ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – A member of Rochester City Council is calling for the current round of assessments to be halted for at least two years.
In a letter sent to Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, Councilmember Willie Lightfoot cited the growing concern from city residents about their property valuations and the lack of transparency in the current process.
“This pause will also allow time for the turbulent real estate market, encumbered by high costs and soaring interest rates, to settle,” Councilmember Lightfoot wrote.
City Council addresses concerns about the latest tax assessments
As of Friday, assessments are expected to be finalized this spring, but concerns surround the processes that allow City residents to challenge their assessments, and Lightfoot emphasizes that these processes have not been communicated to Rochester’s most vulnerable residents.
Lightfoot also writes that many of the City residents most affected by the ongoing assessment are seniors, and he raises concerns considering how the significant change in property assessments may directly affect their quality of life and ability to keep food on the table.