
Latest News
City Helping Residents Sign up for Vaccinations.
The City of Rochester is closely monitoring the activities taking place in the community to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. City residents can call 311 for assistance with obtaining an appointment to receive a vaccine. Libraries and R-Centers will host registration stations to assist residents in signing up to receive the vaccine. Learn more>>
(Thursday, Feb. 15, 2021) - Statement from Mayor Lovely A. Warren Regarding Over 6,400 Residents Signed Up on First Day for St. Paul Street Mass Vaccination Site. Learn more>>
(Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021) – Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren was joined today by City Councilmember Miguel Melendez Jr. in calling for changes in vaccine distribution for city residents. Learn more>>
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The City of Rochester is closely monitoring the activities taking place in the community to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. The State of New York and Monroe County are responsible for managing community-wide administration of the vaccine. If you are interested in learning more about how to access the vaccine, please visit the Vaccine Information page on the Monroe County website.
City residents can call 311 for assistance with obtaining an appointment to receive a vaccine.
The following libraries and R-Centers will host registration stations to assist residents in signing up to receive the vaccine:
Rochester Public Library Branches
- Central Library Downtown, 115 South Ave., 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Mon.–Fri.
- Lyell Branch, 956 Lyell Ave., 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; and 12 noon–6 p.m., Thurs.
- Phyllis Wheatley Community Library, 33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; and 12 noon–6 p.m., Thurs.
- Arnett Branch, 310 Arnett Blvd., 12 noon–6 p.m., Mon.–Thur., ; and 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri.;
- Maplewood Community Library, 1111 Dewey Ave., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri. ; and 12 noon–6 p.m., Thu.
- Lincoln Branch, 851 Joseph Ave., 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; and 12 noon–6 p.m., Thurs.
R-Centers (10 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday through Friday)
- Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 N. Clinton Ave.
- David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North St.
- Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St.
- Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Ave.
- Tyshaun Caldwell R-Center, 524 Campbell St.
- Avenue D R-Center, 200 Avenue D
- Carter Street R-Center, 500 Carter St.
Free Asymptomatic COVID Testing Available, Walk-Ins Welcome
The City of Rochester continues to partner with Monroe County and the Rochester City School District to provide free, rapid COVID tests to Monroe County residents who are asymptomatic. Residents experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or call the Monroe County COVID Hotline at 753-5555.
Testing Locations & Hours
- Joseph C. Wilson Foundation Academy, 200 Genesee St. (use entrance on Frost St)., 4–7 p.m., Mondays & Tuesdays
- Jefferson High School, 1 Edgerton Park, 11 a.m.-–2 p.m., Wednesdays
- East High School, 1801 E. Main St. (use entrance on Ohio St.), 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturdays
What You Need to Know about Testing
- Testing is free and available for all ages.
- You do not need an appointment to be tested. Even if appointments are full on the website, the city sites can still accommodate walk-ins.
- If you do want to make an appointment in advance or seek a testing site outside of the city of Rochester, visit www.monroecounty.gov/healthcalls/register or call 311 (outside the city, call 585-428-5990).
- You must be a Monroe County resident.
- You must bring a valid form of identification (children do not need I.D.)
- This is rapid testing with a self-administered, shallow nasal swab. You will know if your result is positive via a phone call within approximately one hour.
Organization Service Request form
If you are interested in offering COVID testing, education, or other services for communities that your organization serves, Submit a request HERE
Pandemic Related Service, Programs, Additional Information
Download your Family COVID Preparedness Plan
Status of City Facility Operating Hours, Service Levels: Updated Feb. 11>>
New York Forward: Cluster Action Initiative Hot Spot Zone by Address>>
Emergency Proclamation and Local Emergency Order>>
Jumpstarting ROC>>
Re-opening Rochester
Other Community Resources>>
Helpful Telephone Numbers>>
Status of City Facility Operating Hours, Service Levels: Updated Feb. 11
The
following changes in hours of operation are in effect at City facilities and
departments beginning Tuesday, February 16. City Hall is closed on Friday,
February 12 and Monday, February 15 for the Lincoln’s Birthday and President’s
Day holidays. The self-service drop boxes at City Hall, 30 Church St., and the
Neighborhood Service Centers remain in operation. Many other services continue
to be available online at www.cityofrochester.gov/cityservices.
In
addition, to these hours and services changes staffing at City Hall will be
increased so that 50% of staff are working in the office and the remainder will
continue to work remotely. Individual departments will determine staff
schedules and rotations as needed.
Visitors
to City facilities will be required to adhere to State social distancing
guidelines. Customers may experience delays entering buildings due to health
and safety precautions.
Rochester City Hall, 3o Church St.
City
Hall is open from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., however, the self-service drop boxes at City
Hall will be available from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. for permit applications or payments
(customers are reminded not to leave cash in drop boxes). Entering and exiting
City Hall is limited to the Link Entrance on Fitzhugh Street.
Department of Environmental Services
Refuse and Recycling remain on regular schedule. Right-of-Way permit applications can be submitted on-line or the City Hall drop box. In-person assistance can be found at the City Hall permit counter.
