Ask the Supervisor

I get asked some questions a lot. 
That's because they matter to you.

Hello.  I'm Supervisor Mary Ellen Heyman, and I want to hear from you.

To ask me a question about Town issues, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I'll make every effort to respond to all questions that are sent. 

Some of the most frequently-asked questions and answers (anonymous, of course) that would be of general interest to residents are reproduced below.  We'll update this page regularly.

I felt like I should drop you a note and let you know how I am feeling about our library.  I know a lot of people with very different views and opinions about this subject, and I feel everyone has a right to their opinion as long as they share it in a civil manner.  I also know some of these same people have been very disrespectful to you and the board and complain about every issue.  This is very unfortunate, and I am sure does not make it any easier on you to do your job.  I also know there is no simple solution, and something needs to be done about the buildings both libraries are housed in.  I understand from what I have read, they are falling apart and need a ton of updating.  I also know there are budget/money issues that I probably do not even begin to know about.  I also know a lot of families have come to use and enjoy what our libraries have to offer.  I am all for progress and change as long as it does not hurt the children in our district. Thank you, and I hope you have a nice day! 

Thank you for your thoughts.  I am glad you took the time to write.  It is important for you to know that this project is a work in progress. No decisions have been made.  It is a long and sometimes difficult process to achieve and then manage stakeholder involvement.  That’s what we are doing -- listening, educating and then we will move to a decision point as to what is put before the voters.  The ultimate decision on any plan will be yours.

Don’t get caught up in the rhetoric.  This is a very important and long term commitment that will change Irondequoit, for better or worse, depending on your personal perspective.  I encourage you to keep an open mind, stick with the facts, and make data driven decisions based on your best critical thinking.  I can guarantee you that’s what I am doing.  Thanks again.

After attending and watching several Town Board meetings over the last year or so, I was wondering why all department heads are not required to attend board meetings?  Typically, the only department heads present at the monthly meetings are those with an item on the agenda pertaining to their department.  Since a big part of the meeting is, or used to be, dedicated to public input, I do not think it is too much to ask to have ALL department heads attend every months meeting to respond to potential issues brought up by the residents attending the meetings.  Since there is only one meeting a month it does not seem like too much of a hardship for them to be in attendance.  If someone cannot attend might be possible to have a representative from the department attend in their place?

Thank you for your e-mail. A Town Board Meeting is a public meeting, not a meeting of the public. While there can be a significant amount of time spent with public input, the Town Board meeting is for conducting the business before the Board.  Department heads or others who can provide information may be required to attend. If questions arise from the public comment process – the appropriate person will contact the speaker.  

After having just read the article in the recent Irondequoit Post about the town’s $10 fee for a DVD copy of a board meeting, you are to be commended for your comments and for your sticking up for current policy which is more than fair.  

As I’m sure you are aware, a fee is charged to cover the cost of materials and staff time.  If suddenly you had 30 people asking for copies of each meeting, it would take a significant amount of time for someone from ICAT to do the duplicating -- time that could be better spent producing quality programming as I’m sure staff is already stretched thin at times.  Also the $10 fee helps eliminate people asking for a copy strictly to be a nuisance (not that any of our residents would ever do that) or because it’s very convenient.  Other towns always charge a fee to a resident for a copy of most anything that is produced, and people seem to accept it “as the cost of doing business”  

I can understand the FOIL issue of cost if people have no other means to get a copy of a meeting or watch it, which obviously is not the case, Go to the library if you don’t have cable TV.  When you borrow the DVD, make a copy of it.  Unlike commercial DVDs, these are not copy protected so they can easily be copied.  The ICAT replay times for the meetings are many and well publicized, so anyone with cable can easily record them at home.  Also your lowering the cost is very fair since DVDs are cheaper and easier to copy than VHS tapes.

Best of luck with this issue and keep up the good work.

Thanks for your comments.  Our decisions are made very carefully and rationally, in the best interests of all Town taxpayers.  

