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Le Roy

Accident with injuries reported on West Main Street Road, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area 6852 W. Main Street Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 9:08 p.m.: Mercy EMS also responding. Route 5 is being closed to eastbound traffic at Bater Road.

Frost Ridge announces date change for John Michael Montgomery

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Due to logistical issues in moving this concert to the Genesee County Fairgrounds, this event has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11th, 2014. If you already have tickets, they are still valid.  

If you have already purchased camping, please come camp with us this weekend for FREE and come back during the weekend of Oct. 11th, 2014 to get the full Jam At The Ridge Experience. More details about the activities for this weekend will be posted on our Web site TheRidgeNY.com as well as our Facebook page.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us keep the music alive at The Ridge NY.

26th annual Oatka Festival

By Billie Owens

Join us for the 26th Annual Oatka Festival! It will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 19-20 on the banks of the Oatka Creek in Le Roy.

  • Kick-off with the Parade: Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m.
  • Wrap-up with the Duck Derby: Sunday, July 20, at  5 p.m.

Find us on Facebook and Twitter for updates! Or on the Web:

oatkafestival.org <http://oatkafestival.org>

Event Date and Time
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Melvin J. Wentland, of Le Roy, recognized by GCC for 23 years of dedication and loyalty

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College Board of Trustees recognized 23 years of service and the unending support of Melvin J. Wentland, Ph.D, a long-term member of the College's governing body. Through the Resolution of Appreciation, official document #13/14-7, the Board reflected on Dr. Wentland's personal integrity, dedication and loyalty to the College.

Through the years since his appointment in 1991, he has served as vice chairman and chairman of the Board, and he served on numerous committees and was the board representative to the GCC Foundation Board of Directors. As an enthusiastic GCC supporter, he contributed to the College's growth and prosperity, never wavering in his concern for students and employees. He participated in numerous College events such as commencement and award ceremonies, athletic and community events.

He is the recipient of two New York Community College Trustee awards, the Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Service (2001) and in 2006 the prestigious Anne M. Bushnell Memorial Award for Special Achievement.

After reading the Resolution of Appreciation, Board of Trustee Chairman Maureen Torrey Marshall was the first out of her seat to lead a standing ovation on behalf of Wentland.

Wentland is a retired professor of Biology from St. John Fisher College in Rochester. He is active in the community, having served on the Pavilion Central School Board and the Genesee County Citizen's Solid Waste Advisory Committee. He is currently chairman of the Genesee County Planning Board. Wentland holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Marquette University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He and his wife Dorothy live in Le Roy, and have four children.

Group of Le Roy residents upset with sale of old town dump to company for recycling facility

By Howard B. Owens

A year ago, Town of Le Roy officials took a look at 118 acres of land on its books and decided the town really had no short-term nor long-term use for it, so they decided to put it up for sale.

That decision came under fire from about five local residents at the town board's Thursday meeting.

The parcel is being sold to Zoladz Construction Co. for $95,000. Zoladz plans to open a facility to recycle municipal green waste and concrete from reconstruction projects.

Neighboring landowners are concerned about the noise, the dust and the possible pollution.

"We don't dispute your right to sell it," Thomas Ryan said. "It's who you sold it to."

Supervisor Steve Barbeau spoke at length about the history of the property and the decision to sell it. He said the sale was advertised in the Le Roy PennySaver and the Genesee Valley PennySaver and he wrote about it in his column for the Le Roy PennySaver.

In the end, only two potential buyers came forward: One offering about $40,000 and Zoladz.

The lower bid came from an outdoor club that would have used the property for hunting. 

Town Attorney Reid Whiting said the town tried to convince the club to increase its bid, but the club leadership said that just wasn't possible.

The board didn't act on Zoladz's offer right away. Instead, Barbeau took the issue to the Le Roy Business Council for advice and feedback.

Members there, he said, supported accepting the higher bid from the commercial business, getting the property back on the tax roles.

The board held another public meeting about the issue and then decided to accept Zoladz's purchase offer.

It's still not a done deal, Barbeau said, and even once the property is conveyed to Zoladz, the company must still seek DEC permits and get zoning approval.

While the property is in an industrial zone, the list of permitted uses in Le Roy's industrial zone doesn't include green waste and concrete recycling. The company will need a variance for such an operation, which must be approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Town Board.

