Supervisor Berry highlights early progress on traffic safety transparency efforts and smart development across Penfield

Rochester, New York – A sense of momentum is beginning to take shape in Penfield, as Town Supervisor Kevin Berry reflects on his first 100 days in office—marking a period defined by early action, community outreach, and a clear focus on three core priorities: traffic, transparency, and smart development.

Since stepping into the role in January, Berry says the response from residents has been anything but cold, despite the winter season that marked the start of his tenure. Instead, he describes a community eager to engage, offer ideas, and play a role in shaping the town’s future.

“While the months since I took office in January have certainly been cold, I’ve felt nothing but warmth and energy from our community. It’s been exciting to connect with so many of you and hear your vision for Penfield.”

That early engagement has helped shape the administration’s direction. With his first 100 days now complete, Berry is offering a closer look at how those priorities are beginning to translate into action.

One of the most immediate concerns raised by residents has been traffic—specifically, speeding across local roads. In response, the town has taken visible steps to address safety. Increased patrols and enforcement efforts by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office have already been rolled out, a move Berry sees as both necessary and impactful.

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“I’ve heard your concerns about traffic, particularly speeding throughout Penfield. If you’ve been out on our roadways recently, you’ve likely noticed increased patrols and traffic enforcement by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). This increased presence is a critical step toward improving traffic safety, and I want to thank MCSO for being a tremendous partner in this work.”

But enforcement is only part of the equation. The town is also preparing to participate in a pilot initiative led by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, designed to streamline how traffic cases are handled in Penfield Town Court. While still in its early stages, the program is expected to improve efficiency and accountability, adding another layer to the town’s broader safety strategy.

Alongside traffic, transparency has emerged as a central pillar of Berry’s approach—one rooted in communication and accessibility. In February, the town launched a Communication Survey, drawing feedback from roughly 200 residents. The results, Berry says, are already guiding tangible changes.

“In February, we conducted a Communication Survey to gather feedback and identify how we can improve. I want to thank the roughly 200 people who took the time to share their input.”

From enhancing the clarity and speed of updates to expanding the town’s presence on social media, the administration is working to ensure that residents can more easily access information and stay informed about local decisions. Efforts are also underway to make Town Board meetings more inclusive, with expanded opportunities for public participation.

At the same time, Berry is continuing to host monthly Community Conversations—informal Saturday gatherings where residents can ask questions, share concerns, and engage directly with town leadership. These sessions, he notes, are a key part of maintaining an open line of communication.
The third priority—smart development—touches on the town’s long-term vision. As Penfield continues to attract both residents and businesses, Berry emphasizes the importance of managing that growth carefully.

“The Town of Penfield continues to be a place where people want to live and do business. To ensure we grow responsibly, we must plan thoughtfully.”

To that end, the town has partnered with consultant RKG Associates to conduct a comprehensive Fiscal Impact Analysis and Housing Market Study. The findings are expected to inform future planning decisions, helping leaders strike a balance between encouraging development and preserving the character of the community.

Planning efforts are also extending to municipal facilities. Through the Penfield Forward: Tomorrow’s Town Spaces initiative, officials are working to reimagine how town-owned spaces can better serve residents. The process relies heavily on community input, including feedback gathered through a recently completed survey. As the initiative moves forward, updates are expected in the months ahead.

“Thoughtful planning also applies to our Town facilities. We are working through the Penfield Forward: Tomorrow’s Town Spaces initiative, which will set forth recommendations for the future of Town facilities based on input from the community.”

Behind these efforts, Berry points to a team that has played a crucial role in turning plans into progress—the Town of Penfield staff. Their work, he says, has been essential during what can often be a challenging transition period for new leadership.

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“Finally, as I review all that has happened these first few months, I must acknowledge a group that has been critical in moving these priorities forward: the Town of Penfield staff. I cannot say enough about how helpful, dedicated, and hardworking the entire team has been. Without their support, none of this would be possible, and I thank them for making this a smooth transition.”

As the town moves beyond this initial milestone, Berry maintains that the work is far from finished. Guided by resident input, the administration is continuing to refine its approach, with the goal of delivering steady, meaningful improvements across the community.

“Guided by your input, we are working to implement positive changes to make our community even better. I encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have.”

For Penfield, the first 100 days may have set the tone—but the road ahead, shaped by collaboration and careful planning, is where those early efforts will truly take hold.