Coastal Cleanup," which draws several hundred volunteers each year. Residents are invited and encouraged to attend the months of upcoming activities geared towards beautifying Rochester’s neighborhoods.

Visit www.cityofrochester.gov for an entire listing of activities, which begin with April garden talks and conclude with the 2008 Rochester River Romance in October, or call 428-6770 or 428-6767 to request a detailed brochure. Residents may also visit www.democratandchronicle.com for monthly program information.

**********

16TH ANNUAL CITY LIVING SUNDAYS SET TO BEGIN (City of Rochester News Release - 03/18/2008)

This year’s annual celebration of city lifestyles, neighborhoods and home ownership will take place 12 noon -- 4 p.m., March 30 at Wilson Foundation Academy, 200 Genesee St. for the city’s south area; April 6 at East High School, 1801 E. Main St. for the city’s northeast area; and April 13 at Aquinas Institute, 1127 Dewey Ave. for the city’s northwest neighborhoods.
 
City Living Sundays is a consortium of area lenders, neighborhood associations, private businesses, the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors, the Landmark Society of Western N.Y., Rochester City School District and the City to market Rochester’s homes while promoting the unique advantages of city living.
 
At each of the three City Living Sundays, home shoppers can to attend a “neighborhood city living expo,” participate in an informational seminar and select from the more than 100 houses to visit that will be open for sale each week in the area of the event.

One-stop homebuying information booths will be staffed by knowledgeable lenders, Realtors, school district personnel, and bi lingual staff who can provide facts, offer advice or answer questions about all aspects of home purchase and ownership, as well as about specific homes to be open for inspection that weekend. Neighborhood residents will be on hand to describe unique qualities of their part of the City.
 
At the homebuying seminars, bankers, Realtors and attorneys will discuss the entire home buying process and visitors can find out about City housing grants. Representatives from the City School District will also participate in the seminars to provide information on local schools.
 
Fact sheets, pictures and tour maps of the properties will be provided at the information sessions for the open houses.
 
Prospective homeowners can also "preview" the neighborhoods to be featured each Sunday by taking free tours of city neighborhoods, offered by the Landmark Society of Western N.Y. The bus tours highlight neighborhood amenities and resources, ranging from schools and shopping districts to historic sites and places of worship. A tour of the city’s south neighborhoods will be offered Sat., March 29. A bus tour of the city’s northeast neighborhoods will be offered on Sat., April 5 and a tour of the city’s northwest neighborhoods will be offered on Sat., April 12. Call 546 7029, ext. 10, for more information and reservations.
 
House hunters seeking updates or more details about City Living Sundays may call 428-CITY(428 2489) or visit www.rochestercityliving.com. Participating lenders are: Citizens Bank, CNB Mortgage, Nothnagle Home Securities, ESL Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC Mortgage Corp., Bank of America and Key Bank.
 
Complete information about this year’s program can also be obtained on the City Living Sundays website at: www.citylivingsundays.com.

**********

LONA Meeting Minutes of March 10th 2008

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Winter Recap

 
March's LONA Meeting was well attended and very productive!
Also, a hearty "WELCOME!" goes out to the new neighbors who joined us on that chilly evening. We look forward to having you at the next meeting! Since it will be April, I hope it will be warmer! LOL ~ Pam :)
 
 
 
December's Christmas/Holiday Party was a blast!
Thanks go to all who brought treats and cheer to share!
As a reminder, no meetings are held in January or February,
due to the harsh weather and many colds going around during this season.
We look forward to seeing you at the March meeting!

LONA Meeting Minutes of November 12th 2007 - COMING SOON!

The November '07 minutes will be posted soon.