The parcel is located off Neid Road, just north of Gulf Road, in an area dominated by Hanson and Dolomite quarries. It's near the Lehigh Railroad derailment site, which Barbeau noted the town got an unrequested reminder about a couple of years ago.

Tom Dintruff and other neighbors raised concerns about possible pollution at the site.

At one time, the site was a quarry, then in the 1940s, it became a town dump. In 1979, a fire shut it down.

The fire burned for 10 days with various fire departments dumping water on it to try and control it, Dintruff said.

Dintruff said one local business owner advised against even trying to put the fire out, especially with water.

"You don't know what's in there," Dintruff said the man told town officials. "He wasn't saying it's a mystery. He was saying he knew what was in there."

The land has been unused and unoccupied since.

Ryan, Charlie Miller and Keith Maxwell raised concerns about truck traffic and noise.

Ryan said when he bought his land, it was with the belief that the old town dump would never be used again because of the environmental issues.

"I wouldn't have bought my place if I'd known there would be trucks running up and down my front yard," he said.

The roadway into the dump is just 55 feet from the front of his house.

He added, "Neid Road is already starting to crumble. There are no shoulders. I don't think it's set up for industrial traffic."

There was no resolution to the issue for the local residents last night and no promises were made by the board regarding future actions.

Le Roy PD asks for public's help to find wallet thief

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Police Department is asking for assistance in determining who stole a wallet from an elderly female while in a supermarket on West Main Street in Le Roy. The victim states that she was in the market between 3 and 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, when an unknown person stole her wallet from inside her purse while she was not looking.

The Le Roy Police is advising all citizens to be alert for this type of criminal behavior as it is not unusual for criminals to follow individuals around a store, then distract the attention of the victim intentionally or wait until the victim is distracted for other reasons, then reach into the purse and steal the wallet.

The Le Roy Police is asking that the citizens be alert to this type of behavior and call 9-1-1 immediately if you see this type of behavior happening to yourself or others.

Le Roy PD warns citizens about telephone scams

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Police Department is asking all citizens to be vigilant for scams over the telephone and/or computer. Recently two citizens received calls from persons pretending to be a “relative” from out of state who was in jail and needed money to get out. The caller asked the citizen to go to a nearby pharmacy to purchase a “green dot” card or other liquid transferrable funds and have the money sent to them for bail.

It is important for all to know that these callers are really unscrupulous and will steal as much money as you send to them up to and including your life savings if not stopped. Further, once you have been targeted the caller will continue to call you attempting to victimize you numerous times.

If you receive a suspicious phone call or e-mail, please contact the Le Roy Police Department or your local Police agency BEFORE SENDING ANY MONEY so we can assist you in determining if this is a scam.

Once the money has been sent, there is little to no chance of getting it back or determining/identifying the scammer.

Le Roy residents debate town board over Frost Ridge lawsuit

By Howard B. Owens

The Town of Le Roy Board had no choice but to pursue a lawsuit against one of its own local businesses, attorney Reid Whiting said Thursday night during a discussion with town residents of the Frost Ridge legal proceedings.

About 25 Frost Ridge supporters turned out to the board meeting and spoke up during a conversation that lasted at least 90 minutes.

There were no speakers supporting the board's lawsuit.

Frost Ridge is being sued by both the town and two neighboring residents over its very existence as a campground and its ability to hold outdoor music concerts.

The neighbors, David and Marny Cleere and Scott and Betsy Collins, have been pushing the town to enforce its zoning ordinance in regards to Frost Ridge, Whiting said. The two couples made it clear, Whiting said, the town would be sued if it failed to enforce its ordinances.

Such a failure, Whiting said, would embolden others to violate the zoning code and give the town little recourse for enforcement.

"If we ignored the violations, we would be found in dereliction of our duty and we would not be able to defend ourselves in other matters," Whiting said.

Later in the meeting, he said, "We did not act lightly. We did not act recklessly. We did not act without thought. We have a statutory duty to enforce the laws of Le Roy. If we do not, we are at risk. If we're at risk, you're all at risk."

The town board decided to sue Frost Ridge rather than defend its own Zoning Board of Appeals, which determined in 1978 and again 2013 that Frost Ridge was an existing, nonconforming use and permissible under the town's law.

Supervisor Steve Barbeau (second photo) said the ZBA overstepped its authority by making those determinations.