I have a question regarding the building on Kings Highway that is being considered as a library/community center location on a rental basis.  Could you not use the Eminent Domain law and just take over that building thus avoid paying rental fees? 

Thanks so much for your e-mail.  You could not just take land, but would have to pay the property owner fair market value.  As of today, the Town has not set any money aside to purchase property.  There is no money available to build a new building at this time.  The lease with option to buy provides the Town with space (renovated by the property owner) and available within a short period of time.  The referendum will also allow the people to decide if this is the best plan for the Town at this time. 

Thank you for responding so quickly to yesterday's [June 20] storm- the Dept. of Public Works has done an excellent job!

The 1.1 inches of rain and high winds caused extensive damage to trees in many neighborhoods.  I’m proud of our DPW.  After last summer’s severe storm, we developed a rapid response mechanism for these kinds of events.  Yesterday, fortunately, was the first time we had to use it, and it worked well.  I think we made the storm’s aftermath much easier for a lot of people, and that’s what public service is all about.    

I grew up in Irondequoit and my kids grew up here.  I just moved back here last year so I do not know much about the past administration.  Since I was a kid on Winona Boulevard, we had sewers, which was over 60 yrs ago, so I suppose we need updates to the system.  Oakview Drive does not even have storm sewers, but I'll bet we get taxes to cover the cost or repairs.  In your newsletter you spent a lot of time running down the previous administration.  I think that was totally unnecessary and uncalled for (did not live here during that administration).  Over 60 years of usage probably was more the problem.  Running down the previous administration is typical of the way politicians act now.  Very unbecoming.

My other comment is about the idea for changing the end of Route 590.  What a waste of taxpayers, money.  I see no problem with it except it needs to be cleaned up and possible repaved.  For six months of the year there is no bridge to go any where.  Why spend millions on a road that goes nowhere.  Spend the money allocated for Rt. 590 on the sewers. 

Thank you for your e-mail.  I would like to let you know that the 590 project is a state project which is funded by federal and state tax dollars. This project was started many years ago. The expressway is 50 years old and has never had any significant repair work to it.  Currently, the project is in the design phase and there are still design changes to be made.  No town tax dollars will be spent on this project. 

To address your concerns about the previous administration. The comments are for information purposes. People ask how did we get here?  Why is there sewage in my basement?  Why is my road crumbling?  Why are the sidewalks broken and the trees overgrown? Why did we have to spend so much money to repair German Village?  All these things have been addressed to some degree over the past 18 months.  I can not fix everything, and I am also not responsible for all the things that need to be repaired. I am sure during this election season there will be plenty of blaming going on from both sides.  It is just a fact that for the past 30 years the majority party has been comfortable.  That is no longer the case. Say what you want, and see for yourself -- this is a different Irondequoit, and we are moving ahead. 

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

I'm surprised at your comment about the possible condo & townhouse build on the Newport House site as "boost to our tax base".  Is that the only thing positive you have to say about the proposed project?  Maybe that is the one and only positive item about the project, but that "increasing the tax base" saying has been used for decades for all sorts of projects (condos, patio homes, more housing developments, apartments, commercial space...) and where did it get us?  A possible short term tax benefit does not outweigh the loss of public access to the beauty, history and town pride of areas like that.  I understand the rights of a private owner and believe in the process of a balanced council (views from both sides), but felt the comments about the project were a bit cold and not reflecting the loss to the community.  

Then there was a comparison to development in Webster as if that is a pattern to follow. Yes, Webster has really built-up within the past 10-15 years, but they have plenty of open space compared to Irondequoit, and just before the new shopping "plaza" and homes were built they passed a land conservation bill. ...I think it's a little late for us. You speak of the history, hills, green areas and things to enjoy within Irondequoit. The 590/Seabreeze expressway proposed project is to rebuild/restore a town look and feel. These are things that Irondequoit has been running away from for decades, and it shows.  We should be developing to preserve and redeveloping to restore the town feel that you speak about.  The years of talk of rebuilding to attract people to Seabreeze and our waterfront areas could still have a historic gem at Newport that attracts the public but this new proposal will not.  With the four-story townhouses built on the shore providing the bay view only for its occupants and blocking public access and view, will not offer any public community attraction. What historical items/areas has Irondequoit saved?  Is there anything that provides as much history and public enjoyment as the Newport House has (even if the building is a modern replica)? We're about to lose a big one.  I wonder if there would be more outrage/discussion if this was on the west side of town.

