Irondequoit · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Irondequoit public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Special Use Permit for Titus Avenue Restaurant
Streamline Real Estate Acquisitions applied for a special use permit to open a restaurant with more than 30 seats in the business district, which the planning board supported.
Front Porch Setback Variance at 20 Dumont Street
Homeowner Michelle Seipp requested a setback variance to build a small front porch, arguing it enhances neighborhood walkability and community interaction.
Special Use Permit for Backyard Chickens at 176 Parkview Terrace
Residents can keep small backyard flocks if they adhere to strict sanitation, coop setback, and fencing standards. The board reviewed an application on Biltmore Drive that sparked some neighbor debate over property cleanliness before ultimately approving it.
Seabreeze Neighborhood Beautification & Flags
The Farmers' Market is transitioning to the new Quinlan Market building, and the town approved temporary wayfinding flags to help residents navigate to the new location.
Pest and Property Maintenance Concerns
A resident voiced serious concerns about a neighbor feeding pigeons, leading to severe property contamination, foul odors, rodent attraction, and rental setbacks. Residents are frustrated by conflicting agency jurisdictions.
Deer Population and Tick-Borne Illness
A resident expressed concerns over an overabundant local deer population and associated health risks from tick-borne Lyme disease.
Pioneer House Roof Replacement
The historical society is discussing repair estimates for the Pioneer House, specifically addressing roof repairs and structural integrity. The commission emphasized that any work beyond repair-in-kind requires their formal review.
Feral Cat Population Management
A resident highlighted an explosion of stray and feral cats in the neighborhood following a house fire, urging the town to better coordinate Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs and animal welfare enforcement.
Thomas Avenue Sidewalk Installation and RRFB Project
Town officials discussed upcoming intermunicipal agreements with Monroe County for sidewalk construction, tree preservation, and flashing pedestrian crosswalk beacons on Thomas Avenue.
Front Yard Fencing and Through-Lot Classifications
Homeowners installing replacement fences accidentally mismeasured by measuring from the sidewalk instead of the property line, highlighting confusion around modern setback codes and contractor accountability.
Residential Drainage and Setback Concerns
Homeowners requested lot coverage variances to build rear decks, navigating limitations caused by clay soils and poor drainage.
Wimbledon Road Historic District Signage
Commissioners are reviewing design drafts and figuring out where to place new entrance signs for the Wimbledon Road National Register Historic District.
Municipal Software Upgrades and Website Redesign
The historic preservation commission is revamping its application paperwork into a digital Google form to make it easier for residents to apply for landmark status.
Residential Rezoning on Portland Avenue and Buell Drive
The planning board reviewed a request to rezone several residential parcels from R-2 to R-5 to unify apartment complex zoning and support housing availability.
Solicitor Moratorium and Code Review
The town enacted a six-month moratorium on new peddler and solicitor licenses to evaluate current code and consider implementing a 'no-knock' registry.
Consolidated Sewer District Extension (628 Seneca Rd)
Property owners at 628 Seneca Road requested and received approval to connect their property to the town's consolidated sewer district, replacing their existing septic system.
Sewer District Extension at 628 Seneca Road
The town is holding a public hearing to add 628 Seneca Road into the consolidated sewer district so the property can connect to the public force main instead of relying on its current septic system.
Northside Manor Rezoning
Developers are requesting to rezone Northside Manor and surrounding parcels on Portland Avenue, Onondaga Road, and Buell Drive from R-2 to R-5 residential and combine them into a single parcel.
Town Clerk Services
Got a dog, a wedding, or taxes on the horizon? The Irondequoit Town Clerk's office is your one-stop shop for getting all these essential local errands handled.
Road Maintenance and Pothole Repairs
Residents pointed out dangerous potholes on local roads like Titus Avenue and complained about delayed street repairs, while the comptroller noted that highway fund expenses are running high due to seasonal materials.
Farmers Market Relocation and Wayfinding Exemption
The Farmers' Market is moving toward the new Quinlan Market building, and the town approved temporary whip-sail signs to help shoppers find the new location on Thursdays.
Residential Property Merger at 138 Durand Boulevard
Homeowners are combining two separate parcels near Irondequoit Bay into a single tax lot to clear up historical administrative splits. Neighbors raised questions about existing deeded right-of-way easements, which applicants confirmed will remain fully protected.
Planning Board Oversight
Irondequoit's Planning Board is meeting to review new local developments, land divisions, and environmental permits. It's a routine check-in that shapes how our neighborhoods and commercial spaces grow.
Climate Smart Communities Task Force Re-designation
Environmental advocates urged the town to sign the Mayor's Monarch Pledge with the National Wildlife Federation to protect local pollinators and habitat on town land.