Finance Department
The
Treasury, Assessment and Purchasing office are open to the public from 9 a.m.–3
p.m. Purchasing customers can drop off bids, insurance papers and pay for plans
and specs.
The
Traffic Violations Agency, 200 E. Main St., is open for walk-in customers, 9
a.m. –3 p.m., Monday through Friday. TVA trials will take place from 8:30 –11
a.m. and 1 –3 p.m. on Tues. and Thurs. Call 428-6555 or visit cityofrochester.gov/rtva if you need assistance regarding your
ticket(s) and/or trial.
The
Bureau of Parking and Municipal Code Violations, 200 E. Main St., is open from
9 a.m. –3 p.m., Mon. through Fri. Parking and Municipal Code adjudication
hearings will be held in person by appointment. Call 428-7484 to schedule an
appointment.
Rochester Fire Department (RFD)
All RFD Fire Houses provide in-person service for customers who need assistance, which can include emergency first aid or fire-safety consultation. To find a Fire House, visit cityofrochester.gov/servicelocator/.
Rochester Public Library
Central
Branches
- Arnett: 12 noon–6 p.m., Mon.–Thurs.; 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri.
- Charlotte: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon., Wed., Fri.; 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Thurs. (beginning Feb. 15)
- Douglass: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon.–Fri. (curbside only)
- Lincoln: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 12 noon–6 p.m. Thurs. (beginning Feb. 15)
- Lyell: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 12 noon–6 p.m. Thurs. (beginning Feb. 15)
- Maplewood: 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 12 noon–6 p.m. Thurs. (beginning Feb. 15)
- Monroe: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 12 noon–6 p.m. Thurs. (curbside only)
- Phillis Wheatley: 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 12 noon–6 p.m. Thurs. (beginning Feb. 15)
- Sully: 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Mon.–Fri. (Feb. 15–26); 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon.–Fri. (beginning March 1)
- Winton: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.; 12 noon–6 p.m., Thurs. (beginning Feb. 22)
Department of Neighborhood and Business Development The
Department of Neighborhood and Business Development will operate in Room 121B
from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Mon.–Fri., offering grab-and-go service to provide
application forms for C of Os, grants and permits related to operating a
business, construction, home repairs, zoning and licensed trades. Customers can
also obtain applications for a right-of-way permit in this office. A City
employee will be available during these hours to offer assistance in obtaining
the correct application packet. NBD staff will also be available for telephone,
e-mail or remote video consultations from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon.–Fri. To learn
more about NBD permits, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/NBD or call 311 to schedule an appointment
for any NBD process.
City
Neighborhood Service Centers will be open 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Mon.–Fri. for walk up
service and submission of Property Rehabilitation Grant and Handicap Parking
Permit applications..
The Rochester Police Department (RPD)
The RPD Headquarters Desk at the Public Safety Building, 185 Exchange Blvd., will continue to serve customers in person, 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, including those who want to post bail for inmates in the Monroe County Jail, process accident reports and to assist residents who need to talk to a police officer.
Each of the RPD Patrol Section Offices provide access to in-person customer service with an on-duty patrol officer via call boxes at the front doors. To find a Section Office, visit cityofrochester.gov/servicelocator/.
The Rochester Animal Services animal shelter, 184 Verona St., is providing in-person customer service for customers by appointment for pet adoptions and lost-pet recovery from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
The RPD Auto Impound Lot, 330 Colfax St., provides in-person vehicle-recovery service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Department of Recreation and Human Services:
Administrative Offices, 57 St. Paul St. The Administrative offices operates on the same hours as City Hall and is open for permit applications.
The
Department of Recreation and Human Services office at 57 St. Paul St. is open
to the public for permits and administration, 9 a.m.–4 pm., Mon.–Fri.
R-Centers
- R-Centers
have resumed youth programming and continuing food distribution from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.,
Mon.-Fri. Breakfast, lunch, and dinners are available at the following centers:
- Ave D R-Center, 200 Avenue D
- Carter St. R-Center, 500 Carter St.
- David Gantt R-Center, 700 North St.
- Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center,
485 N. Clinton Ave.
- Adams R-Center, 85 Adams St.
- Frederick Douglass R-Center, 999 South Ave.
- Thomas P. Ryan Center – 530 Webster Ave.
- Edgerton R-Center, 41 Backus St.
- Tyshaun Cauldwell R-Center for Hope, 524
Campbell St.
Pools are open at Trenton & Pamela Jackson and Adams R-Center with additional hours on Wednesday nights for Adult Swim Lessons from 7–8 p.m.; and Learn-to-Swim classes 6–8 p.m., Fridays; and 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Saturdays. During the RCSD’s Mid-Winter Recess Week (Feb. 16–19), both pools will operate from 12 noon–4:45 p.m.; There will be no Adult Swim, Learn to Swim or Baby and Me Swim Lessons during Recess week.
For
the full schedule of swimming lessons visit www.cityofrochester.gov/swimlessons/.
Athletic
activities are resumed with Boxing Training at Trenton & Pamela Jackson R-Center,
3–6 p.m., Mon.–Fri.; Lacrosse Training and Skill Development, 6–8 p.m., Tues.
and Thurs. (for ages 6 -18, limited capacity of 20); and Baseball and Softball
Skill Development Training, 6–8 p.m., Mondays and 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturdays (for
ages 8 -18; open to all youth organizations).
