City Seeks Volunteers for Nuisance Advisory Board

The City of Rochester is seeking volunteers to fill open seats on the Nuisance Advisory Board (NAB), which helps support safe and vibrant neighborhoods across the city.  

The City periodically receives referrals from the Rochester Police Department and Rochester Fire Department that commercial businesses, rental properties, or owner-occupied homes are participating in nuisance activities as described in the City Charter and the Nuisance Abatement Program. Nuisance activities include concerns involving weapons, violence, drugs, and repeated noise violations. The City verifies whether these nuisance behaviors occurred and, if confirmed, assesses nuisance points against the property. 

If points accumulate to a set threshold within a certain time frame, the alleged violations of city law and code are escalated to the NAB. NAB members review whether chronic nuisance activities have occurred and, if so, recommend what further enforcement actions should be taken to address the public safety and quality of life issues at the property.  

“The Nuisance Advisory Board is a critical partner in our work to help neighborhoods thrive,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “We are looking for people who care deeply about Rochester, understand how businesses and neighbors share space, and can evaluate situations fairly and objectively. Our neighborhoods are ecosystems and places where people live, work, shop, and play. Board members help ensure we create a careful balance, so our city remains strong and dynamic.” 

The City encourages professionals with experience in neighborhood development, community building, urban planning, small business operations, and conflict resolution to apply to serve on the NAB. The board meets monthly at 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the City’s Water Bureau, 10 Felix St., Rochester, NY 14608. 

“It's important to be on the board because it keeps us tied to our neighborhoods,” said Peter Mohr, NAB member representing the Southeast Quadrant. “If something is going on in a neighborhood, it gives us insight into how the neighbors or businesses are dealing with the problem. The best thing that comes out of the advisory board is that it really keeps our neighborhoods safe and secure.” 

"As a longtime volunteer on the Nuisance Advisory Board, I am proud to serve my community and represent the Northwest Quadrant of our city,” said NAB chairperson Lesley Johnson. “It has been a wonderful experience.” 

Board members must:  

• Be a City of Rochester resident  

• Be at least 21 years old  

• Have regular availability during business hours to attend meetings  

• Possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED 

• Be willing to serve a two-year term  

The nine-member board consists of a business owner and resident from each of the city’s four quadrants, as well as one resident from the Center City District. 

NAB applications and detailed submission requirements are available at www.cityofrochester.gov/NAB. Applications and accompanying documentation must be submitted by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, via email to Neighborhood Service Center Director Erica Hernandez at Erica.Hernandez@cityofrochester.gov.