Council moves to allow ambulance company to operate vehicle services in Norton Street urban renewal district

The Rochester City Council’s Neighborhood Jobs and Housing Committee voted to introduce and pass ordinances to revise the Norton Street urban renewal plan and to amend zoning so an ambulance provider can occupy property there.

The move would allow uses not previously permitted in the district — including vehicle repair, vehicle washing, fleet management and indoor medical-waste storage — to accommodate AMR, a company that provides ambulance services for the city. Commissioner Miller explained the change and said the company would take an existing building and build an adjacent garage facility.

The amendments to the urban renewal plan and to the zoning code were introduced and voted on in committee; both measures passed on introduction. Commissioner Miller described the Norton Street district as the former Silver Stadium site where the city owns lots the administration has been marketing. Miller said, “The new user is AMR, a company that provides ambulance services for the city,” and that the requested changes are to allow vehicle- and facility-related operations that were not previously permitted.

Vice President Harris asked for the building footprint and other site details; the administration agreed to provide square-footage and occupancy details in writing. Council members clarified that changing part of the district requires amending the whole district boundary and that existing businesses would not be restricted by the change. The administration said one existing building (formerly Premier Sign Company) will be acquired by AMR, and AMR will build a garage next door.

The committee introduced both the urban renewal plan revision and the zoning amendment and voted to advance them; the introductory motions passed.

The administration did not supply specific dimensions, parking counts, or a delivery timeline during the committee discussion; members requested those details be provided in writing.