"The issue of whether something is grandfathered in or not grandfathered in is not their decision," Barbeau said. "If in the 1960s a record of music was played over the PA system so now that translates into Molly Hatchett coming in for a concert, if you believe that's the case, that's not something within the purview of the ZBA to rule on."

Both Whiting and Barbeau made the point that the town board was not criticizing the ZBA or arguing with the ZBA. The town did not sue the ZBA. Cleere/Collins sued the ZBA.

Whiting leaned heavily in more than one statement that the town's position obviously had merit because Judge Robert C. Noonan issued a temporary injunction against amplified music and alcohol sales at Frost Ridge.

"Judge Noonan takes precedent over anything the town board does," Whiting said.

When Eilleen Sherman Dries (top photo) said a code enforcement officer, who trained the town's current officer, told her Frost Ridge was a pre-existing nonconforming use, Whiting snapped, "The only thing that matters is what Noonan says."

At the hearing prior to Noonan's ruling, the ZBA was not represented. Whiting told Noonan during the hearing that the ZBA had been served notice that it was a defendant in the Cleere/Collins suit but chose not to be represented. That turned out not to be an accurate statement. Chairwoman Debbie Jackett has since said the board stands behind its determination that Frost Ridge is not violating existing town code.

The ZBA will be represented by its own attorney, paid for by the town, at further court proceedings.

Late in the meeting, Whiting said the town is just a secondary player in the legal proceedings, even though Noonan denied the Cleere/Collins side its own request for an injunction, granting just the town's request for an injunction.

If the other sides in the case were able to come to an agreement, Whiting said, he would not interfere with the agreement, but bring it back to the town board for consideration.

Coming to an agreement was the major request of just about every resident who spoke during the meeting.

"This is revenue we had and now it's going to Caledonia instead of Genesee County," said Lucie Ann Griffis (Disclosure, Griffis is a part-time sales rep for The Batavian). "This is revenue that not only the town needs, but the whole area needs. It's a shame the town board couldn't jump aboard on this and instead of saying what we can't do, saying what we can do.

"It's a shame what's being said about use, about the town not being friendly to business. I'm a lifer here. This is a travesty that we're losing this revenue based on the complaints of just a couple of people."

Carl (who refused to provide his last name) also complained about lost business.

"The town board should be out trying to promote the town and promote business and not take away a business because of some violation of code, because one or two complaints, and shut something down," Carl said. "The board should try and do some something to help them."

A couple sitting behind Carl said they were from Rochester and camp regularly at Frost Ridge, and have camped there since before the current ownership. They both said Le Roy has started to gain a bad reputation in Rochester because of situations like this.

Jennifer Keys also spoke in favor of finding some compromise that could save Frost Ridge.

"We cannot deny that Frost Ridge is a great source of revenue for our community," Keys said. "I would like to see it worked out so that the revenue stays here rather than going to Caledonia or Batavia."

Barbeau said the town has already tried to reach a compromise with Frost Ridge owners Greg and David Luetticke-Archbell, but at the 11th hour, the owners hired an attorney who withdrew their application for a special use permit for the campground.

"Once they conformed to that, then they could seek out a variance for concerts," Barbeau said. "There was no guarantee at all. It would have gone through the ZBA, then the planning board and then a public hearing and then the town board."

Keys responded, "I don't want to speak for the owners, but since they're not here, it's my understanding that county planning told them you can't do that, that their application (for a special use permit) wasn't valid because they didn't need it. They felt threatened and things blew up and here we are now. I would still hope something could be worked out."

Greg and David are out of town and not available for clarification, but The Batavian has previously spoke to sources who said Greg and David were advised by their attorney at the time that the special use permit was a trap. The issuance of a permit would negate prior rulings by the ZBA and end concerts at the Ridge.

Barbeau said he did try to find a compromise for Frost Ridge last summer and that he convinced Cleere/Collins to hold off on a suit during the 2013 concert season because shutting things down with contracts signed and deposits paid would have been economically devastating for Greg and David.

"I do bristle and I will continue to bristle when people say we didn't try as a town board to do anything to work things out," Barbeau said.

Barbeau said if Frost Ridge had continued with its application, he was confident it would have been approved by the board unanimously and then he was going to propose a town-wide zoning change that would have permitted concerts on any property three times a year -- Memorial Day, the Oatka Festival and July 4.

Frost Ridge hosts concerts at least nine times a year.

"They were gambling (when they withdrew their application) and they gambled wrong," Whiting said.