Irondequoit Hots Restaurant Redevelopment
The owner of Irondequoit Hots is seeking final site plan approval to rebuild a 2,370-square-foot restaurant at 633 Titus Avenue with outdoor seating and parking.
Library AV System Upgrade
The board reviewed a proposed library budget amendment to use $48,266 in fund balance for updated meeting room AV systems and hearing assistance technology.
The Margaret Home Parking Variance Renewal
The Margaret Home requested a renewal of its previously granted parking variance allowing four parking spaces instead of the code-mandated twenty.
Tax Assessment
Got a STAR exemption letter in the mail? Make sure you reply to it so you don't accidentally lose out on your school property tax savings.
Town Hall Toilet Room Renovations
The town is using federal ARPA funds to upgrade Town Hall restrooms using local contractors.
Illegal Fireworks and Noise Concerns
A resident urged the board to enforce noise ordinances and state fire codes against illegal commercial-style fireworks in neighborhoods during spring and summer months.
Commercial Redevelopment at 1765 E. Ridge Road
Key Bank is proposing a new 3,500-square-foot branch with a drive-thru and 24-hour ATM on an outparcel near the existing Aldi development. Board members reviewed lighting plans, dumpster enclosures, and landscaping requirements.
Future Development of Former St. Thomas the Apostle School
Residents raised concerns about long-term development plans and potential future commercial uses at the former St. Thomas the Apostle School property on Colbrook Drive.
Animal Shelter Grant Acceptance and Facility Upgrades
The police department secured a $75,000 ASPCA grant with no local match requirement to fund animal isolation area and kennel upgrades.
Key Bank Commercial Development on East Ridge Road
Key Bank is proposing a new 3,500-square-foot branch with drive-thru services at 1765 E. Ridge Road. The project requires preliminary and final site plan approval from the planning board.
Traffic Calming and Stop Signs on Party Road
Police Chief discussed installing two new stop signs on Party Road to address speeding complaints from residents.
2025 Preliminary Financial Review
Comptroller Diana Marsh shared a preliminary look at Irondequoit's 2025 financial results, showing town expenses are tracking closely with the budget at year-end.
Front Yard Fence Variance at 98 Dake Avenue
Arthur Trevas requested an area variance to keep an existing front yard fence that exceeds the maximum permitted front setback in an R-1 residential neighborhood.
Front Yard Fence Variance at 412 Cooper Road
Conor McKaig requested an area variance to keep an existing front yard fence that exceeds the maximum permitted front setback in an R-1 residential neighborhood.
Political Leadership Change
Irondequoit's town government is getting a major shakeup after a wild political year, meaning we'll likely see some new approaches to how local issues are handled. Keep an eye on how these fresh faces in leadership decide to run things.
Leadership Transition
Irondequoit has a brand new Town Supervisor, John Perticone, and he's already getting to work on his vision for the town. If you live here, it's time to pay attention because new policies and changes to local government are definitely on the way.
Local Elections
Get ready to vote! This guide breaks down all the local candidates running for office in Irondequoit's 2025 election so you know who's on your ballot.
School Relocation
Ever wonder what happens when a charter school tries to set up shop in your backyard? Irondequoit residents fought back hard, and the school officially ditched its plans to move into town.
Mall Redevelopment
The long-abandoned Irondequoit Mall is finally getting a huge makeover, completely transforming a major local shopping area. This project breathes new life into a massive empty space that has sat dormant for years.
Community Center Opening
Irondequoit just opened a brand-new community center at the old mall site, giving everyone a fresh spot to hang out, work out, and host events. It's a huge win for breathing new life into a vacant space right in our backyard.
Judicial Appointment
Irondequoit just made history by swearing in Devoe as the town's very first female judge. It's a big milestone for local representation on the bench.
Police Conduct
An ex-Irondequoit cop is in hot water for allegedly dropping racial slurs during an off-duty bar fight, sparking major concerns about the police department's internal culture and accountability.
Economic Development
That empty Irondequoit Mall site is finally getting a major upgrade! Rochester Regional Health is moving a brand-new nursing school into the long-vacant property, bringing some serious life back to the area.
Park Resiliency Project
Irondequoit just kicked off a new project to protect the Bay St. Marine Park waterfront from erosion and weather damage. This means better protection for a popular local spot so we can keep using it for years to come.
Event Cancellation
Irondequoit just canceled all of its Fourth of July celebrations, including the big parade and fireworks, to keep everyone safe. If you were looking forward to the holiday weekend festivities, you'll need to make other plans.