Fifth Ward Growing and Growing

As a 31 year resident of NE Rochester I know what I like about this area and bet you do too. Looks like a lot more folks will get to share the experience in the coming years and that's great. There's a lot to offer.

You may have read about the TID (Transportation Improvement District) we developed last year and begin implementing. Number two on the list was the Hadley Valley Area, an area comprising of over 1000 acres of developable land. Several developers have submitted plans for the area and are working with the city to make sure that we do things in an orderly, cost effective manner.

We reviewed plans for this area and approved the methodology. Final details are being worked on and I expect that we will sign off on this sometime in August.

The TID requires the developer to commit to pay for 75% of infrastructure needs generated by the new development. These costs will be passed on to the new owners -- not any of you who already live in the area nor any of our other taxpayers. We, the city, will pay the remaining 25% which is a lot less than the 100% we've paid in the past.

This development will take place over the next 10-20 years. I just wanted you to know a bit more about what's happening around you and how far in advance we often work with developers and public works.

As always, get back to me with any questions or concerns.

Have a safe and sane 4th!

Neighbor-to-neighbor Problems

One of the most difficult and sensitive problems I get to respond to occasionally are the neighbor-to-neighbor issues that occasionally occur.

Weeds or grass too long (Rochester Code of Ordinace 72.08) is easy because there is an ordinance to cover it. Same for snow removal in winter (RCO 72.02). Most people are hesitant to talk to their neighbor about this and stew over it for fear of causing trouble or whatever. I can easily help you with this if this is a problem because I can simply stop by as a concerned alderman who noticed the violation and see if the party in question needs help, is aware of the city ordinance, and offer to get help to keep them from getting a citation. Done it several times and don't have to even say that a neighbor complained. (So if I stop at your house to talk to you about your lawn or snow removal -- it was your neighbor that complained but I won't tell you that. HA!)

There are laws about barking dogs and other animal control issues that simply should be reported to Animal Control-- 287-2230. There is a noise ordinance (RCO 85.10) that protects you from "unnecessary" noises in general. Call the cops on this.

And yes you can keep chickens, up to three, no roosters, and you must have a coop.

Trucks over 3/4 ton, boats, trailers, motor homes longer than 20 feet, dump trucks, tractors, boat trailers, heavy machinery, uncleaned livestock trailers cannot be parked on any street or alley for more than one hour. (RCO 134.23)

There isn't much I can do to help you with drainage or water runoff concerns especially in older established homes. Could help to insure that new development builders conform with grading plans by asking our public works folks to check for compliance. Been getting a lot of these requests lately.

You can find our ordinances on line by going to the City Home page, get tham at the Public Library, or visit the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 201 4th Street SW.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to try to talk to your neighbor yourself. If I or someone else from the city talk to them about a problem (with the exception of the simple concerns I mentioned above) and you hadn't made the effort, well, think of how you'd feel in the same circumstance. Probably not too cooperative and your relationship most likely will move even further apart.

I know it's tough sometimes but we do have to live together in this community called Rochester so let's all lighten up a bit and make the best of this "best small city to live in".

Speed Tables for Northern Valley Dr. NE

After quite a bit of re-engineering of slope angles and such to help address the concerns of the Fire Department about potential damage to their heavy emergency response equipment and design adjustments to meet the unique requirements of Northern Valley Dr, our Public Works Department requested approval from the city council tonight (June 20, 2005) to adversize for construction bids.

This was unanimously approved which moves us another step closer to getting the speed tables built. I realize that this is long overdue but it is the first set of speed tables we're going to build in over 3 years.

As always, if yo have any questions or comments don't hesitate to contact me.

Glendale Neighborhood's Eight Flag Day Parade

Just returned home from one of the best 5th Ward homespun annual get-togethers -- the Glendale Neighborhood's Flag Day Parade. This is their 8th one and I think I managed to march in at least 7 (did so even before I was politically correct or involved.) Lora Powell has been one of the main organizers ever since I can remember. Im sure she had lots of help by others -- that seems to be the kind of neighborhood it is.

The parade started at the top of Glendale Hills Dr. at 6:30 as it has every year. This year I parked my car at the end point, North Park, and walked the route backwards so I would end up where my car was parked. Old guy like me started the parade already fairly pooped! What was I thinking? What were the developers that build all those beautiful homes on such a long, steep, street thinking?

The route was lined with flags stuck in front of all the homes for the entire route. Most homes had some kind of flag display as well. Very patriotic.

Moms and dads, grandpas and grandmas, and kids of all ages joined the procession down the hill. The smarter and wiser joined as we moved past. They must have walked up the hill in the past and were quicker learners than I.

Kids on bikes and in wagons decorated with flags and red, white, and blue streamers were pulled by parents. This is one of those times I think the kids will talk about with their children someday and hopefully try to duplicate when the time comes.

Finally at the end we were treated to the traditional watermelon. Helped cut again and yes, they did trust me with a knife though I tried not talking too much because it seems that my vocal cords are linked to my arms.

I met a few wonderful people and we talked some about a few city and local area issues. Promised to look into a stop sign at Northern Valley and Rocky Creek Roads, do more about speeding, running red lights, explained the real story behind our new bow and arrow hunting ordinance, and vowed to be back next year.

Nice going Glendale! See you next year (but think I'll call a cab to take me up the hill!)

Holy Moley! What was that?

No, we've not been transplanted to California and it's not an earthquake, nor are we being invaded by terrorists!

If some of you felt your house do a bit of rockin' and rollin' lately it's most likely the blasting taking place for Stonegate Summit Townhomes on top of the hill off of Rocky Creek Drive.

The developer does have a permit, you shouldn't have any damage to your property (but if you do you can contact Mr. Bill Keehn, 254-1623), and this should be over shortly so hang on.

Or feel free to contact me at 285-0295 or 951-7677 (cell).

Bob