Thank you for your e-mail.  The reality is that public access to the Newport House property has really been limited to the people who went for dinner or rented a boat slip.  You would never see families picnicking or walking along the marina – because it was private property.  The private property has transferred and the new owner has other plans for the area.  You are right the Newport House is not truly historical; if it were, it would be protected.

Tax base is not the only positive comment, but it is the only one in the paper.  It is a good project, with a good developer who wants to invest in Irondequoit.  This is the town he grew up in and where he has his roots.  It is exceptional to have such a quality developer with such strong ties to this community wanting to invest in a project of this scope.

Next time you would like to have bay access, I encourage you to walk along the bay from Orchard Park Blvd.  The county park is spectacular, and the bay area provides great places for families to picnic, fish, enjoy nature and spend quality time in a truly unspoiled environment.  Thanks for writing.

I would like to serve on the new Environment Committee, but don't have the time.  I do have a suggestion, however.

For years I have been concerned about the money the Town is spending on air conditioning public buildings at a really low temperature. 

I think people need to become accustomed to summer temperatures instead of 70 year round.  Couldn't we have thermometers set at 75 or so instead in the summer?   One of my first jobs was working in the top floor of a wooden building in Charleston, SC before the days of air conditioning.  Our boss promised us ice cream if the temperature reached 100, but it never got past high 90s.  How about the soldiers in Iraq wearing body armor in temperatures like that?  

We have been spoiled here in the US.  Let's get real--take off the suit jackets and save our budget and environment.

Thank you for the e-mail.  It is a great idea to not keep the buildings too cold.  I will bring it up at our next staff meeting for review and implementation.  Feel free to send any ideas you have.  I appreciate your willingness to help out. 

Kudos to all of you for a job very well done!  The May 21 Community Summit was yet another example of how the Heyman administration cuts to the chase and gets things done... a refreshing change in an otherwise wonderful town which has suffered for years with mediocrity and indifference in government.  So much for the political comments!

The plan presented for the Library/Community Center is superb.  It shows an obvious concern for the citizens of this town, responsibiltiy in planning, and is the fruition of a great deal of intensive study by all those involved.

The stars are, indeed, aligned.  I urge you all to move with due diligence to bring this plan to acceptance and let construction begin.  The citizens of Irondequoit deserve no less.

Property revaluation is a complicated process.  It also lasts only several months.  Our current employees are busy with their normal duties, and it is not in the best financial interest of the Town to hire and train very specialized employees for only a few months. 

Our Assessor has broken down the per parcel costs that various towns in the county have spent (or will spend) to do a reassessment.  This really is the fairest and most accurate way to compare overall assessment costs.  I encourage you to review these cost comparisons by clicking here.  You will see that Irondequoit compares quite favorably. 

Hi. I was wondering if we could get some mile markers painted on the walk path at the park behind Wegmans?   I enjoy running around the pathway, and it would be cool to have mile markers.  Also, my family and I were curious as to why the gate is locked near the playground.

This is a very doable idea.  As soon as we can get it done, we will.

 With regard to the gate being locked---it is not a pedestrian gate, but rather a work gate…vehicles, mowers etc.  That is explicit in the agreement and cannot be changed. 

The sidewalk adjacent to the gate(area) is fenced and leads to Wegmans and is for pedestrian use.  There is also pedestrian entrance/exit at the north end of the park on both east and west sides.

