Hello Neighbors!

Healthy Homes Month:

Building a Stronger, Healthier South Wedge

By Jennifer Posey, Executive Director, South Wedge Planning Committee

April is Healthy Homes Month, a time to recognize how the places we live directly impact our health, safety, and overall well-being. In the South Wedge, this is especially important for many of our neighbors—particularly older adults and residents living on fixed incomes—who may be navigating housing challenges alongside health concerns.

A healthy home is more than just a roof over your head. It means having a space that is safe, stable, and supportive of your daily life. This includes things like proper heating, good air quality, accessibility, and freedom from hazards that can lead to injury or illness. When these basic conditions aren’t met, it can affect everything from physical health to mental wellbeing.

At the South Wedge Planning Committee (SWPC), we see every day how closely housing and health are connected. Residents facing housing instability, rising costs, or accessibility barriers often experience increased stress, isolation, and health risks. That’s why our work focuses not

only on strengthening our neighborhood, but also on helping residents access the resources and support they need to live safely and comfortably in their homes.

Healthy Homes Month is also a reminder that small changes can make a big difference. Simple actions—like improving lighting, reducing clutter to prevent falls, addressing moisture or ventilation issues, or connecting with available support programs—can significantly improve quality of life.

10 Healthy Home Tips

1. Improve lighting in hallways, stairways, and entry points to prevent falls.

2. Reduce clutter and keep walkways clear to create safe, accessible paths.

3. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to ensure they are working properly.

4. Control moisture and fix leaks to prevent mold and improve air quality.

5. Ventilate your home by opening windows or using fans, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

6. Secure rugs and cords to prevent tripping hazards.

7. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary strain or injury.

8. Maintain heating systems to ensure your home stays warm and safe during colder months.

9. Use non-toxic cleaning products when possible to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

10. Stay connected—check in with neighbors or loved ones and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

We also encourage residents to reach out if they need help navigating resources related to housing stability, accessibility modifications, or tenant protections. You don’t have to figure it out alone. SWPC is here to help connect you to local services and support networks that can make your home safer and more sustainable. As we move into spring—a season of renewal—it’s a great time to think about the spaces we live in and how they support our health. Whether it’s making small improvements, checking in on a neighbor, or getting connected to resources, every step contributes to a stronger, healthier community.

Stay tuned for future free programming on how to keep your home healthy. To learn more and stay updated, visit our website at www.swpc.org.

Healthy homes build healthy communities—and together, we can continue to make the South Wedge a place where everyone has the opportunity to live well.

The Incredible Legs of Dr. Bly: Helping Soldiers across the Union

History talk with Gerry Szymanski

Thursday, May 21

5:30-6:30pm

The Ellwanger Estate

SWPC BOARD MEETING

All are welcome to attend

Tuesday, May 19th

at 9:00am

ZOOM LINK

SAVE THE DATE

Clean Sweep

with the

City of Rochester

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 2nd

with Rochester Red Wings

Baseball Game to follow!

A Century of Community: Historic Dicky’s Corner Pub Building Hits the Market

ROCHESTER, NY – A cornerstone of Rochester’s South Wedge and Highland Park neighborhoods is entering a new chapter. Pete Zizzi, with TruAgent Real Estate, is pleased to announce the upcoming commercial listing of the historic property located at 789-791 Meigs Street. Situated prominently at the intersection of Caroline and Meigs Street, the building is best known as the home of Dicky's Restaurant, now Dicky’s Corner Pub, a local institution that has defined the neighborhood’s social fabric for decades.

The property’s rich history dates back to 1922, when it was acquired by Italian immigrants Michael and Francesca Salvaggio. For over 100 years, the Salvaggio family has served as the dedicated stewards of this site, navigating a century of Rochester’s evolution. Now, after four generations of family ownership, grandson Richard Salvaggio has decided to offer the property for sale, marking the conclusion of a remarkable centennial legacy that began with his grandparents' American dream.

While the building is changing hands, the "spirits" of the neighborhood aren't going anywhere. A vital point for the community to note is that Dicky’s Corner Pub remains open for business. The sale is for the real estate itself, and the pub is expected to continue its operations seamlessly. The goal of this transition is to find a new owner who appreciates the building’s storied past while ensuring that Dicky’s remains the go-to gathering spot for the local regulars and new visitors alike.

The architecture and location of 789 Meigs Street represent a vanishing breed of authentic neighborhood hubs. As many city corners undergo rapid modernization, this property stands as a testament to Rochester’s enduring character. The Salvaggio family’s century-long tenure has preserved the building’s identity, making it not just a piece of real estate, but a landmark of communal heritage where generations of Rochesterians have shared amazing food, drinks, stories, and celebrations.

Prospective buyers and community members seeking more information on this unique opportunity are encouraged to reach out for details. For touring instructions and professional inquiries, please contact Pete Zizzi of TruAgent Real Estate at 585-802-5198 or via email at petezizzi@truagent.com. This is a rare chance to invest in a piece of Rochester history while supporting the continued legacy of one of the city’s most beloved corner pubs.

The Zoning Alignment Project, also known as the “ZAP” has entered a new stage. Part of the City of Rochester’s 2034 Comprehensive Plan, the goal of the ZAP is to update the city’s current zoning regulations to better align with the comprehensive plan’s goals.

As of last week, the final draft of what will become Rochester’s new zoning code is available for the public to review. The public can also compare the new zoning map to the current iteration and read what changes were made as part of the original public comment process in the Final Generic Impact Statement. The public will be given a chance to comment on final draft at future City Planning Commission and City Council meetings, dates are yet to be announced. The City Zoning and Permitting office expects public hearings to begin in mid-summer.

For the South Wedge, our neighborhood has been earmarked for an expansion to our Medium Density Residential (MDR) zoning, the addition of a small Boutique Mixed-Use district at the corner of Caroline and Meigs, and the addition of more Neighborhood Mixed-Use properties along Mt. Hope Avenue. Our organization is currently meeting with fellow neighborhoods to keep up to date on the impacts any proposed changes might have either within our neighborhood or citywide. Special thanks to our fellow Southeast Quadrant neighborhoods for their continued collaboration.

To see a physical copy of the proposed code and map, you can visit our Neighborhood Service Center, any city library location, or Rochester City Hall. All digital copies can be found at Rochester Zap

SAVE THE DATE!