ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Police Department will deploy hundreds of officers for the Puerto Rican Festival weekend, with special attention to North Clinton Avenue where post-festival gatherings have, police say, historically led to violence and disorder.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: RPD: Gunfire breaks out among crowd on Remington Street, officers break up crowds of hundreds overnight
The festival itself at Parcel 5 in downtown Rochester runs through the weekend with minimal issues, according to police.
A special events unit monitors the outside of the festival while private security handles the inside.
“Festival is always a good time. We typically have very minimal problems or issues at the festival,” Capt. Greg Bello said.
However, police said problems typically emerge on the final night of the festival along the North Clinton Avenue corridor, separate from the festival itself.
Last night, crowds congregated on North Clinton Avenue near Scranton Street before moving to Remington Street, where shots were fired.
“Unfortunately what we then tend to deal with unrelated, separate from the festival and not associated with the festival is throughout history here in Rochester, the last night of the festival typically turns into chronic problems up in the Clinton section,” Capt. Bello said.
Every officer scheduled to have a day off has been called in for Sunday night. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police are assisting, along with the fire department and ambulance services.
North Clinton Avenue will be closed between Upper Falls and Avenue D starting at 6 p.m. Sunday. Businesses can remain open at their discretion, though some like Family Dollar have chosen to close at 4 p.m.
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“We give a lot of leeway for people to go out and have a good time. We just ask for, you know, our job is out there to keep people safe,” Capt. Bello added.
Police deployed pepper balls last week for the first time in years after people threw bottles at officers.
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Similar incidents occurred last night.
“We’re not going to tolerate that. We didn’t tolerate that and we’re not going to tolerate it this weekend either.”
A group gathering ban after 11 p.m. is in place under an emergency order. Violating the ban is a misdemeanor.
Miguel Melendez, Rochester City Council president and member of the Northeast Safety Committee, said volunteers will be on North Clinton Avenue from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday.
The committee has worked for about 10 years to address post-festival issues. Volunteers will start at 821 North Clinton Avenue at the Father Tracy Advocacy Center.
People can sign up at rocLaCumbre.org/events.
“We’re looking for more volunteers to come support us if you want to be part of the solution, part of the positive energy to make sure that people are celebrating with pride, but also celebrating safely,” Melendez said.
The area includes a 130-unit senior housing project and two child care centers. Last night, loud music and activity continued until 2:30 a.m.
Leverett Copeland, a North Clinton Avenue resident, criticized some businesses for viewing the disruptions as a profit opportunity rather than prioritizing community safety.
“Many businesses on Clinton Avenue appear to be viewing the disruptive behavior and increased traffic as merely a lucrative opportunity. This perspective raises serious ethical questions about their commitment to the community,” Copeland said.
Mercedes Vasquez-Simmons, vice president of the Monroe County Legislature, defended local businesses and said they were excluded from decision-making conversations. “It’s unfortunate that again, again this year, that they were excluded from any conversations about decisions that impact them,” Vasquez-Simmons said.
She said businesses contribute to the community year-round and learned about the road closures only a week prior.
Laurie Coatspots, a northeast area resident, said the street closures are meant to protect the neighborhood, not harm businesses.
People can still patronize businesses by parking on side streets and walking. “We just want to close the streets. They can operate as business as usual,” Coatspots said.
Police said their goal is voluntary compliance and a peaceful weekend, but they have escalation measures in place if needed.
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