A man named Steve (who also refused to give his last name), made one last plea for resolution favorable to the town near the end of the discussion.

"This is a no-win situation," Steve said. "If you win the lawsuit, you lose all that revenue from all those people who come to Frost Ridge. "If you lose the lawsuit, you're going to owe the campground all that money, all the while costing me and the other residents a lot of money. You need to get in a room with everybody and work it out."

One audience member kept asking how the supporters could go about getting an item on the agenda at a future board meeting about the board reconsidering its position, and the answer was, there's a public comments section on every agenda.

"I want to know when we can ask you to represent the majority of the people in Le Roy instead of just two people," she said.

Two local students named to Spring semester President's List at SUNY Geneseo

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its President's List for the Spring semester 2014. To be on the list, a student must have achieved an A in all coursework (4.0 grade-point average) while taking at least 12 credit hours. On the list from this area are:

Michael Ramsey, of Elba

Michael Kovatch, of Le Roy

SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education and for its professional and master's level programs.

Saving Frostridge Brings Revenue to Local Small Business in Our Community

By lucie griffis

As I think of all that is going on with Frostridge I am frustrated at the lack of open mindedness at the revenue that their growth has brought to small business around Le Roy.  Those campers and concert attendees shop in our Village for groceries, propane, and other essentials while at the campground.  Local take out eateries deliver out there or they come into shop.  

We have lost revenue from this weekends Music show to Caledonia Fireman who openly took over where we were not able to.  The next show is John Michael Montgomery, I believe and they have been talking to Genesee County Fairgrounds to have it there if still cease order on.  

Why are we losing out on much needed revenue when our Zoning Board of Appeals states they made a decision on this in 1998 and again in 2013?  Why are we paying a attorney for the Town to sue and retaining one for the ZBA to stand by what they already made a decision on?

WHEN DO WE STEP UP TO THOSE ELECTED OFFICIAL AND STOP BEING A  BEDROOM COMMUNITY?  WHEN DO WE LIVE HERE, INVEST HERE, AND MAKE THEM LISTEN TO WHAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WANTS?  Not just a select few?  

 

Did anyone realize that the Town Board changed the noise ordinance in the Town from 11pm to 9 pm last year?  The Village is still 11pm.

Just so my Village and Town friends realize this~we pay Town and Village taxes, we have the ability to vote for the officials. That means both Town & Village residents need to speak up , sign the petition, and go to the mtg June 12@7pm. Our zoning board of appeals is standing by their decision that Frostridge is already been grandfathered in as non conforming and those were all pre-existing buildings. I am a lifelong resident here and watch how we need more small business here and we are always told how we can't do things! That small business brings people from all over who travel into our Village to support our small businesses. LET'S SUPPORT LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS AND BECOME A WE CAN DO THIS COMMUNITY! They didn't want to give us the pool back and look we are at capacity everyday!

 

Please read below the information that is open to all to read on the Save Frostridge Campground on Facebook.  Contrary to what everyone believes this is a neighbor and small business owner in our community that just happened to be at a board meeting for separate issue and heard what was happening running this page.

Copied from Saving Frostridge Campground on Facebook:

My first post this morning I want to do things a little differently. I want to point out what LeRoy does have to offer. We live in a community that is absolutely beautiful. LeRoy is a great village, and town to be involved in. There are many things we have. We have many fine dining establishments. We have the Jello museum,
Oatka Creek (which I heard the village board is working on some projects that would be great.) We have some of the best Farm markets (Pullys, Crinkovich, and McPhersons) and also a great weekly Farmers Market. We have some of the best volunteer organizations any town could ask for LeRoy Volunteer Fire Department(and I thank you one and all), LCCP, LeRoy Healthy Community, LeRoy Main Street Revitalization. In all my years I have been in LeRoy may favorite thing is the Woodward Memorial Library. They have so much to offer. If you live in LeRoy and can't find something that the Library offers to you, you need to look again. You can download music, books and you can even borrow a fishing pole and fish the Oatka. One of the best things LeRoy also has is FrostRidge. Take the time and look around and enjoy some of the beautiful scenery. Most of all "See ya around town." Embrace the beautiful things we have to offer but stand up for what is right also.

 

Copied from Saving Frostridge Campground:

Morning everyone. I want to say first and foremost that I for one like to look at the facts. I started out not having a side or a vested interested on Frost Ridge. It didn't take long after looking at all of the information to realize that someone had to get involved. If we all sit back and watch one thing after another get shut down soon there will be nothing left. 

