Veronica Volk

City planners are thinking outside the box when it comes to Downtown Rochester's parking issues. The city held a public meeting to discuss urban planning strategies for transportation infrastructure. Officials presented their ideas, and members of the community were invited to give their suggestions.

Kevin Kelley is the Senior Community Housing Planner. He says though Rochester has plenty of parking spaces available, they may not be convenient or appealing to residents. He's looking at progressive ways to address transportation issues.

Former Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard is making the transition to public office.

"Our county is facing some tremendous problems, more then they have in the past 10 years."

Sheppard announced he's running as a Democrat for Monroe County Legislature. He says he was approached to replace Paul Haney, who is term limited, in the 23rd legislative district. Originally, Sheppard says he was opposed to the idea since he has no experience in politics.

The Ad Council of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network have a plan to get more New Yorkers to sign on as organ donors.

Rob Kochik is executive director of the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network. He says there are over 122,000 people on the organ waiting list.

"And when I think about them -- each of them woke up this morning, and are wondering if today's going to be the day."

Richard Perez waited 10 months for his liver. He doesn't know anything about his deceased donor, but he has a message for them and their family:

Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated and remembered in different ways across Rochester.

The Eastman Theater held it's 30th annual MLK Celebration. People came together in Kodak Hall to reflect on the life of Dr King, and the importance of his message at a time when racial tension across the country seems so high. Local and state officials, residents, and performers gathered to celebrate by listening, speaking, and singing.

Mayor Lovely Warren began with her favorite King quote.

Some land and business owners in the Finger Lakes region are speaking out about a proposed liquefied gas storage facility.

Representatives from some Finger Lakes wineries say they have worked hard to turn the region into an area that supports eco-friendly tourism and culture. Joseph Campbell is President of Gas Free Seneca.

"The finger lakes region has positioned itself as an economically sustainable, world-class tourist destination with a vision for continued development that does not include dirty industry."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says she's working to help families pay for child care.

Gillibrand says the cost of childcare in Rochester is up to $10,000 a year, while the average income is $30,000. The senator says this forces families to make choices between child care and professional development.

Sandra Doorley announces she will run for reelection of Monroe County District Attorney as a Republican.

Doorley says she made the party switch for personal reasons, and that her values are more closely aligned with the Republican Party of Monroe County.

"I believe that this change allows me to focus on really what is truly important, and what is important is keeping your families safe, keeping your streets safe, in an environment where my work is valued and supported."

Governor Cuomo invites Upstate New York regions to compete for $1.5 billion  in grants. As part of the Economic Revitalization Competition, three winning regions will be granted $500 million each.

Cuomo says the competition is an important aspect of the project.

"If I just gave you the money, you wouldn't do all the hard things you have to do to actually get the money. And the competition amongst yourselves -- I'm telling you -- brings up the performance of everybody."