 I have attended the Town Board Meetings and have a suggestion.   Public Input time is rather short, and some residents don't get the chance to be heard because some of the speakers go on and on and on and use up all the time allotted.   When I lived in Florida, the residents who wanted to speak were each given two minutes (timed with an timer) to state their remarks.  Maybe we should institute the same type of procedure.  It gets pretty annoying and boring to hear the same people at each meeting complain about the same things.  There are many issues that are of a concern to residents, and it seems like the only things that are heard are these same long-winded complaints.  I would like to hear some more positive comments and more bi-partisan decisions reflecting the concerns of the residents. 

Thank you for your e-mail.  Public Input gives people the opportunity to exercise their first amendment right to freedom of speech. The Town policy is that each speaker has 3 minutes to talk.  The clerk has a timer, and it beeps.  If the speaker continues on they are given another minute.  In most cases people do finish when they hear the beeper.  It is true more positive comments would be nice, but it really depends on who shows up.

You can see that the same people generally speak – many times on issues where the totality of the situation is not discussed only the perspective of the speaker.  I can only say that I have no control over what people say or think.  You must judge for yourself.

Banning drive through windows is a terrible idea.  Where are the handicapped people going to go to get a cup of coffee, money from the bank, or their prescriptions?  On top of that, any business that has to close its drive through window will lose customers.  You are driving business out of Irondequoit with a foolish idea.  How much walking will people be doing in Dec, Jan, Feb, and March?  Those foolish round-a-bouts passed and no drive-up windows suggested, all in the same week..................AMAZING !!!!

Thank you for your e-mail.  It really isn’t that amazing.  The conversation regarding both these issues have been within the public discussion for years -- 8 years for the drive- thru discussion.  This came to the Town Board months ago when we allowed the Summit Federal Credit Union a special use permit.  Neighbors have fought that decision and the Summit has chosen to go elsewhere.  I agree with you that banning drive-thru windows will kill future development in the Cooper-Titus –Hudson area.  There was no decision made at the last meeting.  We are still discussing options.  There must be a compromise reached that business can have drive-thrus (possibly in areas south of Titus which is less residential along the corridor) and residents can maintain the quality of life. 

In addition, the preferred 590 plan, which was supported by an overwhelming majority of residents at the public hearing was approved months ago.  The details are currently being addressed along with some concerns regarding soil.  There are a few very vocal people who continue to say that this is a bad idea and no one wants it. The reality is that the residents along the corridor welcome the changes, and it will greatly improve their quality of life.  Many people have ideas, suggestions and preferences – there has been more than a million dollars spent on studies, meetings, public hearings, design drawings, approvals and right of way acquisition.  I would be happy to discuss this with you and show you all the work that has been done, if you are interested. 

Government is a balancing act – facts vs. feelings. Residents vs. commercial development.  Moving ahead vs. stagnation and blight.  The one consistent theme I hear  is “keep my taxes flat”.  I will tell you that the true balance comes when leadership of the community listens -- and then acts on data not feelings.  Everyone has a different view.  I do hear them all.  Thank you for taking the time to write me so I can include your thoughts in my decision process.

I read with interest the possibility of eliminating drive-thru windows around the Cooper-Titus area to make it more pedestrian friendly.  I would hope that the Board takes into consideration the large number of senior citizens who live in this Town and who may have difficulty walking to every place they want to or need to go.  The drive-thru sites are a true blessing for these people.  There are too many larger and more important problems which this Town needs to resolve -- let's put our time and effort where it belongs and not waste time over petty issues like eliminating drive-thru areas. 

Thank you for your e-mail. There is significant concern regarding the Drive Thru and the town board has been asked to come to a decision.  I have met with many people about this issue. My personal thoughts are supportive of drive–thru opportunities.  This conversation has gone on for years. 

Over the past 16 months I have come to believe that the elimination of drive-thru opportunities in that area will kill all future development.  I do not believe that is what the majority of town residents want.  Balanced development with consideration for business that may or may not use drive thru access and consideration of the residents who live adjacent to the mixed use commercial district will bring the best outcome for that neighborhood.

