City Forces Businesses to Close Early on Final Day of Puerto Rican Festival

Rochester Businesses Face Pressure to Close Early During Puerto Rican Festival

The City of Rochester has sent letters to approximately 60 small businesses along North Clinton Avenue, urging them to close early on the final day of the upcoming Puerto Rican Festival. This directive is part of the city's ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and prevent potential incidents of violence following the event.

According to Albert Algarin, president of the North Clinton Business Association, the letter warns that businesses must shut down by 4 p.m. on Saturday. Failure to comply could result in fines or even arrests. The city claims this measure is necessary due to safety concerns, citing its gun violence emergency proclamation. Violations could lead to a Class B misdemeanor charge.

Monroe County Legislator Mercedes Vasquez Simmons expressed strong disapproval of the tone used in the letter. "I was insulted by this letter," she said. "I felt that it was written in a threatening manner."

The 55th annual Puerto Rican Festival is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday at Parcel 5. Algarin emphasized that many businesses rely heavily on the festival to sustain their operations. He argued that closing early would result in significant financial losses. "The festival pays the bills," he said. "Allowing businesses a choice, but you're not giving them the choices."

While the festival itself is described as a safe and family-friendly event, there have been concerns about what happens after the festivities end. In previous years, incidents such as assaults, stabbings, and even a mass shooting have occurred along North Clinton Avenue. These events have prompted the city to implement safety measures aimed at reducing risks.

In a separate release, the city stated that it is concerned about potential unruly behavior along North Clinton Avenue after the festival concludes. This directive marks the second year in a row that the city has asked businesses to close early on the last night of the festival. The request comes in response to community concerns following past incidents of violence.

Orlando Ortiz, president of the Puerto Rican Festival, acknowledged the concerns raised by business owners. He noted that the letter from the Rochester Police Department mirrors one sent last year. Ortiz emphasized that the city's actions are part of broader efforts to ensure public safety and manage large gatherings that often occur after the festival ends. Over the past seven years, the Northeast Safety Committee has worked with community leaders, local businesses, and law enforcement to create a safer environment.

Despite these efforts, some business owners feel the city has not adequately considered their needs. Alejandra Brown, co-owner of El Pilon Criollo, a Puerto Rican restaurant on North Clinton Avenue, called the directive a threat. She pointed out that while past post-festival celebrations have been rowdy, she has not experienced any issues. However, she faces significant financial loss if forced to close early.

Brown hopes for the opportunity to stay open beyond 4 p.m. She recalled that last year, the street was closed around 7:30 or 8:00 p.m., and most of the incidents occurred after 10 or 11 p.m., when people began to move back toward the area. She believes that allowing businesses to remain open longer could help mitigate these issues while supporting the local economy.

As the festival approaches, tensions continue to mount between the city's safety initiatives and the concerns of local business owners. Finding a balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the economic interests of small businesses remains a pressing challenge for the community.