The City of Rochester is announcing a mutual settlement with the Rochester Agricultural and Mechanical Association (RAMA) regarding a land-use dispute originating from a 2023 zoning enforcement action. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by RAMA and clarifies which ancillary special event activities may be hosted on the fairgrounds moving forward.
The basis of the lawsuit filed by RAMA against the City of Rochester centered on ancillary special event activities that the City’s Zoning Administrator determined were not permitted by right and were outside of RAMA’s grandfathered land use of the annual fair.
During the remediation proceedings, both parties made concessions, the largest being RAMA retracting its financial claim for damages of $500,000. The City maintained its position against financial damage compensation because the absence of legally permitted land use rights does not entitle a property owner to claim financial losses.
The City’s insurer, Primex, did offer a $10,000 payment to RAMA as a reimbursement for legal and other administrative expenses. In lieu of RAMA’s financial damage claim, the City compiled a robust list of special event activities and categorized them in a manner that provides RAMA permitted rights to hold a multitude of special events, similar to an offer the City made in December 2024.
The only caveat to hosting any ancillary event is that RAMA must demonstrate compliance with public safety requirements and work directly with the City’s Fire and Police Departments on any related issues.
In a message to the Rochester City Council, City Manager Katie Ambrose expressed that she is grateful to City Attorney O’Rourke, the team of staff members, including Finance Director Sullivan and Director Creighton, who have been working tirelessly to bring this matter to a resolution, stating, “they have remained focused on our goals despite challenging and changing circumstances.”
“I look forward to closing this chapter with RAMA and moving in a positive direction together,” Ambrose concluded.”
Mayor Paul Callaghan said that he’s “pleased to see that RAMA has come to an agreement with the City of Rochester to host more events in the future”, adding, “As a lifelong resident of Rochester, I know how important the fair has been to the community, said Callaghan. “I look forward to seeing families safely enjoy the fairgrounds for generations to come.”
The settlement agreement will be recorded at the Registry of Deeds, so there will be no confusion in the future regarding what special events RAMA is permitted to pursue.
The City of Rochester is pleased to confirm that RAMA is open for business and has the ability to generate ancillary revenue from an approved menu of special events, which should help ensure the long-term financial success of the organization.