This issue, like all others really becomes most important to those closest to it.  It would be wrong of me to minimize these resident concerns. Hopefully at the May Town Board meeting we can have some resolution.

Thank you, Madam Supervisor, for providing this means of communicating with you. 

A recent solicitation letter from the St. Paul Blvd. Fire Association included the highlighted statement, “Property taxes do not support the St Paul Boulevard Fire Association.”  I know the association is a separate organization from the town, in effect a group of volunteer firemen, and that the funds they raise are for equipment they buy and things they do that are in addition to the normal operation of the fire stations and the cost of the paid firemen which DO receive tax money, a significant amount, which appears under the “SPECIAL DISTRICTS” part of my tax bill as a “St Paul Blvd Fire” item.  It bothers me that many people don’t know this distinction and think of the St. Paul Fire Department as a volunteer organization the expenses for which are totally paid for by these annual direct solicitations. 

This solicitation caused me to take a closer look at my last tax bill and those going back to the year 2001.  I was surprised to see that the total tax levy for the St. Paul fire district has increased from $1,331,028 to $2,068,082 and my amounts from $170.71 to $269.69.  I expect a good portion of this increase is due to the increase in the number of paid firemen necessitated because of fall-off of volunteers.  Fire protection is important, but as a retiree on a relatively fixed income, I’m beginning to wonder if we may have too many individual fire departments in Irondequoit and should be considering consolidating.  Early on, with only volunteers, multiple fire houses made sense to shorten travel response time.  However, with more paid firemen, I’m wondering if the equation has changed. 

I went to the St Paul Blvd Fire Association website, www.stpaulfd.com, as suggested in their solicitation letter, and was surprised to see them using “Fire Association” and “Fire Department” interchangeably.  Also, I was disappointed to find no association budget or accounting of their funds.  Similarly, I am at a loss to how to find out how the St. Paul Fire District tax funds were spent.

Now I’ll get to the main point of this e-mail, something more in the realm of your control:  Is it possible to have a page on the town web site with explanations and examples of what is included in the individual items of our tax bills?  I would like to be able look up what is covered, especially for the items on my bill:

County Services – Localities
     Irondequoit Town Tax
     Special Districts
          St Paul Blvd Fire
          Consolidated drainage
          P.W. 2 capital crg
          P.W. 2 o/m gal

Thank you.  This does sound like a good idea.  It is a matter of explaining each special district and what contributes to the tax rate and each year explain what caused each one to increase.  I could be done in a variety of formats.  I will ask the Assessor and other staff to work on it.  

I just read the article in today's paper, quoting your support for the proposed Newport House project because it would add tax revenue!  Must we completely develop every piece of property in the town?  Irondequoit is becoming Henrietta with its sprawl, and losing its identity. The Newport House is a unique place - it is the only waterside restaurant in IRQ, much less the Rochester area, to offer a spectacular waterfront view on a hot summer evening. I don't understand why the present generation is "entitled" to "purse-off" all the open space just to recoup taxes. Once the land and resources are gone, they are GONE.

Thanks for your e-mail. Just a few comments. This is private land. The owner can, by constitutional right, do whatever he wants with it within the limits of our planning and zoning laws. The Town can not take ownership of this - that piece of property was sold for over 5 million dollars.

In addition, we have tightened our restrictions on Environmental Protection Overlay Districts since I have taken office. In addition the Department of Environmental Conservation and well as IBTS which is a consortium of the three towns bordering the bay, will also oversee the project.

The Town of Irondequoit needs to be supportive of development so we can revitalize our East Ridge Road, Pattonwood, Sea Breeze and Empire Blvd corridors which have been left to deteriorate. As you can see if you travel to Webster, development follows development.

Rest assured that we will work with the developers, of any piece of waterfront property to encourage public access. I hope this is helpful and you can see why being supportive will lead to the best outcome for a piece of privately owned property.

