Residents expected to be 'dialed in' for tonight's public hearing, council meeting,

The Snow Block on North Main. AT right, the Rochester Performance and Arts Center. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester's mayor and city manager are urging the public to take advantage of remote access to tonight's Public Hearing and Special City Council meeting, which will include a decision on whether the city should approve property tax relief to another downtown building renovation project.

The property in question, formerly known as the Snow Block, is located at 28 North Main St., just south of the Rochester Performance and Arts Center, where local Realtor Paul Delisle of Rochester is looking to renovate the vacant building to include two commercial spaces and three new apartments located in the rear of the building.

According to papers filed with the city, Delisle is asking for seven years of property tax relief, during which the improved property would remain assessed at or near its current assessment.

Included in the $125,000 renovation project would be structural improvements, interior modifications and upgrades to electrical, heating and plumbing systems. The biggest ticket upgrade is a $55,000 sprinkler system.

Built in 1917, the Snow block currently has 7,391 of square footage.

The property tax relief request falls under 79-E, which allows incentive to encourage investment in the downtowns throughout the state. Its goals are to "encourage the rehabilitation and active use of underutilized buildings and in doing so, to promote strong local business ... and smart, sustainable growth."
To remotely access the hearing and meeting residents should call 585-318-2007 and use the conference ID: 278 545 283#. City officials ask that you remember to mute your phone microphone by pressing *6 when joining the meeting by phone.

The technology is not yet available for residents to communicate directly with the City Council at this time, however those who wish to submit public input prior to a meeting can do so by emailing PublicInput@rochesternh.net no later than by 5 p.m. today.

City Manager Blaine Cox and Mayor Caroline McCarley also announced on Monday that residents can leave voicemail input by calling 603-330-7107 no later than noon today. All email and voicemail input will be included with the City Council's packet as an addendum. In addition, Cox said he would be reading the input during the meetings.

Tonight's meeting is the first of several that will be held remotely as the city adheres to public health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The City Council's meeting will be broadcast live on Cable Channel 26 for Atlantic Broadband customers, and will stream live on the City's website at www.RochesterNH.net.

Anyone who has difficulty accessing the conference call at 7 p.m. can send an email to PublicInput@RochesterNH.net or call 603-332-1167.