Rochester City Council holding input sessions on housing

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Rochester City Councilmember Kim Smith is hosting four public input sessions regarding the state of housing in Rochester, with a specific focus on the Housing Quality Taskforce Recommendations.

The first session will be Thursday, July 28, at the Thomas P. Ryan Recreation Center, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

On June 23, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans released new recommendations to try to improve housing quality in the city. The mayor created the task force in February and gave them 90 days to come up with recommendations.

The report includes 16 recommendations across five topics: code enforcement; facilitating responsible ownership through the City’s Land Bank, foreclosures, and a building registry; repair and improvement programs; increasing the supply of quality housing, and improving communication and education.

The city wants to hear from people both on the report and on the broader issue of housing.

“It is so important that we meet people where they are, and that we listen to their needs, and that is why I am hosting these input sessions, one in each quadrant of the City," said Councilmember Smith. "I am thankful for the R-Centers, Public Library, and the Administration for their partnership in holding these sessions in the community. I also appreciate the support of President Meléndez and the assistance I’ve received from grass roots housing organizers and Councilmembers Lupien and Martin to make this happen.”

Anyone unable to attend in person can also provide feedback by filling out this survey.