[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6194795,"mediaKeyId","3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717","parentId",3863167,"title","Council president requests review of Andrew Street Bridge railing after nearby tragedy","audioSeconds",77,"startMs",2248000,"endMs",2325000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717&start=2248&end=2325","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717/thumbnail_2248000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6194795/Rochester-City/Monroe-County/New-York/Council-president-requests-review-of-Andrew-Street-Bridge-railing-after-nearby-tragedy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194795-57404c8bfd52785b6385614c170cac94/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440173&Signature=ErDOklqnHo~8bZgRZMENT-KXwP39zPdbsu593gSlQMgj9cAqnjNvcaG~eD5SOLe~vpJjNPNRp9eIjTXaQ3RWqG7-F4ph6VqzNMcBqixNHUQvaIX4er0tKYzWl9KbaUGQYUNp27keDsTqHCfr7AQt5wsLI7L3lQveQno7VjbeXNrRTj5kJpWBNKm5ALU96y7Ofr8PZsqbCllVYuQCG9QNHa4T18TASrntCdx1J50FcUa3FeMXVBeu7hNFasRKQPOcefYYBVvcqkyiVAmJsCmhuUQrD3JCh0KpC7Zfja2mniTGPWUKD7focZ6pBiWJp8JomLXx~BjjNEHyWgp9WS7Wug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rochester, NY City Council","date","2025-06-04T09:10:55Z","article","President Melendez opened a point of privilege to acknowledge a recent tragedy near City Hall and asked the administration to review the Andrew Street Bridge railing and landing conditions to determine whether additional measures are warranted.

Melendez told the committee he visited the bridge and was “very curious” and “couldn't help but get emotional about the situation,” and he said he will submit formal questions in writing. He asked specifically about railing heights, the step or landing that exists between sections of the railing, and what further actions the city might take to prevent a similar incident.

Melendez clarified the request was for information “in writing and not for discussion” at the meeting. Staff did not provide detailed answers during the session; Melendez said he would follow up with written questions to the administration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rochester, NY City Council Committee Meeting - June 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council President Melendez asked city staff to review the Andrew Street Bridge railings and related infrastructure following a recent local tragedy and said he will submit written questions about railings, measurements and potential additional safety measures.","taxTitle","Rochester City, Monroe County, New York","taxId",3654,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194797,"Council presses city staff on RG&E work that could break newly resurfaced streets",156,2534000,2690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717&start=2534&end=2690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717/thumbnail_2534000.jpg","/articles/6194797/Rochester-City/Monroe-County/New-York/Council-presses-city-staff-on-RGE-work-that-could-break-newly-resurfaced-streets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194797-d2ab14c4b5786914b6beef671bf70b14/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440173&Signature=BU65YqeR6rX2Cp5U67w1pTQWBBFd-UZssha3gkF9lzy-R6L8ziHiw5b7WwAtRyDMYlx6y32bl8d0~yDCjx7Oy5j~l~XPqruWPQycSsYqAI0eG7ndHlt-rtljNBNv7ryt0umGxOU7sDR3HS~IuatchxNfqFC1GLLPOHB17sYRJbwz~eXj9g3WRGEzdfD4hfyS3I-3LPq2uI2-Oiym1iiUsrCbR7BJ-q-bkaqWvW-31o6GXLpAz~DtwnASreuVdzexIzcTlickdbON~jREBLe00PDR-zxHEjzqBmjCsypEdFuIVaeKc-F5iEd2pljVhLf3d0utnRv0zuVAoU6BL-TEFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members questioned city staff about Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E) work that would cut into recently rebuilt sections of North Goodman Street and other city pavements.

Council member Patterson asked, “What is the plan to ensure that RG&E will not throw [the pavement] back together poorly” after cutting into newly resurfaced streets, and requested a written response. Staff explained the city’s intended practice: when a utility comes in after the city completes a project, the city sets “very strict parameters around their right of way permitting,” and for large projects the utility is required to provide RPR (resident project representative) services to assure the work meets city standards, with city inspectors enforcing compliance.

Patterson and others pressed for stronger accountability, noting that post-cut repairs sometimes produce poor patchwork that shortens the life of the city’s investments. Council member Patterson said that if the city contracts for RPR services on behalf of the utility, the city should back-bill the utility to ensure the work meets specifications. Council member Lupien asked staff to provide the fee schedule and the triggers for imposing fees related to cutting into city streets; staff agreed to supply the fee schedule and to explain when fees are applied.

