# Hot Topics - [Adopt-A-Block](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/adopt-a-block.md): Adopt-A-Block activates designated neighbors on every street that crosses Monroe Avenue. Each person periodically walks down to the corner and picks up litter at the end of their street. - [Resources for Renters](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/resources-for-renters.md): This section offers resources for those who rent apartments and homes in Upper Monroe. Much of this information may be helpful no matter where you live in the City of Rochester. - [Quick Info & Links](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/resources-for-renters/quick-info-and-links.md) - [Property Condition Related Issues](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/resources-for-renters/property-condition-related-issues.md): Questions or concerns sometimes come up around the condition of an apartment or home you currently rent or a unit you are considering. This page offers some helpful resources. - [Eviction Related Issues](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/resources-for-renters/eviction-related-issues.md): This page shares information about eviction related concerns faced by some renters. - [Rent Stabilization Related Issues](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/resources-for-renters/rent-stabilization-related-issues.md): Rochester City Council is considering if it should adopt rent stabilization standards in the City but the question is tricky because they cannot act unless the vacancy rate is below 5%. - [Matters Related To Planning & Zoning](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/matters-related-to-planning-and-zoning.md): This section is designed to notify the community about matters before the ZBA and to community engagement on those matters. - [53 Avondale Park | Application Pending](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/matters-related-to-planning-and-zoning/53-avondale-park-or-application-pending.md): An application to change the legal use of of this property is pending. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 20th. You are encouraged to learn more and comment. Details below. - [Digital billboards proposed 21-25 Canterbury](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/matters-related-to-planning-and-zoning/digital-billboards-proposed-21-25-canterbury.md): This page provides information about a variance application by Lamar Outdoor Advertising to allow three billboards at 25 Canterbury Road. - [COMPLETED: 224 Field Street | Variance Application](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/matters-related-to-planning-and-zoning/completed-224-field-street-or-variance-application.md): A zoning variance application has been submitted on this property. The public hearing is October 23, 2025. Details are described on this page. - [COMPLETED: 307 Rosedale Street | Variance Application](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/matters-related-to-planning-and-zoning/completed-307-rosedale-street-or-variance-application.md): A zoning variance application has been submitted on this property. The public hearing is July 24, 2025 at 6:00 pm in Rochester City Hall. The basic details and various links are provided on this page. - [COMPLETED: 297 Rosedale Street | Variance Application](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/matters-related-to-planning-and-zoning/completed-297-rosedale-street-or-variance-application.md): A zoning variance application has been submitted on this property. The public hearing is May 22, 2025. Details are described on this page. - [COMPLETED | Digital billboards proposed near Upper Monroe & Cobbs Hill on Rt 490](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/matters-related-to-planning-and-zoning/completed-or-digital-billboards-proposed-near-upper-monroe-and-cobbs-hill-on-rt-490.md): This page provides information about three digital billboards that are under review for variances by the City of Rochester's Zoning Board of Appeals. - [Road Related Construction or Redesign Projects](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/road-related-construction-or-redesign-projects.md): You will find links to any road construction projects in either underway or planned in Upper Monroe below. - [PROJECT: 2025 Preventative Maintenance Project (Culver/University)](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/road-related-construction-or-redesign-projects/project-2025-preventative-maintenance-project-culver-university.md): The City of Rochester will undertake a number of improvements and modifications to Culver Road and and Monroe Avenue near Werner Park in 2025. The Upper Monroe section is part of a larger project. - [Pedestrian Island on Monroe Avenue](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/road-related-construction-or-redesign-projects/project-2025-preventative-maintenance-project-culver-university/pedestrian-island-on-monroe-avenue.md): This page offers information and concerns related to the newly installed pedestrian island installed by the City of Rochester on Monroe Avenue between Culver Road & Werner Park. - [PROJECT: 2025 Street Chip Sealing](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/road-related-construction-or-redesign-projects/project-2025-street-chip-sealing.md): During the summer of 2025 certain street in the Upper Monroe neighborhood will be chip sealed by the City of Rochester. - [Supporting Cobbs Hill Park](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/supporting-cobbs-hill-park.md): This page describes UMNA's efforts to support & enhance Cobbs Hill Park including establishing a preservation district covering the Park and developing a Cobbs Hill Park master plan. - [The Backstory: Two Pavilions, Two Standards](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/supporting-cobbs-hill-park/the-backstory-two-pavilions-two-standards.md) - [What About A Master Plan for Cobbs Hill Park?](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/supporting-cobbs-hill-park/what-about-a-master-plan-for-cobbs-hill-park.md): UMNA would be interested in a community conversation about the possibility of a Cobbs Hill park masterplan. - [Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/supporting-cobbs-hill-park/reservoir-lt2-compliance-project.md): The Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association