Mayor Malik Evans talks crime, housing, and business in Rochester State of the City Address

ROCHESTER N.Y. (WROC) — In the State of the City Address, one of the main points Mayor Malik Evans discussed was the issue with violence in the city, touching on several key components that lead to crime.

As he honed in on the social behavior aspect, he shared that the Rochester Police Department is the first municipal police agency in America with 24/7 access to an ATF agent who reviews all gun arrests.

“As a result, we’ve sent more than 100 violent offenders into federal custody where they can no longer wreak havoc and perpetuate violence on our streets and the RPD took more than 800 illegal guns off the streets last year at a rate of more than two per day,” said Mayor Evans.

Another aspect is lack money, and he went on to share the news of job growth and business development plans for the city like a fortune 500 company coming to downtown Rochester called Constellation Brands.

“This long-time king of the adult beverage industry will be moving into the Aqueduct Building this summer, infusing our downtown with hundreds of workers and more than likely a few new residents to join more than 10,000 people who call downtown home as part of the growing live work play environment of our city,” he said.

Lastly, he touched on the importance of permanent housing. Commissioner of Neighborhood and business development Dana Miller was present at the event and discussed current projects in the works.

“Because having a home and having a stable home is more important than having a home where you’re constantly moving. So that something we’re focused on and something we’re seeing more and more of. People being able to own their own homes and We’re working very hard to keep building. We built 24 in the Northeast and we’re getting ready to build 30 in the southwest,” said Miller.

Mayor Evans also talked about many other projects underway like units being built on Plymouth and main, canal street, and north Clinton just to name a few.

To watch the full video of the State of the City Address, click here .

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