DEADLINE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS FOR 2007-08 CITY SENIOR CITIZEN AND STAR EXEMPTIONS IS FEB. 1, 2007

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced that the 2007 Senior Citizen Tax Exemption applications for properties within the city of Rochester are due in the City Assessor's Office by Feb. 1, 2007. City officials want to avert confusion by highlighting that the City's application deadline is a month earlier than tax exemption applications for towns, which are due Mar. 1, 2007.

This year, the senior tax exemptions will range from a 50% reduction for those with 2005 incomes of $26,000 or less, to a 5% deduction for those who didn't earn more than $34,400.

To qualify for the 2007 Senior Citizen Tax Exemption, residents must be age 65 or older by December 31, 2007; be an owner-occupant; have owned the property for 12 months or more and their 2005 income must not have exceeded $34,400. Social Security benefits are included in the annual income amount.

Seniors should already have received applications in the mail. Additional applications can be obtained by calling the City Assessor's Office at 428-6994, going to City Hall at 30 Church St., Rm. 101A, or by downloading the application at www.cityofrochester.gov and entering "Tax Exemptions" in the search field.

City Assessor Thomas G. Huonker reminds residents that Enhanced School Tax Relief (STAR), New York's school tax cut program for seniors over 65, is also available. Enhanced STAR is offered in addition to the City's Senior Property Tax exemption. Seniors will automatically receive the Enhanced STAR exemption if they are approved for the City's Senior exemption. If a resident doesn't qualify for the Senior exemption, he or she may still be eligible for Enhanced STAR if they did not earn more than $67,850 in 2005. The deadline for Enhanced STAR is also Feb. 1, 2007. Download STAR applications on the web at: www.cityofrochester.gov and enter "Tax Exemptions" in the search box.

Residents can contact the City Assessor's Office at 428-6994 for further information about the exemptions.

Flower City Work Camp information from the Lyell Avenue NET Office

FYI to all: I received this message from our NET's Jose Cruz. ~ Pam 11/21/06

 

This is quick reminder that the Flower City Work Camp is looking for homes to add to their list of home needing repair for this years upcoming work camp.  They are looking specifically for homeowners who are disabled, handicapped or "fall between the cracks".  They are especially interested in helping those individuals who need assistance but are not eligible for grants.     

The person power is provided by Junior and High School students under the expert supervision of adult leaders.  The work will be done over the Spring Break period, April 10th - 12, 2007.  Last year some 40 homes received basic roof repairs, cleaning, siding and painting.  Please note: these repairs are limited to the first floor only. 

There is no cost to the homeowners!

If you know of someone who would benefit from this program, please contact Roy Hodgson at 422.3302 or 377.4277.  

Thank you.

Update: Blue Bunny ice cream truck

There had been a Blue Bunny ice cream truck that was seen in operation over this past summer/fall, selling ice cream well after dusk, even past 10pm! It was a matter of concern to many area neighbors.

Ms. John looked in this problem, and contacted the city on behalf of LONA.

Please read the letters at your convenience. This seasonal problem should not resurface for at least a few months, but if you notice any other oddities in our area, please let LONA officers know. ~ Pam

A Book For All Seasons - from the City of Rochester

This is a great publication created by the City of Rochester. I am placing it on our website to help inform area residents, new and old, on how everyone can help improve our area's quality of life.

~ Pam

For Immediate Release: Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Assoc. Christmas Party to be held December 11, 2006

The Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association will be holding its Christmas Party on Monday, December 11th, 2006. All Lyell-Otis area residents (especially those who are new to our neighborhood) are welcome!  

Please bring a dish to pass, as well as your family, and share in the yuletide festivities! Come meet your friendly neighbors over Pam's famous deviled eggs!   :)

This party will be held from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Lyell Branch Library, located at 956 Lyell Avenue. Parking is available in two adjacent lots.  

The Lyell-Otis neighborhood is improving step by step --- come and be a part of the renewal and revitalization!

Also, our neighborhood cookbook will be available for sale, and makes a wonderful anytime gift!

Please note, that LONA will not meet during the months of January and February, as many members find it hard to attend due to the harsh winter weather, and the colds that trouble us, at that time of year.

For more information or clarification, please email Pamela R. Davis, Secretary, Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association at NiceNRG@aol.com or call Bob Van Sice, Vice-President, Lyell-Otis Neighborhood Association at (585) 458-3784.

LONA Meeting Minutes of November 13, 2006 - COMING SOON!!

LONA Meeting Minutes of November 13, 2006

Meeting began at 7:05pm (due to the television news coverage interviewing our President and Vice President before we got started)

Sector 3 awards at the Citizen's Assembly: 

Librarian Tom Blanda was awarded and thanked for his exemplary public service, and four special Lyell-Otis homes were recognized as being outstanding and beautiful assets to our neighborhood! 

Security Cameras:

LONA thanked NYS Assemblywoman Susan John (via her assistant, Ms. Malec) for allocating funds to target our neighborhood's increased security efforts. 

LONA thanked Ms. John for looking into the Blue Bunny ice cream truck issue as well. (letters can be seen online)

JP Riley Park Support Letters:

- LONA needs support letters from our neighbors to help us secure a grant that would improve the playground at the JP Riley park on Santee Street, between Otis and Emerson Streets. - The equipment is hazardous and needs to be updated for our children's safety. Strong Memorial Hospital and Allstate Insurance are donating $60,000 to renovate this playground. -This site was selected due to the many injuries of young children reported due to the dilapidated state of the equipment. -The neighborhood qualified for help because we are low-income, and have many young children in need of a safe play area. - Once completed, it will rival the renovations completed at the Maplewood Park and other Monroe County parks!

Please send your letter to Mike Visconte c/o the Lyell Avenue NET office as soon as possible! Thanks!

MORE MINUTES TO COME!!

 

JP Riley Park - Support Letters Needed!

LONA needs your help!

We have the chance to get a grant to update and improve our JP Riley Park, but we need to show that area residents are interested in this opportunity.

Please use this letter as an example. Put in your own words to personalize it. Please ask your friends and neighbors to write letters as well.

Mail the letters to:

          LONA President, Mike Visconte

          c/o Lyell Avenue NET Office

          492 Lyell Avenue

          Rochester, NY 14606

Thanks for your help!! This will be a great improvement for our neighborhood!!