The committee approved the related item amending the budget for funds from Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation tied to the South Avenue and Elmwood Avenue reconstruction project; council members recorded their concerns and asked for written follow-up on coordination, timelines and accountability.","Council members raised concerns about Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E) plans to excavate North Goodman Street after recent city repaving, and asked staff to provide written details on coordination, right-of-way permitting, RPR requirements and fee schedules for utility cuts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194802,"Council approves term agreements for design and engineering, asks for vendor diversity and project details",101,2339000,2440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717&start=2339&end=2440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717/thumbnail_2339000.jpg","/articles/6194802/Rochester-City/Monroe-County/New-York/Council-approves-term-agreements-for-design-and-engineering-asks-for-vendor-diversity-and-project-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194802-4ce262bb61f3d67f95ea856f6d7818e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440173&Signature=dX8d5Ja2g3PPEk-jMOD~4~09n6lAKgA0Hr2F-Vfhp0J2PyWO37A8qPrgVcBmaGhbnHv0cFLqrVaZShOz316OUagFnF4vJq~uON9YIq04naenAaGmzLgP62qiSjUqYikuacryCaG6IyaOf0ndy-bw01I2h2KIEmjsMtSTdJsUc3P~XlGW6OIimNp9nGehnxJC5~VeWQBn-QyLIDBYo-shDQ9nid3JrBh1HvGQb7VAoET7VjkE~wKbyISQ~0Y4r8Wj9bxC8dgIM24T1~hL1zmk-cAHF0uYHnFpeaQPeHx3uuqdnNIyk31Ozeixr0y98blXMpl6H4akBdwBB6hw3mOeGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members approved a slate of term agreements covering architectural, civil engineering, landscape architecture and planning, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, space planning and structural engineering services.

Council member Patterson asked whether any new vendors were included and requested aggregate utilization figures for minority- and women-owned firms across continuing vendor awards. Patterson said these questions apply “not just for this one, but I think we've got, like, 4 or 5 of these coming up.” Council member Martin asked for anticipated project costs and which specific projects the firms would serve.

Staff acknowledged the requests and said they would provide a combined written response and a summary with detail on vendor participation rates. As staff told the committee, “We'll respond in writing,” and later, “we'll give you full detail in that summary.”

The items were moved, seconded and carried in committee; staff noted that specific contracts and project-level costs will return to council when particular projects are brought forward, since term agreements are framework contracts that do not guarantee immediate work or exact dollar amounts.","The council approved multiple term agreements for architectural, civil, landscape, mechanical and structural professional services and asked staff to provide written summaries on new vendors, minority- and women-owned vendor utilization and anticipated project assignments and costs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194806,"URA resolution designates Abid Realty LLC to purchase 45 Excel Drive; business relocation noted",165,1845000,2010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717&start=1845&end=2010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717/thumbnail_1845000.jpg","/articles/6194806/Rochester-City/Monroe-County/New-York/URA-resolution-designates-Abid-Realty-LLC-to-purchase-45-Excel-Drive-business-relocation-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194806-9fa9f1e4cf333a2944fc2fcde7408856/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440173&Signature=AxhnoiQFIBk~10w9jjC1t96-Lwv8FGERwn3SuJ7Ocg2j-Hr5E75n-UQHiyCMRRO3eULiBG60Bn3Ss2lgWXaxIOWuasFv8Cqn6O~EKbuP36zFH9kEXk~4OhrTZrhBHCuv0Useb1rRVWwzawVWAAatBYa0m2w6dVS5yVObnS3AFEZ8dGGfUzpXtDzMhHRI6k1GtV7FmJ0M7iUMqPGGweGY3k5I2~mB65AMXN-Plsl1P~PVztwIZxl4mvW9qVBqtQC3FoHdQm8lCwZ1BqZtDzz8toAEe12~0jMF4-feqE0DiUSk1xN3kzzfFORiZVI5ocLyYz0AtFLdLPyzCZhYNeeAAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rochester Urban Renewal Agency (URA) resolution naming Abid Realty LLC as qualified and eligible to purchase 45 Excel Drive and a portion of 25 Excel Drive passed at a committee meeting and was set for public hearing on June 12, 2025.

Council member Gruber asked about the buyer’s existing business and local plans. Gruber said, “It's wild bills wholesale,” referring to the seller’s current business at Oak Street, and asked whether the city would participate in funding a new building. A staff member replied, “Just selling the property,” and said the buyer plans to sell the Oak Street building after the new building is constructed.

Committee members also discussed potential linkages between the buyer and the city’s Healthy Grocer outreach, since the wholesale business supplies many corner stores. A staff member noted the city’s outreach so far has been “primarily to the individual retailers,” but said, “there’s certainly no reason we couldn’t talk to him,” about coordinating on healthy-grocer promotion.