Fact of the matter is that Frost Ridge was bought by David and Greg pretty much how it sits today. The Town Board puts it out there as they have done all of the upgrades. That is simply not true. They now say that when the swimming pool was put in it makes them non-compliant. Then my question would be why would they have passed all of the inspections and been issued more permits for everything if they were non-compliant. 

They say they were to get a special use permit. It was advised to them they didn't need one. They tried 3 different times to obtain that goal. Oops one time their paperwork even got lost only to be found later and told once again they didn't need one. 

Fact, they went through the proper channels and were given permits and permission to do everything they were doing. The Zoning Board of Appeals has looked at this different times and always found that they are a Pre-exisiting non conforming campground. Meaning in short that they were there before zoning laws. 

Fact, when they went to court their attorney asked why the ZBA was not there to argue their side of the case. The Towns attorney then stated that they chose not to be and he would represent them,

Fact, the ZBA didn't even know that there was a lawsuit against them nor that they should have been in court that day.

Fact, the ZBA still stands behind that Frost Ridge is operating in a legal fashion and should not have to do anything else to continue to operate.

Fact, the Town Board went over the ZBA ruling and filed a lawsuit against Frost Ridge.

There are many more arguments that I could state but the fact of the matter is that Frost Ridge has operated in a legal fashion, unlike some of the Town Representatives would have you believe.

Fact, they bring much more to the community than the things they take away. They are not a cancer to the town and it only takes a minute to get to know these guys to see what a well run operation they have. I would invite each and every person to just take the time to stop out there say hello and really look around at how the campground it run. 

So I would say to all of this stand up for what is right. I for one am a taxpayer in the town of LeRoy and do believe that they should be able to continue to operate within a mannerly fashion just as they have done in the past.

Thanks for the vent time. Keep Smilin' and "See ya around town."

 

Just so my Village friends realize this~we pay Town and Village taxes, we have the ability to vote for the officials. That means both Town & Village residents need to speak up , sign the petition, and go to the mtg June 12@7pm. Our zoning board of appeals is standing by their decision that Frostridge is already been grandfathered in as non conforming and those were all pre-existing buildings. I am a lifelong resident here and watch how we need more small business here and we are always told how we can't do things! That small business brings people from all over who travel into our Village to support our small businesses. LET'S SUPPORT LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS AND BECOME A WE CAN DO THIS COMMUNITY! They didn't want to give us the pool back and look we are at capacity everyday!

Sign both the petition to have our elected officials withdraw the lawsuit and to change the Town noise ordinance to what the Village is.  

Invest where we live, support small business in our community, show what a great place that people can open a business and grow- not be told this is not allowed.  How can we fill all those empty homes or store fronts on Main St. or develop that Thruway exit if a profitable business  for all is not allowed to operate?  (REMEMBER THOSE PEOPLE COME INTO THE VILLAGE TO SHOP.)

It is not just as simple as them getting the right permits.  By the way would they really change the zoning and give those permits if it was?  Probably not, that is why we are in this situation as a community!

Photos: Le Roy residents pitch in to clean up Main Street

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy Main Street Revitalization hosted a village clean-up this afternoon with residents, including students, pitching in to pull weeds and pick up garbage.

Above, Carly, Contado and Jack pull weeds from a garden bed along Main Street.

Candy Bower and Jennifer Keys cleaning the brick alleyway off Main Street.

For more information about Le Roy Main Street Revitalization, visit the group's Facebook page.

Law and Order: Driver in Le Roy accident accused of being on drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Jordan Ray Smart, 22, of 6 Gibson St., Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Smart was reportedly involved in a three-car accident on Main Street in Le Roy on Wednesday. Smart's car reportedly hit a parked car, which was pushed into another parked car. There were no injuries reported. Smart was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Johnathon Bryce White, 21, of Reed Road, Churchville, is charged with criminal contempt. White allegedly violated an order of protection by riding in a vehicle with the protected party.

Kenneth Scott Lathrop, 27, of Tower Avenue, Syracuse, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to fine out of Town of Oakfield Court. The fine was related to a DWI charge. Lathrop was jailed on $500 bail.

