Rochester residents oppose Care Pharmacy purchase citing lack of transparency and planning

The Rochester City Council meeting held on April 15, 2025, focused primarily on the proposed purchase of the Care Pharmacy property, which has sparked significant public concern regarding transparency and fiscal responsibility. The meeting began with a public hearing where residents voiced their opposition to the acquisition, citing a lack of clarity about the intended use of the property and the financial implications for taxpayers.

Several speakers, including State Representative Kaczynski, expressed strong disapproval of the city’s approach to real estate transactions, arguing that Rochester should not operate as a real estate company. Kaczynski emphasized the importance of returning unassigned fund balances to taxpayers rather than using them for speculative purchases. He highlighted that the city’s financial reserves should be preserved for emergencies and not spent on properties without a clear plan.

Resident Susan Rice criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the Rochester Realty Trust, a private entity acquiring properties in the downtown area. She raised concerns about the city’s dealings being conducted behind closed doors, which she argued undermines public trust. Rice's comments included a detailed critique of the city’s financial practices, suggesting that the use of unassigned funds for real estate deals could lead to mismanagement and a lack of accountability.

Christopher Ice echoed these sentiments, describing the proposed $3.4 million purchase as a "rushed, speculative gamble" with taxpayer money. He pointed out that the building in question is in poor condition and questioned the absence of a comprehensive plan for its rehabilitation or intended use. Ice urged the council to consider the broader financial context, including rising water and sewer rates, before committing to such expenditures.

Other residents, including Kevin Brager and Human Ward, also expressed their concerns about the city’s history of poor real estate investments, citing previous losses on properties purchased at inflated prices. They called for greater public involvement in decision-making processes and emphasized the need for transparency in how taxpayer money is spent.

As the public hearing concluded, the council moved on to a special meeting where they addressed a resolution related to the American Rescue Plan Act. The council approved the resolution without significant discussion, indicating a shift in focus from the contentious property purchase to routine administrative matters.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a growing frustration among residents regarding the city’s real estate strategies and financial management, with calls for increased transparency and accountability in future dealings. The council's next steps will likely involve further discussions on the proposed property purchase and the broader implications for Rochester's economic development strategy.