The 19th Ward in Rochester is more than just a neighborhood; it’s a living, breathing community with a rich history and a vibrant present. This area, nestled between West Avenue and Scottsville Road, and bordered by Genesee Street and the Erie Canal, has seen its share of challenges and triumphs. From the early 20th century to today, the 19th Ward has been a microcosm of Rochester’s broader story, reflecting the city’s diversity, resilience, and community spirit.
In recent years, the neighborhood has gained attention for its efforts to address traffic safety, support local businesses, and foster a sense of community. These initiatives, often led by dedicated residents, highlight the 19th Ward’s commitment to growth and improvement. However, the neighborhood’s story is not just about its challenges; it’s also about the people who call it home and the connections they forge.
The 19th Ward’s Historical Tapestry
The 19th Ward’s history is deeply intertwined with Rochester’s broader narrative. Originally known as the Rapids or Castletown, the area developed into a streetcar suburb in the early 20th century. In 1902, it officially became Rochester’s 19th Ward, a designation that has endured for over a century.
From 1940 to 1970, Rochester’s Black population grew significantly, a trend that had a profound impact on the 19th Ward. As Black families moved into the predominantly white neighborhood, they faced blockbusting and other discriminatory practices. Despite these challenges, the community persevered, and the 19th Ward Community Association was established in 1965 to promote diversity and unity.
A Community’s Response to Adversity
John and Joanne DeMott, long-time residents of the 19th Ward, witnessed firsthand the effects of blockbusting. They recall real estate agents using fear tactics to encourage white flight, a practice that threatened the neighborhood’s stability. However, many residents, including the DeMotts, chose to stay, sending a clear message of defiance and unity.
“We thought we were getting a bad shake from the real estate industry,” John DeMott says. “They were profiting from the hysteria, you know, the fear.” Despite these challenges, the DeMotts and their neighbors worked to build a community that was diverse in race, age, and class.
Modern Challenges and Community Initiatives
Today, the 19th Ward continues to face challenges, from traffic safety concerns to the need for local amenities. In June 2026, the tragic death of six-year-old Ryan “RJ” Grantham Jr. near Thurston Road and Sawyer Street brought the issue of unsafe street crossings to the forefront. In response, neighbors gathered thousands of petition signatures and pressed the city for safer crossings and traffic-calming measures.
In, the city added a 12-stripe crosswalk at the intersection and installed a green bench in RJ’s memory. This tragedy, while devastating, sparked a community-wide effort to improve safety and infrastructure in the neighborhood.
Beautifying the Neighborhood
One of the 19th Ward’s most enduring traditions is its annual flower-planting event. For a quarter century, residents like John and Joanne DeMott have organized this event, bringing together fifty kids and their chaperones to plant flowers in more than 60 concrete planters. Local businesses pitch in with food, turning the event into a neighborhood celebration.
“The whole idea is that the kids get excited about knowing that they have beautified the neighborhood where they go to school,” John DeMott says. “The street looks beautiful.” This event is just one example of the 19th Ward’s commitment to community engagement and beautification.
The People Who Make the 19th Ward Special
The 19th Ward’s strength lies in its people. From Josie McClary, a former president of the 19th Ward Community Association, to Flynn Clayborne-Djan, a young resident who moved to Rochester for school, the neighborhood is filled with individuals who contribute to its unique character.
McClary, who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly 29 years, is known for her efforts to improve public safety and support local businesses. She initiated the Find the Light campaign, which provided LED bulbs to residents to improve street lighting and safety. “Public safety is much broader than law enforcement,” McClary says. “It’s about having a grocery store nearby, a pharmacy, slowing down cars, and making sure an older neighbor can cross Chili Avenue to get to Tops.”
Clayborne-Djan, who moved to Rochester about six years ago, has also found a sense of community in the 19th Ward. They appreciate the neighborhood’s diversity and the connections they’ve made with their neighbors. “It’s a large chunk of why I haven’t left,” Clayborne-Djan says. “I can feel alone in my bedroom when I’m resetting myself, but I know for a fact, every weekend or so, my neighbor’s gonna grill, and I can sit in my backyard and talk to him over the fence.”
A Neighborhood That Cares
The 19th Ward’s sense of community is perhaps best exemplified by the way its residents look out for one another. Whether it’s neighbors warning each other about car thefts or coming together to support local businesses, the 19th Ward is a place where people care about their neighbors.
Clayborne-Djan recalls a time when their car broke down near a corner store. A man from the store helped them find a mechanic, who arrived on a bicycle and spent the rest of the day working on the car. “In the 19th Ward, it’s my personal business, but also, they care about it for some reason,” Clayborne-Djan says. “It feels more like they just care for their neighbor.”
The 19th Ward’s story is one of resilience, community, and hope. Despite its challenges, the neighborhood continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication and spirit of its residents. As the DeMotts, McClary, Clayborne-Djan, and countless others show, the 19th Ward is more than just a place; it’s a community that cares about its people and their shared future.
