This is a petition opposing the relocation of UPrep Charter School to the building located at 3000 East Ridge Road, Rochester, NY 14622. This impacts the lives and neighborhood of the surrounding residents, and also impacts all Irondequoit residents tax payers.

1. This property has had businesses residing in the building for over 40 years. All of which have contributed to the tax base. If this Charter school, or any school or tax exempt entity, were to relocate here, $70,000-$100,000 annually would be lost. The residents of Irondequoit would be responsible to make up the difference.
2. The school currently has 450 students, only two of which are residents of Irondequoit. The school is proposing an expansion to 525 students. With the building in such close proximity to the neighbors, home values and property tax assessments will decrease, further reducing the town's income. The EICSD already loses $1 million a year in state funding because 54+ district students are attending charter schools. If more students attend this charter school, the EICSD will lose even more funding.
3. The intersection of East Ridge Rd., Bayshore Blvd., Newport Rd. and Binnacle Point Rd. is already dangerous and congested. Dramatically increasing bus and private vehicle traffic twice each day at that intersection will make it even more dangerous. There are multiple dead end roads, a church, an apartment complex, Irondequoit Public Works, and East Irondequoit High School within less than a 1 mile radius. No traffic studies have been done to show how congested it would be and neighbors are concerned about emergency response times.
4. The school would be located on a hazardous, historically polluted, property where excavation or disturbance of topsoil potentially will expose toxic material. The school is proposing destruction of the green space to construct an athletic field and gymnasium, all of which require variances because residents share property lines.
5. With the clear cutting of trees, destruction of the ecosystem and wildlife will be imminent. This will affect drainage and watershed for the entire area.
6. Noise pollution and security are also a concern of residents. Athletic and school events to accommodate 525 students, plus parents and staff, there will be an increase in noise, traffic, and non-residents on residential streets and property. There are only 164 parking spaces at this building.
7. We have recently learned that the athletic track and field the school is proposing, will be fronting onto valley circle which would disrupt the the way the neighborhood has been since it was built. There is no visual or sound screening between the field and the neighborhood. It will absolutely hurt property values especially the ones next to it.
8. We have also learned that the town has DENIED two businesses that made proposals to buy the building before the school became interested. The businesses that were interested were an OBGYN office and a glass company. We have not been given any explanation why these were denied. **Edit: We are not sure if the town denied these, or if the business refused them. Our neighborhood is working diligently to verify any information we receive from any sources.

Direct residents of this area were the only ones informed of this proposal. A flier was sent out in late December for a public hearing with the school board on January 10th. Irondequoit residents, we need your support! There will be a workshop at the Town hall on January 23rd, and a meeting on January 30th. Please sign our petition and come to the meetings if you are able. Take a drive around this area to understand our concerns as well. Don't let the town approve this relocation and destroy this neighborhood and raise our taxes even more!