Violent crimes chronically impacting North Clinton businesses

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — As violent gun crimes continue to rise here in the city, the President of the North Clinton Avenue Business Association says it’s having a major impact on businesses in that area.

News10NBC talked to a business owner who says it’s tough trying to attract new customers every time there’s another shooting in the neighborhood.

"The violence is going more, and more. It’s like a chronic problem that we need to focus on," said Albert Algarin, who has been looking out for the North Clinton Avenue neighborhood for decades now. As President of the Avenue’s Business Association, Algarin is fed up.

"People are hostages in those neighborhoods. The kids can’t come out and play. Parents can’t even go and get a gallon of milk, or loaf of bread because they’re scared that something will turn, or something will happen," said Algarin.

Some business owners like Jeffrey Metchick, owner of Sniderman’s Hardware Store do have their concerns. His store is located just two blocks from the site of Tuesday night’s triple shooting.

"It’s a little unsettling to know that it’s right around the corner, but I think for our purpose of coming here we’re respected by the community," said Metchick.

Sniderman’s has been in Rochester for 76 years. Despite being in a high-crime area they have no intentions to leave.

"We’re pretty lucky here, and I don’t know how much it’s doing to our bottom line, I’m sure it is doing something, but you know again we do good business. People still come because they need us," said Metchick.

Members of the North Clinton Business Association plan on meeting with City Council members in a month, to come up with some plans to help curb this gun violence.

"I think we need more foot patrols on the streets. I know it’s a problem because we don’t have the resources. So we have to think outside the box, how do we get more resources to put foot patrols on the streets so they can be more visible in the area," said Algarin.

The RPD Open Data Portal can be found here.

Rochester 2022
Shooting Homicides YTD – 42
Shooting Victims YTD – 204

Buffalo 2022
Shooting Homicides YTD – 40
Shootings YTD – 111

Syracuse 2022
Shooting Homicides YTD – 8
Shooting Victims YTD – 71