The committee moved, seconded and voted in favor of the URA resolution. Staff said a public hearing on the URA designation will be held on June 12, 2025. Council members requested continued coordination between URA staff and the Healthy Grocer outreach program to explore promotion and procurement options.","The Rochester URA resolution designating Abid Realty LLC as eligible to purchase 45 Excel Drive and part of 25 Excel Drive passed; council members discussed the buyer’s plan to relocate an existing wholesale business and possible links to local healthy-grocer outreach.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194811,"Council approves 2025–26 HUD action-plan appropriations, adds $200,000 for emergency assistance",360,386000,746000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717&start=386&end=746","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3863167-7920da3e5d952b5cc8595568e1b14717/thumbnail_386000.jpg","/articles/6194811/Rochester-City/Monroe-County/New-York/Council-approves-202526-HUD-action-plan-appropriations-adds-200000-for-emergency-assistance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194811-ab0370157fd414c82dcf7bcb2aa07543/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440173&Signature=bdQO9rNs6bpkgGRxsc3InAp~MvGgrJEhvME7FzEJgn0qrgnYS5Tbck2H6sKNq2hGWjLJ1axWOi3rwtsP2jfhAmgVqXIePdB3Ksc-MCZ2kcSZ9cxVvz3WtKUpaYYeZE03MbRCtmK7V8Up55urJRKUVLVv-Qe-y8FQ6-A3mDcO3xKJjzXcH-39OMRtEJ3Duzn9eMorLfAffNYJsN3eQBIqKzVsJJRfYkMYkM37W9FH-un6YSZxs70RxBuMqFW~6QuwpWR--sPJF1S8aYJIe8qAE0OihqnwroRn3MJbZiw65ALUjwC3fdvorVAheG40cg0uXVfyaOPabBL0c8kTOyWmXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rochester City committee members voted to approve a broad package of 2025–26 annual action-plan appropriations that fund housing repairs, demolition, lead-hazard control, owner-occupied rehabilitation, tenant-landlord services and other HUD-related programs, and they amended one item to add $200,000 to emergency assistance.

The package, introduced as a set of introductory items and open for public hearing on June 12, 2025, includes the city’s citizens participation plan and multiple program appropriations that staff said are funded by federal HUD formula dollars. Henry Fitz, a city staff member involved in plan outreach, said, “The postcard mailing went to 41,000 households that were targeted in our highest need census tracts, that over 70 where over 75% of the residents are, HUD eligible under that 80% AMI.”

The amendment to the emergency assistance item — moved by the council president’s office — transfers $200,000 from the council PSA line to cash capital so the funds can be used across multiple years. The council approved the amendment before voting to introduce the emergency assistance item as amended. Council members noted the emergency assistance program is oversubscribed; a committee discussion said there is a waiting list for furnace and emergency system replacements.

Committee members asked for more written detail on several items. Council member Smith asked whether the programs target the specific housing problems identified in the plan, including plumbing, overcrowding and cost burden; staff responded that the programs (home repair, emergency solutions, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) are focused on those issues. Council member Martin requested copies of the outreach postcard and the exact census tracts targeted; staff agreed to provide the postcard and the tract list in writing.

On funding timing, staff explained the awards are federal “formula dollars” and are allocated through the congressional budget process; the city will receive a grant agreement from HUD after it submits the plan and completes the required public-engagement steps. As staff summarized, receiving the funds is contingent on following HUD procedures and executing the grant agreement.

Other discussions covered program priorities and percentages assigned to different projects; staff described a cross-departmental budgeting process that considers existing balances, projected needs and community input. Council members also amended and passed related items increasing specific program allocations, including an amendment that raised the aging-in-place line from $60,000 to $80,000 to meet demand for home modifications.

The council voted to introduce and pass the various appropriations and amendments during the committee session. Staff committed to supplying written follow-ups including the outreach materials, the targeted census-tract list, and further program detail.

Less-critical follow-ups requested by council members include: (1) written confirmation of unit breakdowns for a forthcoming housing project referenced in related introductory items, (2) the postcard and tract list used for outreach, and (3) documentation showing the city’s projected use of HUD funds and program prioritization for the coming year.","Rochester City committees advanced a package of 2025–26 annual action plan appropriations and related program authorizations, and the council passed an amendment moving $200,000 from a council PSA line into cash capital to increase emergency assistance funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council president requests review of Andrew Street Bridge railing after nearby tragedy

Council presses city staff on RG&E work that could break newly resurfaced streets

Council approves term agreements for design and engineering, asks for vendor diversity and project details

URA resolution designates Abid Realty LLC to purchase 45 Excel Drive; business relocation noted

Council approves 2025–26 HUD action-plan appropriations, adds $200,000 for emergency assistance