REINFORCING STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS
Housing
Housing is critical to the health and well-being of people, neighborhoods, and cities. Good-quality, safe, and affordable shelter is vital to mental and physical health, and is the underpinning of private and family life. Homes are the places we sleep and study, where families gather and grow, where memories are made, and around which our day-to-day lives and activities revolve. Housing profoundly shapes our public sphere as well. It is the face of our streets and the composition of our neighborhoods. Its design and maintenance can impact the way we feel walking down the street – conveying a sense of beauty, history, pride or neighborliness, or leaving us with the sense of abandonment, struggle, anxiety, or decline. For all these reasons and more, housing policy and housing development will be a key driver of our ability to achieve the Vision and Goals of Rochester 2034.
Vacant Lands
Rochester’s population losses over the last several decades, like so many other “Rust Belt” cities, left a legacy of vacancy that is one of our greatest urban challenges. A rigorous demolition program, along with City Hall’s home sale programming, is steadily addressing the issue of vacant homes. However, while demolishing vacant dilapidated buildings is a necessary and beneficial process, the City’s demolition program leaves behind hundreds of vacant lots scattered throughout Rochester. Programming the future of these vacant lots is the subject of this section of Rochester 2034.
Arts + Culture
Arts + Culture are key components of thriving and vibrant cities. A strong arts and cultural sector will instill a sense of place, connect diverse residents, and provide the needed creative retreat that can rejuvenate and inspire. Experiencing the arts removes us from the mundane and ordinary and frees our minds to consider new things, learn from each other, and connect. Places that are rich in arts and cultural offerings are desirable places to live, visit, and interact within. They attract investment, drive civic engagement, and shape a positive community culture.
Historic Preservation
Rochester values its unique architectural and landscape heritage and recognizes the importance of retaining and maintaining our historic buildings and landscapes. Historic properties safeguard the city’s heritage, stabilize and improve property values, foster civic pride, enhance the city’s attractions for tourists and visitors, and strengthen the economy of the city. Rochester has a long history of protecting these valued resources. During the Rochester 2034 community engagement process, the city’s history and historic buildings were often mentioned as a cherished part of the community.
Schools + Community Centers
Schools and other community centers are facilities that play an integral role in the health and vitality of neighborhoods and the city overall. They are centers of education and engagement but also provide services and activities to residents of all ages. These community assets, including schools, libraries, rec centers, neighborhood service centers, fire stations and police stations, provide valuable services, facilities, and programming to the residents they serve.
Public Health + Safety
A safe and healthy city is a fundamental expectation of any city resident, property owner, business owner, employee, and visitor. The City of Rochester places a high priority on improving the health and safety of people who live, work, and play here. Whether it is through the work of our police officers and fire fighters, code administrators and inspectors, parks and recreation staff, City planners, or political leaders, health and safety is the City’s number one concern. And, side by side with the City are hundreds of community organizations and agencies also focusing on health and safety of the people of Rochester.
Community Beautification
It is undeniable that people prefer to live, work, and play in surroundings that are filled with beauty. Rochester takes pride in its beautiful natural resources as well as the visual appeal that is fostered through the buildings, parks, public spaces, artwork, and actions of our community. We continue to strive to achieve a more beautiful city through public art installations, ensuring a clean environment, and committing to maintain those distinguishing features in which our community takes pride.