Staff reports 11:48 a.m.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 11:46 am
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ROCHESTER - The City of Rochester announced today 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 special event activities may be hosted on the fairgrounds moving forward, according to a statement released from the city today.
The basis of the lawsuit filed by RAMA against the City of Rochester centered on 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 damages 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.
City Manager Katie Ambrose said she was pleased with the outcome of the agreement that is being announced today.
"I look forward to closing this chapter with RAMA and moving in a positive direction together," she said.
RAMA officials told The Rochester Voice today that one of the first special events they are permitted to host will be a Flat Track Motorcycle Race that could run during next year's Bike Week in June.
Meanwhile, Mayor Paul Callaghan said he's "pleased to see that RAMA has come to an agreement with the City of Rochester to host more events in the future."
"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.
RAMA Vice President Nancy Gilbert said she was thrilled with the decision.
"We're open for business," she told The Rochester Voice today. "We're pleased with the results and
looking for people who want to rent the property and working with the city."
The new policy is expected to boost RAMA's revenue and help ensure the long-term financial success of the organization.
This story will be updated.
- Click here to review the settlement document
- Click here to review the City's offer to RAMA (December 2024)