The orange snow fence that runs along the trail at the entrance of Durand Eastman Park is a real eyesore.  Whats going on?  Is the trail going to be completed soon?  If the fence is to keep people out, it's not letting us enjoy what we have. Thanks

I have called, along with other residents, for the past three Springs about the fence at the end of Queensboro Road, along the 590 South on-ramp off of Empire Blvd.  I have received the same answer every time.  The town tells me it isn't in their jurisdiction, and the state says they will take care of it.  It has become a complete eyesore.  Not only is the fence coming completely apart and heavily rusted, but the sign that has been attached to it is just pulling it down more.   Also during the summer a resident usually has to call to get the vegetation taken care of along the fence.  Getting this fence repaired I would expect is something the town would work with the state on. 

This is the first time I have personally heard about this issue.  Do you recall when you last contacted someone here at Town Hall about the fence?

I am sorry that you are so disappointed in the answers you receive.  I will tell you that it is equally frustrating for us to deal with the State DOT.  We have many issues that fall under their jurisdiction here in Town, and it seems like it requires an act of Congress to get anything accomplished with them sometimes.  Normally, what I recommend is a combined effort on the part of the residents and the Town to call them to have issues addressed.  As you know, we just cannot simply go on State property and start fixing things.  I wish it were that easy.

Allow me some time to evaluate the fence in question and make some contacts at the State.  Once I have made some contact, I may ask that you also call to support my effort to rectify the problem.

I have been a resident on Covington Road since 1997. My husband and I, like most of our neighbors, were drawn to the beauty of our old fashioned tree lined neighborhood.  Every year, I have noticed one or more of the decaying maples on Covington is marked by the town to be taken out.  Little by little, our shady tree-lined street is becoming devoid of its trees.  Worse, some people are taking it upon themselves to plant trees in these voids that are probably not worthy as street trees.  They also detract from the pleasing visual of seeing a consistent variety all the way down the street.

I would like to understand what are the remedies for this situation, because I would like to help market a joint town-resident tree replanting program on my street.  I think my neighbors might be open to it, as several have asked me if I would do something to help (I've mentioned it as a goal of mine for several years but so far have done nothing).  I have thought of some possibilities, such as creating a neighborhood "slush fund" at our annual block party events to go toward purchasing the trees, if the town could help with the actual purchase and replanting.  I've also thought of hooking up with Rotary or some other civic oriented group.  My main concern is that we get one variety that has been recommended by the town as suitable as a street tree, and that everyone sticks to that variety.  I hope that one by one, over time, we can replenish the trees that have been taken out so that eventually as one goes out, another comes in. 

The green maples on our street were probably never suitable; I heard from older residents that they were damaged in the ice storm of the early 90s.

Thank you for your question.  Actually, this year the Town has some money in the 2007 budget to begin replanting trees in areas where trees have been removed.  We realize that unless we start replanting, the character of our neighborhoods will soon be in jeopardy.  We hope to be able to purchase and plant about 100 trees this year with the funds we have.  Next year, we would like to double that amount.

I have asked our Tree Foreman to evaluate Covington for some plantings this year.  Your ideas to raise funds are great.  Please keep me informed.  And please be sure notify the Town before doing any plantings.  There are some important things to keep in mind before planting, including choosing a suitable variety.  We are also planning to designate April 27 as Arbor Day in the Town of Irondequoit.  Doing so, will help the Town in our efforts to become a “Tree City USA” which will make us eligible for grants for additional plantings next year.

I'd like to express my opinion on the pending issue regarding banning drive-thru's within the Town Center.  I am very much in favor of a ban on drive-thru's in this section of town.  Rumors of a Walgreen's store in the area of the Copper/Titus intersection are VERY disturbing to me!  The last thing our town needs is another drug store, especially several hundred feet from another one in a charming part of our town.  This is also true for fast food restaurants and banks. 

I also want to let you know that I listen very closely. I hear what people say. I try to value every opinion.  Some I agree with; some I do not.  I want you to know that I hear from many people every day.  I believe that the responsibility of this job is to listen, weigh all the information, and then either take action or not depending on the facts and data I have.   Please be assured that I have heard your concerns.   I will continue to work with HIPP members and the larger community to try and revitalize Cooper/Hudson/Titus. 