Dwayne Andrew Pearsall, 23, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Pearsall is accused of being in a domestic dispute that took place in front of his daughter. Pearsall was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Law and Order: Walmart shopper accused of locking dogs in hot car

By Howard B. Owens

Ralph E. Stevenson, 60, of Clinton Street, Bergen, is charged with confinement of companion animal in vehicle. Stevenson allegedly confined three small dogs to the interior of his car in 81- degree weather at Walmart. The internal temperature of the vehicle at 11:34 a.m., Monday, was 122 degrees on the dashboard and 116 degrees on the seats, based on measurements by a laser thermometer.

Kenneth L. Powell, 58, of Telephone Road, Le Roy, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Powell allegedly threatened a person with a knife and hit that person in the face with his fist. The alleged incident was reported April 30 on Ellicott Street.

Crystal J. Hough, 31, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Hough was arrested on a City Court bench warrant.

Shaqueita Lashaun Irvin, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrest on a bench warrant related to a petit larceny charge. The warrant was issued in Village of Corfu Court. Irvin was jailed on $5,000 bail. Irvin was also arrested on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for alleged trespass.

A 16-year-old resident of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly possessed brass knuckles and marijuana.

Bryan David Dinelli, 41, of Churchill Street, Akron, is charged with aggravated harassment. Dinelli is accused of making unwanted phone calls for no legitimate purpose to another person.

Come on out to the Smokin' Eagle tonight and I'll pour you a drink

By Howard B. Owens

There should be some fun times at the Smokin' Eagle in Le Roy tonight -- it's the annual Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, "Pour You A Drink."

All tips to the celebrity bartenders will benefit Habitat.

I'll be there, with Mayor Greg "Porp" Rogers, Bill Pitcher from the Ghost Riders, Joe "The Comedian" Condidorio and Rick Ellis, from the famed band Duke Jupiter. 

The fun starts at 6 p.m. and doesn't stop until 10 p.m.

Main Street spiff-up planned this Thursday in Le Roy, all hands welcome

By Billie Owens

This week Le Roy plans to spiff up Main Street. Although Earth Day was April 22, anytime is good for the "Earth Day Clean-up."

This civic project takes place from 3 p.m. "until done" on Thursday, June 5 (or Friday, June 6 if it rains).

  • Plans include: Cleaning windows inside and out.
  • Window decorating of vacant building with a Spring theme (which can include Knights, HCNY and MSR logos). This is a suitable activity for older kids.
  • Chalking drawings on the sidewalks made by little kids.
  • Sweep outside
  • Pull weeds

Contact is Jennifer Keys at Jennifer.Keys@rochester.rr.com

Check out the Le Roy Healthy Community and Le Roy Main Street Revitalization pages on Facebook.

Frost Ridge, complying with court order, announces change of venue for June 7 show

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Jam At The Ridge Presents: Josh Thompson In Concert - Performance Location Change

As you may know, a preliminary injunction has been issued against amplified outdoor concerts at Frost Ridge at this time. To fully comply with the court order and meet our commitment to our guests, the Josh Thompson Concert scheduled for June 7th, 2014 at 5 p.m. (gates open at 4 p.m.) is being moved to:

    J W Jones Hall

    366 Leicester Road
    Caledonia, NY 14423

    Maps:  Google   Bing

The firefighters of Caledonia have been very gracious to provide this space and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts. This location is only 14 minutes from camp and is easy to find. If you have any trouble, please come to camp and get a map.

Ticket-holders, please go directly to the venue at the address above.

Campers, please register at the campground and take the FREE shuttle to the venue.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us keep the music alive at The Ridge.

ADDITIONALLY: The attorneys involved in the two lawsuits over Frost Ridge met in conference Friday in the chambers of Judge Robert C. Noonan. The meeting was primarily to go over the calendar of motions and appearances in the case, but attorney Karl Essler was introduced as legal counsel for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Somehow, the ZBA, which has consistently found that Frost Ridge is a legal nonconforming use within the Town of Le Roy's zoning laws, was not notified it was a party to one of the lawsuits. The ZBA was not represented at a hearing that proceeded Noonan's ruling on the current injunction against amplified music and alcohol service at Frost Ridge. David Roach, attorney for Frost Ridge, said Essler will be permitted to file a written argument in the case without opposition from the plantiff's counsel. It's unclear how the additional information might or might not lead to a modification of Noonan's ruling. No date was announced for the next court proceeding.

Le Roy Christian Community Project's second annual Spring Celebration is June 7, Trigon Park

By Billie Owens

The second annual Spring Celebration hosted by the Le Roy Christian Community Project is planned for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, in Trigon Park.

