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City Planning Commission approves plans for Cobbs Hill Village

rochestermanagement.com

The Rochester City Planning Commission has approved new plans for modernizing Cobbs Hill Village, a complex that has provided affordable housing to seniors for over 60 years.

Part of those plans include more pedestrian connectivity, a community center, central locations for trash and laundry and emergency nurse call buttons in all units. They would also be replacing the current one story structures with three story buildings.

But not all neighbors are happy with the proposed changes. Chris Stevens is the President of the Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association and says they will change the aesthetics of the park.

"The size and scope of the proposed project will dramatically impact the park, it will dominate the park, it will not integrate with it as the current village does."

Peggy Hill, President of Rochester Management, who built and manages the complex, says they are within deed restrictions and zoning laws.

"The fact that we are building up we see is a real asset versus spreading out beyond our parcel that we're on today, we're staying within that footprint."

Hill goes on to say they won’t raise rents for anyone currently living in the 60 apartments there now, and will assist with moving and packing for anyone who chooses to stay.

The Village has provided rents as low as $332 per studio and just over $500 for a one bedroom.

Hill adds that 20 of the 104 proposed apartments will also be rent stabilized for 40 years after any current residents leave, and that there will be no market priced housing.

The plan still needs to be approved by city council to move further.