What is happening with the Cobblestone Blacksmith Shop on East Ridge Road?  Will it be moved to Town Hall grounds ?

Thanks for the great job the Town is doing in plowing the roads this winter. The bsst I can ever remember!!  It has really made life easier.  The Town plows damaged a small strip of lawn in my yard.  When will they begin repairs?

The plows are so big and the conditions under which they operate are usually so difficult that, unfortunately, sometimes damage occurs.  The Town DPW will begin repairs as soon as the snowfall is done for the season. 

Why did not all residents of the Town receive a copy of the latest Images magazine?  I know of many residents in my neighborhood who did not receive Images as well as my household.

I believe most of us in Irondequoit know the truth is that there is a big problem with the mall - one that is getting worse, not better. Your positive remarks on TV after Bon Ton announced it was closing seemed unrealistic.  Unfortunately, optimism and hope (or trust in the present owner) won't be enough - it's going to take a lot of hard work.

When can we expect an update on the I-590 project?

We expect that the engineers and representatives from the State will have some more detailed plans in late-April or early-May.  There will be opportunity for public comment.  If you live near 590 or are on the list of people who attended meetings in the past, you will be mailed a notice of upcoming public meetings.  We also publicize these meetings through press releases, cable TV, and our website. 

I was wondering where I would go to find out what kind of noise ordinances we have in place? More specifically, is there an ordinance pertaining to barking dogs... even more specifically still, dogs that bark for hours on end through the middle of the night?

What is going on with the Code Enforcement Committee?

The Code Enforcement Advisory Committee was formed to help guide the Town's code enforcement policies and proceedures.  The Committee has been meeting and will make recommendations to me and the Town Board in May.  I thank everyone who volunteered to join the committee. 

You are welcome to read the minutes of past Committee meetings, as well as attend and particpate in future meetings.  Please click here for more information about our Code Enforcement Advisory Committee.

Will there finally be a daycare center on Karlan Drive? 

Generations Childcare, Inc. is now entitled to obtain a permit to open an intergenerational child and elder care facility in the vacant school building on Karlan Drive.   If you would like to read the board and court decisions involved in the approval process, please click here.

Is the mall sold?  What is going on with the mall?

I have no knowledge of current or future changes at the mall. Please call the Medley Center office directly for more information (585-266-6100). 

I also get many questions about the mall's property tax assessments and payments.  Click here to read a summary of the 2005 agreement reached by the County, mall owner, schools, and previous Town administration.

What is the purpose of the Cable Franchise Fee of $3.10 that I pay to Time Warner Cable each month as part of my cable bill?  I understand that this money is turned over to the Town of Irondequoit.  What does the town do with this money, and why is it charged?  It appears to be a fee assessed to the cable company, which is allowed to be passed through to the customer.  I don’t understand what the town does to justify this charge, as the cable company strings and maintains its own lines, using RG&E poles.  If anything, it would seem that a payment to RG&E for the use of their poles would be more justified.

 It looks to me to be nothing but a “hidden” town tax. 

This question can only be answered with a rather long response, but I feel it’s important for residents to fully understand the issue, especially in light of Time Warner’s recent rate increase. 

The fee was created by the Federal Law and mandated by the FCC and NYS PSC to compensate municipalities for the use of the public rights-of-way, (PROW), in 1972.  Federal Law has upheld the concept of this fee ever since.  When a cable company enters a municipality it must apply for a franchise to offer its services to the residents of that community.  A franchise fee is the way that the cable company reimburses the municipality for that agreement.  The agreement typically lasts 10 to 15 years. 

One last item that should be mentioned is that the town is required to assure compliance with State and Federal law, the franchise agreement, local codes and provide a method for cable service and other complaints.  Regarding complaints, the town has no jurisdiction over rates, channel offerings or programming policies of the cable company.  The town can merely receive complaints and attempt to resolve problems (which the cable channel staff does do) but it cannot fine nor in require the cable company to alter its policies or rates. 