Fun, food, friends. Here's what in store:

  • Chicken BBQ dinners for $10 to benefit the LCCP
  • Vendor Fair
  • Chinese Raffle
  • Live Music by M.A.C.
  • AHG Bake Sale
  • Tie-dying Celebration T-shirts
  • Face Painting
  • Balloon Animals
  • Le Roy Rec Inflatable Obstacle Course
  • and more!

Chicken BBQ tickets are available at Hobby Horse, 5 Star Bank, Le Roy Village Fitness, The Bank of Castile, Curves, and at the LCCP office (7 E. Main St.) or from any of its board members.

Check out LCCP's Facebook page for more info. and updates. The phone number to 768-7540.

Gold Sponsors of the event are Tompkins Bank of Castile, Ryan Plumbing, Heating & Fire Protection, and the Rotary Club of Le Roy.

Alzheimer's Association of WNY offers class for caregivers at Le Roy Village Green, RSVP

By Billie Owens

It is not uncommon for caregivers to feel frustrated by their difficulty communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter is offering a class in Le Roy to discuss techniques and tips for “Improving Communication in Dementia Care."

Le Roy Village Green at 10 Munson St. is hosting the June 10 presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. The class is ideal for family caregivers who are trying to negotiate their caregiving journey as the needs of their loved ones change, and the disease progresses.

They will leave the class with an understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as concrete tools to help them engage with their loved one. The class is open to the public, but registration is requested by calling the Chapter Office at 1.800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association also offers numerous other programs to help both family and professional caregivers, and those with dementia. Classes are offered at various sites and times across Western New York, and include the basics about the disease, resources available in the community, and efforts on the research front aimed at ending the disease. Details are available by calling the Chapter at 1.800.272.3900 or by visiting www.alz.com/WNY.

Two-car wreck with injuries at Griswold and West Bergen roads, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 7228 Griswold Road. It's at the intersection of Griswold and West Bergen roads. LeRoy fire and medics are en route.

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: A responder on scene reports that there is one minor injury.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: Medics are back in service; there was no patient transport.

UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Le Roy zoning board stands by decision allowing music at Frost Ridge, chair says

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy's Zoning Board of Appeals will likely try to retain its own attorney in the Frost Ridge case, board Chairwoman Debbie Jackett said today.

At a hearing May 20, Town of Le Roy Attorney Reid Whiting told Judge Robert C. Noonan that the ZBA didn't have an attorney in court that day because the board chose not to be represented.

He said the ZBA had been served with notice of the lawsuit.

Jackett said the board didn't know it was named in a lawsuit until members read about the court hearing in The Batavian.

The ZBA was named by plaintiffs David and Marny Cleere and Scott and Betsy Collins because the ZBA found in July 2013 that camping and amplified music were permitted uses at Frost Ridge.

The board's position is and was, Jackett said, that camping and amplified music were both permitted uses prior to the area being zoned residential/agriculture in 1967.

The vote was unanimous, Jackett said, and the board's position hasn't changed.

The town board cannot overrule the ZBA's decision.

"Their view is contrary to our view," Jackett said.

Which is why Whiting can't represent the ZBA, she said. 

The ZBA serves both the town and village governments, but the board doesn't feel the village attorney should represent the ZBA since Frost Ridge is a town issue, so the ZBA is scrambling to secure independent legal representation.

The Town of Le Roy will be obligated to pay for the ZBA's attorney.

Frost Ridge and owners David and Greg Luetticke-Archbell are defendants in two lawsuits, one filed by the town and another field by Cleere and Collins challenging their legal ability to both exist as a campground and to operate occasionally as a live music venue.

The plaintiffs maintain that the campground and amplified music violate the current zoning ordinance. Frost Ridge maintains that the property was recreational use prior to 1967 and it's recreational use today.

Noonan issued a temporary injunction May 23 barring Frost Ridge from amplified music and alcohol service on the property, citing the likelihood that the town would prevail on the merits of the case. His decision was based on the May 20 hearing that lacked ZBA representation. 

Since the ZBA doesn't have an attorney yet, it's unclear whether any motion could be brought forward challenging the injunction.

A conference meeting -- where dates will be set for future proceedings in the cases -- is scheduled for tomorrow. Jackelt said she is unsure if the ZBA will be able to retain counsel in time for that court appearance.

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