Rochester exceeds goal for demolitions

The following news was released on 8/31 by the City of Rochester:

Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced that the City has exceeded its goal for vacant structure demolitions. Since the Mayor took office in January, 2006, the City has eliminated its vacant structure backlog by demolishing 410 structures. As a result of the Mayor’s accelerating demolition program, the City has cleared 355 of those parcels since April of 2006. 260 properties are currently identified for demolition and are expected to come down within one year.

"I’m proud to announce that we have exceeded our goal, but we are not resting on our laurels," said Mayor Duffy. "This is an important step in the process. We’re starting to see encouraging projects like the upcoming development of the neighborhoods northeast of PAETEC Park and the recently completed ‘Carlson Commons’ affordable housing project in the Plymouth/Exchange neighborhood. We’re working hard to rebuild and revitalize Rochester, street by street and neighborhood by neighborhood."

Nate Rump, who lives next to the newly grass-covered lot on Niagara St. with his teenaged son, was thrilled to see the vacant house come down. The City encouraged Rump to reach out and start the process of acquiring the lot. Rump submitted a bid for $50 and City Council is expected to approve sale of the lot at its September 18 meeting. He plans to expand his yard and landscape the property.

"I couldn’t be happier," said Rump. "The vacant house was four feet away from mine. It was a hazard - there was a lot of drug activity going on there. Mayor Duffy made a commitment to take down these vacant houses and he is making it happen. We have seen a real difference in our neighborhood."

"Clearing vacant buildings has such a positive impact on our city," said NET Director Molly Clifford. "It improves public safety and beautifies our neighborhoods. People get excited when they learn that a house is coming down on their block. We love to see people like Nate Rump who say, ‘sign me up, I want to make my city beautiful.’"

"Bringing down these vacant structures has a real, immediate impact on people living in neighborhoods throughout our great city," said City Council Member Lovely Warren. "It also provides for economic growth and future investment."

"Clearing the backlog has put us in a much better position," said Director of Project Development Bret Garwood. "We’ve been focusing our efforts on development, and eliminating the backlog helps us assemble cleared lots for future projects. It’s a good place to be."