How can I get a copy of my home's blueprints?

I am writing to you because, for the second time in less than a week, my husband and I have almost been broadsided by a relatively fast-moving car going through a red light on East Ridge Road.  We realize that it's not easy to enforce traffic laws in the bitter cold weather, but it seems as if someone is going to be killed at one of these intersections.

East Ridge Road is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Monroe County, and safety must be a priority.  The Irondequoit Police work very hard to keep the road safe for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  I have asked the Chief of Police to alert the officers on patrol to the concern.  It can be very frightening to have to deal with motorists who don't follow the rules.  We really do have to constantly be on the defensive as drivers.  Please be assured that I will have the police get on this.

I hike and walk my dog in Durand Eastman Park year round and would like to know if I could volunteer to clear fallen trees off trails. Most trails with fallen trees are cleared by someone eventually but some seem to be overlooked. Can I help out?

The park is owned by Monroe County.  I would encourage you to contact the Monroe County Department of Parks at 585-753-PARK or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and express your interest in volunteering. 

Is there not a code for people who park on their front lawn?  A house on my streets looks like a doctor’s office parking lot.  It’s the only eyesore on a very pleasant street. Also, there is a couch buried in a snow bank down the street.

Yes, there are codes that can be enforced for these matters.  Please obtain the exact street address for the parked cars and the sofa.  Once you have that information, please contact one of our code officers to file a complaint (585-336-6026).  The complaint will be entered, and an officer will go out to take a look.  If there is indeed a violation, a citation will be sent to the homeowner.  As you know, I have made code enforcement a priority.  Code inspections are up 40% over last year.  With help from neighbors like you, we can continue to keep our town beautiful.  

How do you make your decisions?

The key to making good decisions is listening to all points of view.  I work closely with my staff and Town Councilpersons to channel their views into the decisions I make.   

The people I listen to most carefully when making decisions are the residents of Irondequoit.  I attend loads of events where people have the chance to meet me and tell me what needs to be done and what their priorities are.  I accept many invitations every week to visit schools, businesses, and community groups where you can put your point of view to me.   

Can you come to speak to our group? 

Last year I made around 500 visits to various organizations in the community.  Please e-mail an invitation or send it to  me at Town Hall, 1280 Titus Avenue, Rochester, New York  14617. 

How do I get a personal appointment with you? 

Please call my Assistant, Michelle Simmons, at 585-336-6034. 

Code enforcement does not seem to be moving on my complaint.  Why does it take so long? 

Code enforcement, by law, is not a speedy process.  It’s what the U.S. Constitution calls due process of the law:  A set amount of time is given to correct the violation.  This time begins upon the receipt of the notice of violation.  If, upon re-inspection, attempts to comply are in progress and the time frame is reasonable for the corrections needed, another re-inspection date will be assigned.  If the violation still exists with no attempt at compliance, a Court Appearance Ticket is issued.  Once the case reaches the court, a Town Justice decides the outcome and time frame. 

The Frequently Asked Questions section on the Town’s website’s homepage can answer many of your code enforcement questions. 

Why are they cutting down the tree in my front yard? 

The Town forestry staff has two employees who are Certified Tree Workers and Certified Arborists.  They inspect all trees on Town rights-of-way.  If a tree on Town property is diseased and can’t survive, it will be removed before it becomes a safety hazard. Tree removal is a last-ditch effort, done only when trees are beyond rescue.  If a tree is ill, it will be trimmed with hopes of saving it.   

My street hasn’t been paved in years.  Why? 

In Spring, all roads are reviewed and rated according to deterioration, traffic, and cost of repairs.  Last construction season, the steep and unexpected increase in oil prices meant that the cost of asphalt doubled.  Since our budget for the year was fixed, we could only pave half the number of streets we had originally planned to pave.  Roads that weren’t paved last year, go to the top of this year’s list.