will play an active advisory role in the LT2 Compliance Project. This page will help residents understand & facilitate resident engagement. - [UPDATE | August 2025 | Project Advisory Committee Meeting](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/supporting-cobbs-hill-park/reservoir-lt2-compliance-project/update-or-august-2025-or-project-advisory-committee-meeting.md): This page will update you on the first Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting held at School #15 on August 14, 2025 - [Public Safety Task Force](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force.md): Concerns over incidents of vandalism, crime, violence & various types of conflicts occasionally flare up. This section provides information about how UMNA helps to address these situations. - [Incidents Associated With Vagrant Individuals](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force/incidents-associated-with-vagrant-individuals.md): Certain individuals have exhibited undesirable behaviors in various areas of the neighborhood putting them in conflict with residents. This section tracks circumstances & describes follow-up actions. - [Monroe Avenue & Field Street | ONGOING](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force/incidents-associated-with-vagrant-individuals/monroe-avenue-and-field-street-or-ongoing.md): This page describes certain incidents & circumstances identified by neighbors & business owners in the vicinity of Monroe Avenue and Field Street. - [Overdose Deaths 2025 | Remembering Luke & Kyle](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force/incidents-associated-with-vagrant-individuals/monroe-avenue-and-field-street-or-ongoing/overdose-deaths-2025-or-remembering-luke-and-kyle.md) - [Pinnacle Hill | ONGOING](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force/incidents-associated-with-vagrant-individuals/pinnacle-hill-or-ongoing.md): This page describes certain incidents & circumstances identified by neighbors in the vicinity of Pinnacle Hill. - [Miscellaneous | 2024 | RESOLVED](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force/incidents-associated-with-vagrant-individuals/miscellaneous-or-2024-or-resolved.md): This page describes certain incidents that occurred in 2024 along with follow-up by neighbors and UMNA. - [Vehicle Break-ins and Vandalism | ONGOING](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force/vehicle-break-ins-and-vandalism-or-ongoing.md): Over the last few years and again more recently vehicles have been vandalized in the Upper Monroe area. On more than on occasion multiple vehicles have been affected during a single incident. - [Conflicts associated with a group of juveniles | 2024 | RESOLVED](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/public-safety-task-force/conflicts-associated-with-a-group-of-juveniles-or-2024-or-resolved.md): Recently a group of juveniles has exhibited undesirable behaviors & is suspected of criminal acts in the area from 7-11 to Luzerne to Rosedale & down Hinsdale putting them in conflict with residents. - [Code Compliance "High Priority" Cases](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/code-compliance-high-priority-cases.md): In 2023 UMNA began identifying "High Priority" code compliance cases for urgent action. - [Case: Vacant Properties on Crosman Terrace](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/code-compliance-high-priority-cases/case-vacant-properties-on-crosman-terrace.md): In August, 2024 Several neighbors along Crosman Terrace invited UMNA to see four properties that have become vacant on the street and discuss ideas for addressing property code compliance concerns. - [Case: Parking Lot - Code Compliance & Maintenance](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/code-compliance-high-priority-cases/case-parking-lot-code-compliance-and-maintenance.md): In 2022 an expanded parking lot was approved behind four buildings located in the 900 block of Monroe Ave. After more than a year the work is not up to code and there are issues with it's maintenance. - [Monroe Avenue Revitalization Coalition (MARC)](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc.md): The Monroe Avenue Revitalization Coalition plays a critical role in UMNA's multi-year plan to revitalize our section of Monroe Avenue through a coordinated effort and a mutual support network. - [Monroe Avenue Community Mobilization](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/monroe-avenue-community-mobilization.md): The Monroe Avenue Revitalization Coalition will develop plans to revitalize Monroe Avenue by using input from the general public. - [GlowMonroe | Beautification & Livability](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/monroe-avenue-community-mobilization/glowmonroe-or-beautification-and-livability.md): This page describes work by MARC's Beautification & Livability Action Team known as "GlowMonroe". GlowMonroe focuses projects and programs along and adjacent to Monroe Avenue. - [Adopt-A-Block](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/monroe-avenue-community-mobilization/glowmonroe-or-beautification-and-livability/adopt-a-block.md): Adopt-A-Block seeks to keep Monroe Avenue clean of miscellaneous debris by breaking the work down by individual blocks and cleaning those blocks regularly. - [GrowMonroe | Economic Development](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/monroe-avenue-community-mobilization/growmonroe-or-economic-development.md): This page describes work undertaken by the MARC Economic Development Action Team now referred to as "GrowMonroe". From this page you will see links to various project pages. - [Monroe Fresh Finds Community Garage Sale](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/monroe-avenue-community-mobilization/growmonroe-or-economic-development/monroe-fresh-finds-community-garage-sale.md): Monroe Fresh Finds Community Garage Sale provides neighbors with a monthly opportunity to during warm weather months to clean out and cash in on items no longer useful to them. - [SafeMonroe | Public Safety & Crime](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/monroe-avenue-community-mobilization/safemonroe-or-public-safety-and-crime.md): This