City council vacates alleys for senior housing project

Hawkins Homestead, a housing development planned specifically for senior citizens, took a step forward Tuesday, as the Rochester City Council approved vacating alleyways for the proposed 35-unit complex at 1329 College Ave.

Following a public hearing Tuesday, the Rochester City Council approved vacating alleyways for the development of a housing complex for seniors at 1329 College Ave.

The request came from Greg Majewski of Keller Development, which has received federal Rental Housing Tax Credit Program credits to develop a 35-unit, age-restricted complex on the property. 

Majewski noted that the property was plotted with alleyways running both perpendicular and parallel to College Avenue. He added the alleyways have never been improved and surveyors have concluded that utilities would not be affected. 

"The only bordering properties are properties that Keller will be using, so it doesn't concern any of the neighboring homes," he said.

The only public comment on the matter came from Fulton Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Michael Ladd, who simply indicated FEDCO's support in the request and development.   

"I'm normally not for vacating any alleys. I've been opposed to that for as long as I've been on the council, but in this case I can see that it should be vacated to make the best use of the property," Councilman John Garrett said before making a motion to approve the request. 

Garrett's motion was seconded by Councilwoman Ruth Gunter and voted on by the council, which was then reminded by City Attorney Andy Perkins that the measure comes in the form of an ordinance, requiring three readings before a vote. Those readings were subsequently conducted by title only and followed by a unanimous vote of approval. 

The total cost of the complex, dubbed Hawkins Homestead, is estimated at $7,640,125. Seventeen of its units are for people who will pay no more than 80 percent of the area median income, seven for those paying no more than 50 percent and 11 for those paying no more than 30 percent of the area median.