Rochester News and Links
Washington Neighborhood Sidewalk Project Q&A - Answers from Rochester Public Works
Could you provide a copy of the official notice that was sent to property owners?
The initial mailer and the door hanger the contractor places prior to the beginning work are attached.
Is the right-of-way located 1 foot off the sidewalk?
A 1-foot setback is a good rule of thumb to use, but the ROW line varies relative to the sidewalk. GIS shows the ROW ranging from approximately 1-4 feet in a spot check of the project area.
Many homes have landscaping along the sidewalk. Will the city be responsible for replacing any impacted landscaping?
Yes, replacement/repair landscaping is incidental and the contractor's responsibility to repair. We do also, occasionally, encounter landscaping that encroaches well into the right-of-way. In those cases, city staff usually gets involved to resolve resulting issues with the property owner.
Some properties have a steep bank along the sidewalk. How will the areas be regarded?
In most cases, sidewalk grades don't change and disturbed areas will be regraded back to existing conditions. Pedestrian ramp replacements sometimes require lowering grades, and we work to regrade yards to maintainable slopes. In some rare cases, we install v-curb to tie down grades.
Once the concrete work is complete, who is responsible for replacing the sod, and who is responsible for watering it?
Restoration consists of placing topsoil, seed, and a hydro-mulch. We ask home owners to water the restored area to help grass establishment, but the contractor is ultimately responsible for any seed that doesn't take.
2026 News Links
LWV Ward 5 Primary Forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mVNZZWrHgQ
Palmer June KTTC interview: https://www.kttc.com/2026/06/30/one-on-one-with-incumbent-rochester-ward-5-city-council-candidate-shaun-palmer/
Meet Ward 5 Candidates: https://mrf.lu/9x73
2026 Re-election Campaign Announcement: https://www.kttc.com/video/2026/05/20/rochester-city-councilman-shaun-palmer-announces-campaign-re-election/
Council member calls for salary cuts for Rochester City Council and Mayor: https://www.kttc.com/2026/04/25/councilmember-calls-salary-cuts-rochester-city-council-mayor/
City of Rochester 2025 Year in Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DRj54i9BY
Ward 5 Map
- Ward 5 contains new neighborhoods, established neighborhoods, schools, parks, and local businesses.