page describes work undertaken by the MARC Public Safety & Crime Action Team now referred to as "SafeMonroe". From this page you will see links to various project pages. - [Homelessness, poverty & vagrancy along the Monroe Avenue Corridor](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/monroe-avenue-community-mobilization/safemonroe-or-public-safety-and-crime/homelessness-poverty-and-vagrancy-along-the-monroe-avenue-corridor.md): The Monroe Avenue Revitalization Coalition invited numerous non-profit organizations, the RPD and elected representatives to talk as a group on August 13, 2024. - [Commercial Vacancies at Monroe Avenue & South Goodman Street](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/monroe-avenue-revitalization-coalition-marc/commercial-vacancies-at-monroe-avenue-and-south-goodman-street.md): This page focuses on the current and potential future commercial vacancies at and near the intersection of Monroe Avenue & South Goodman Street. - [Block Parties](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/block-parties.md): This program is funded in part through an Neighbors In Action (NIA) grant facilitated by the City of Rochester. - [Zoning Alignment Project (ZAP)](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/zoning-alignment-project-zap.md): This page provides information about background information about the City of Rochester's efforts to update its zoning code. Subsequent pages describe the process as it moves towards completion - [ZAP Community Engagement Through January, 2024](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/zoning-alignment-project-zap/zap-community-engagement-through-january-2024.md): This page provides information about the UMNA ZAP Workgroup established to facilitate Upper Monroe area residents' engagement with the City efforts to update its zoning code through early 2024. - [ZAP Final Phase](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/zoning-alignment-project-zap/zap-final-phase.md): This page provides information about what is expected to be the final phase of ZAP. The City's ZAP team will present a "final" draft for review and then it go before City Council for final approval. - [A Public Utility Company for Rochester](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/a-public-utility-company-for-rochester.md): This page will follow the Upper Monroe neighborhood's advocacy around the effort establishing a publicly owned utility company in Rochester. - [Cobbs Hill Village Redevelopment](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/cobbs-hill-village-redevelopment.md): The redevelopment of Cobbs Hill Village in Cobbs Hill Park is an ongoing, multi-year project with notable impacts. This page is designed to help neighbors stay updated. - [Care Of Our Green Streetscape](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/care-of-our-green-streetscape.md): The trees & gardens located between our streets and our sidewalks are highly valued. This page is designed to provide resources and organize support for the health of our green streetscape. - [Programs](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/programs.md): These programs have been developed by the UMNA leadership team out of needs identified by the community. - [Fire Extinguisher Giveaway](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/programs/fire-extinguisher-giveaway.md): This program is funded in part through an Neighbors In Action (NIA) grant facilitated by the City of Rochester. A discount on the equipment was provided by Mayer Paint & Hardware. - [Neighbors In Need](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/programs/neighbors-in-need.md): This program seeks to help neighbors who may be elderly, infirmed or otherwise in need of some service or support. - [Neighbor-To-Neighbor](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/programs/neighbor-to-neighbor.md): A simple way to connect directly with someone who lives nearby. - [Public Art Projects](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/programs/public-art-projects.md): This program is funded in part through an Neighbors In Action (NIA) grant facilitated by the City of Rochester. - [Sign Replacement & Banners](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/programs/sign-replacement-and-banners.md): This program is funded in part through an Neighbors In Action (NIA) grant facilitated by the City of Rochester. - [Students In Need](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/programs/students-in-need.md): This program is funded in part through a grant by the NIA program facilitated by the City of Rochester. - [Past Hot Topics](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/past-hot-topics.md) - [IMPACT913: Water Main Break on Monroe Avenue](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/past-hot-topics/impact913-water-main-break-on-monroe-avenue.md): This page will offer information related to the recent catastrophic water main break that took place on Monroe Avenue on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Please check back occasionally for updates. - [Conversion to LED Streetlights](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/past-hot-topics/conversion-to-led-streetlights.md): This page updates the community about the conversation of existing conventional lamps to brighter, whiter LED bulbs. - [Invasive Species & Pests](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/past-hot-topics/invasive-species-and-pests.md): This page is designed to provide information about invasive plant species found in Upper Monroe and update the community about efforts to remove them. - [Proposed Shelters at Cobbs Hill Park](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/past-hot-topics/proposed-shelters-at-cobbs-hill-park.md): UMNA strives to identify and track proposals under review by the City of Rochester and notify UM neighbors so they may engage with the City on these matters. - [2024 UMNA Nominating Committee](https://www.uppermonroe.com/hot-topics/past-hot-topics/2024-umna-nominating-committee.md): UMNA has established a Nominating Committee to support the election of UMNA officers in 2024 per the organization's bylaws. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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