Academic
support is provided to students Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Ice
skating at Martin Luther King Jr. Ice Rink and the Genesee Valley Sports Complex
Ice Rink is available during normal operating hours. For schedules, visit www.cityofrochster.gov/mlkparkicerink or call the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ice Rink at 428-7456; Genesee Valley Sports Complex Ice Rink; visit www.cityofrochester.gov/gvpsc or call the GVP Ice Rink at 428-7888.
After
School in the Park camp will operate 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Mon.–Fri. After
School in the Park provides a safe, engaging space for youth to attend remote
school and participate in arts & crafts, team building and STEAM activities.
Free breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. There are currently slots
available in the program for $100 per week for city residents. For more
information visit www.cityofrochester.gov/afterschoolprogram.
The City of Rochester Public Market:
The
Market continues to be open on regular Market Days, 6 a.m.-1 p.m., Tues. and
Thurs.; 5 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.
Lodge Rentals
The
City is accepting online reservations for lodges and athletic fields. Permitted
activities must follow all CDC and New York State recommended health guidelines
regarding COVID-19, including masks or cloth face coverings, social distancing,
and limited gatherings to no more than 50 people. Citizens can view lodge
availability, make reservations and process payments online by visiting cityofrochester.gov/lodges.
Residents
with DRHS facilities reservations must adhere to attendance limits for the
current NY Forward color-code. If you have questions regarding your
reservation, contact the Department of Recreation and Human Services permit
office at (585) 428-6755 or email greenl@cityofrochester.gov
Parks and Amenities
The
Roc City Skatepark -closed.
The
International Plaza, 828 N. Clinton Ave.-closed
Rochester City Clerk The
Rochester City Clerk’s Licensing Office, room 100A, will be open from 9 a.m.–3
p.m. Mon.–Fri. for some of the licenses it processes. The following services
are available for walk-in services Monday through Friday: Commissioner of Deeds
applications; Dog License Applications; Sexually Oriented Business License
applications for managers and employees; Hotel/Motel/Van License; Livery
License; Solicitor License; Taxicab Driver License; Taxicab Hackplate License
and Business Licenses. The following services are available by appointment
only: Animal and Poultry License; Domestic Partnership Termination; and
Passports. The following services are available online only: Domestic
Partnership Certificate; Marriage License Applications (City of Rochester
residents only) and Virtual Civil Marriage Ceremonies (City of Rochester
residents only). The following applications can be mailed or dropped off in
City Hall’s drop box: Alarm Permits; Corn Hill Parking Passes and Cobbs Hill
Dog Park applications. Call 428-6617 if you have questions or to schedule an
appointment.
For a list of available services, click here>>
During the Pandemic, Mayor Lovely A. Warren issues periodic Emergency Proclamations and Local Emergency Orders in accordance of Section 24 of NY Executive Law.
Jumpstarting ROC
This site will keep you up-to-date on the many actions that the City of Rochester is taking to respond to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic – our immediate Response, how we will contribute to Recovery, and strategies to ensure our community’s long-term Resiliency. You’ll also find valuable Resources for businesses and links to information for residents.
https://www.jumpstartingroc.com/
What you need to know as Rochester moves through the re-opening phases.
- Maintain Safe Social Distancing Practices for Yourself and Others
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Continue to wear a face mask in public, especially when you are in close proximity others.
- Stay 6 feet apart from those outside your household.
- Limit social gatherings to household members.
- Do not gather in groups. Non-essential gatherings such as birthday parties, weddings and holiday picnics remain prohibited.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
- Cover sneezes and coughs with a bent elbow.
- Stay home if you feel ill or display symptoms of COVID-19.
- Track Your Health, Help Our Community Recover at ROCCOVID.org
- Help the Monroe County Department of Health find new hotspots and identify at-risk populations by participating in the online daily health tracker. Learn more>>
Personal COVID Plan
Mayor Lovely A. Warren has launched a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan to help families prepare in the event someone in their household were to become ill with the coronavirus. In addition to the City's website, 10,000 printed copies are being made available at the asymptomatic testing sites in the city, at meal distribution sites at City R-Centers and city schools as well as at local businesses. The City is working with its government and community partners to expand the number of locations where the plan will be available. Learn more>>
Foodlink Drive-through Emergency Food Distribution Sites
Foodlink is partnering with Monroe County to distribute emergency food supply boxes in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Distribution sites across the county will provide drive through, no-touch distributions. Pre-registration is required
Learn more>>
Helpful Telephone Numbers
- Food and Shelter Assistance: Dial 211
- Willow Domestic Violence Center:
-
24-Hour Hotline (585) 222-SAFE (7233)
- 24-Hour Text Line (585) 348-SAFE (7233)
- Monroe County Domestic Violence: 428-2215
- National Suicide and Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273- 8255
- State Office of Mental Health: (844) 863-9314
- County Office of Mental Health: call 753-5530
- Local Life Line Mobile Crisis Team: call 275-5151