ThisIsRochester.com: Local Government

Livingston Correctional Facility will be closed in September

May 17, 2019 -- The State Department of Corrections announced that the Livingston Correctional Facility in Sonyea will be closed this fall as part of the state budget blueprint that authorizes the closure of up to three facilities.

State Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes said the facility will close in September.

Livingston Correctional Facility in Sonyea holds 806 inmates and is staffed with 327 employees who may be moved to other facilities or continue working for other New York State departments.

Lincoln Correctional Facility in New York City is also being closed.

Voters may weigh in on Police Accountability Board

April 24, 2019 -- Rochester voters apparently will have a say on election day this fall in how much power the proposed Police Accountability Board will have.

City Council plans to vote May 21 on establishing an independent Police Accountability Board with broad powers including the ability to impose discipline on officers for misconduct. The police chief currently has that authority, and the proposed change would require a public referendum, City Council President Loretta Scott said.

Mayor Lovely Warren had cautioned that shifting disciplinary authority away from the police chief would not survive legal challenges, causing City Council to study putting the change to vote by residents in November.

The controversial PAB proposal originated in January and has been under fire from the Rochester police officers' union. If voters turn down the change in discipline procedures, the rest of the legislation would still go into effect.

Solar farm proposal in Rush raises concerns

April 24, 2019 -- Residents packed the Rush Town Hall to voice displeasure about a proposed solar farm on land between East River and West River roads in both Caledonia and Rush.

Invenergy wants to build on approximately 1,200 of the 2,600 acres it owns, but critics believe the so-called Horseshoe Solar project is too big and too close to homes. An Invenergy representative said the company was midful of residents' concerns.

Invenergy has scheduled two open houses next week to explain its plan. If the project moves forward, the construction likely would not start until 2022.

Report: Rochester's Social Security office failing

April 15, 2019 -- U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer called for an increase in federal funding and resources to be sent to Social Security field offices, including the one in Rochester that is answering only 41 percent of calls received.

The Social Security Administration reported that Rochester's office had the longest average wait times the state and the largest number of people leave after waiting in line.

Schumer said funding to Social Security Administration field offices has remained stagnant in recent years, while the number of retiring baby-boomers has risen. He wants an additional $100 million to be allocated to help Social Security field offices.

Gates bar's liqour license suspended

April 11, 2019 -- The New York State Liquor Authority issued an emergency order of suspension for the Wheels Up Tavern in Gates, which was ordered by the Fire Marshal to stop hosting parties after shots were fired during a recent event.

The State Liquor Authority says Wheels Up will not be able to serve alcohol, citing the April 7 incident. The bar's kitchen was shut down by the Monroe County Health Department due to code violations earlier in the week.

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	A summary of noteworthy news about Greater Rochester government
	More from early 2019 Livingston Correctional Facility will be closed in September May 17, 2019 -- The State Department of Corrections announced that the Livingston Correctional Facility in Sonyea will be closed this fall as part of the state budget blueprint that authorizes the closure of up to three facilities. State Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes said the facility will close in September. Livingston Correctional Facility in Sonyea holds 806 inmates and is staffed with 327 employees who may be moved to other facilities or continue working for other New York State departments. Lincoln Correctional Facility in New York City is also being closed. Voters may weigh in on Police Accountability Board April 24, 2019 -- Rochester voters apparently will have a say on election day this fall in how much power the proposed Police Accountability Board will have. City Council plans to vote May 21 on establishing an independent Police Accountability Board with broad powers including the ability to impose discipline on officers for misconduct. The police chief currently has that authority, and the proposed change would require a public referendum, City Council President Loretta Scott said. Mayor Lovely Warren had cautioned that shifting disciplinary authority away from the police chief would not survive legal challenges, causing City Council to study putting the change to vote by residents in November. The controversial PAB proposal originated in January and has been under fire from the Rochester police officers' union. If voters turn down the change in discipline procedures, the rest of the legislation would still go into effect. Solar farm proposal in Rush raises concerns April 24, 2019 -- Residents packed the Rush Town Hall to voice displeasure about a proposed solar farm on land between East River and West River roads in both Caledonia and Rush. Invenergy wants to build on approximately 1,200 of the 2,600 acres it owns, but critics believe the so-called Horseshoe Solar project is too big and too close to homes. An Invenergy representative said the company was midful of residents' concerns. Invenergy has scheduled two open houses next week to explain its plan. If the project moves forward, the construction likely would not start until 2022. Report: Rochester's Social Security office failing April 15, 2019 -- U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer called for an increase in federal funding and resources to be sent to Social Security field offices, including the one in Rochester that is answering only 41 percent of calls received. The Social Security Administration reported that Rochester's office had the longest average wait times the state and the largest number of people leave after waiting in line. Schumer said funding to Social Security Administration field offices has remained stagnant in recent years, while the number of retiring baby-boomers has risen. He wants an additional $100 million to be allocated to help Social Security field offices. Gates bar's liqour license suspended April 11, 2019 -- The New York State Liquor Authority issued an emergency order of suspension for the Wheels Up Tavern in Gates, which was ordered by the Fire Marshal to stop hosting parties after shots were fired during a recent event. The State Liquor Authority says Wheels Up will not be able to serve alcohol, citing the April 7 incident. The bar's kitchen was shut down by the Monroe County Health Department due to code violations earlier in the week. [ LOOK BACK AT OLDER STORIES ]