LeRoy

Well, the demolition is underway. Whether you agree or disagree with the board's action, you have to commend them for doing something. The Wiss had to go. I appreciate the hard choice that was made, but it's time to move on. What happens now?

First, the view looking east when sitting at the southbound intersection is going to be improved 843%. The Creek, the library, and the school campus are all preferable to  that protruding brick corner that made walking dangerous.

Second, the DOT needs to address a busy intersection that is only going to get busier. Busier? "Why" you may ask. Brings me to

Third, the increase of truck traffic out of the Agri Yogurt park. Do you really believe they will go through the city to hit 98, or take 33 to 490 and backtrack to the thruway? Nope, the majority of trucks gettting on the thruway will proceed through Leroy to 19 north. That is a legitamate concern, and I would recommend we focus our efforts on getting that intersection reconfigured.

Perhaps Mr. Hyde from the GCEDC could help. He seems to have free rein with taxpayer money. Maybe he could pull some strings and make that widened intersection happen. Senator Raz. and Ass. Hawley are extremely enamored by him, so please Steve, help us poor peons in Leroy.

Do you need to be rescued?

Life stinks sometimes, even for a skunk! Last summer I discovered that we had five baby skunks living under our front porch without a mother. It was a puzzling situation…I did not know what to do because of the mighty punch that they pack! After a few hours of observing them, I decided they needed help, so I became their rescuer. They were not going to make it without the intercession of another, so I was it. Each day I would feed them and give them water, and I would just sit and observe their interaction with each other. What I witnessed would often bring a smile on my face or a tear to my eyes. One day while I was walking in the backyard, I looked over and saw that two of the babies had fallen into the garden pond. They were desperate and were struggling to get out. I had to reach down and rescue them from drowning. You can only imagine my apprehension of picking them out of the water. I did it, only after a quick prayer to their creator asking Him to keep their tails lowered. He answered that prayer and they were saved with no consequence to me, which put a smile on my face! Thank you Lord!

Another day while sitting on my front porch the babies were in a heap sleeping on the sidewalk. It was feeding time so I opened the front door and watched all the babies but one come over to me to be fed. That one baby skunk was gone. What I witnessed from the others brought tears to my eyes. They kept nudging that little still skunk as if to say, “come on, it’s time to eat…wake up”. They pushed and pulled on that baby skunk until he was safely under the front porch. They took him home where he could be close to them. Life does stink sometimes, even for a skunk!

Do you ever feel like your drowning in sorrow and lifes hardships?  Do you ever feel like you need to be rescued? Let me tell you of life’s greatest rescuer, His name if Jesus Christ. He came from heaven to earth so that those who call on Him as their savior may find hope, and one day be taken home to heaven to be eternally with Him (Romans 6:23). He rescued us by coming and dying on the cross at Calvary so that we may have our sins forgiven (Romans 5:8). How can He rescue you? Say a prayer asking Him to forgive you of all your sins, and ask Him to help you to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He will rescue you if call on Him (Romans 10:9-10).

Yes, life stinks “sometimes”, even for a Christian. But, when you decide to follow Him and make Him Lord of your life, He will work all things out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He promises to be with you and will never forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

We are in the Easter season, a time to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross.  Allow Him to be your rescuer and become Lord of your life. Allow Him to forgive you and help you. Call out to Him in prayer and He will answer you. He will reach down and pick you up, He will intercede for you (Hebrew 7:25).

I was the baby skunks rescuer until they were mature enough to be safely transported to their new home called the woods. Jesus Christ became my rescuer thirty four years ago when I asked Him to forgive me and come into my life. I know He will come one day to safely take me home to be with Him forever, my eternal home called heaven (John 14:3).

If you would like someone to pray with you, please call Batavia Assembly of God at 343-8521. We would also like to invite you to a week of prayer April 22^nd through the 28^th beginning at 6pm to 7:30pm at the church located at 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. You may also come for prayer any Sunday morning beginning at 8:30am. Someone would be glad to pray for you at anytime.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Tracy Byrnes
Prayer Coordinator
Batavia Assembly of God

Last Thursday, I took the time to attend the Wiss Hotel Feasibility Study presented by Rick Hauser, CEO of Insight Architecture LLP.  In addition, I was able to take home a hard copy of the study which included photographs of the inside of the property.  I’m not ashamed to say I went into this presentation very skeptical and although I remain so, I guess I’ll say I’m less skeptical.  I guess I see The Wiss Hotel as a bit of the history of LeRoy.  I can remember my grandfather telling me that pre-Thruway, the Wiss was an overnight stop for travelers on Route 5.  It’s a piece of our Village’s history. 

I have to ask a fundamental question.  How did this building and more importantly, how was this building allowed to reach the current situation?  I realize the property has been vacant for a couple of years but don’t we have a Zoning Officer that monitors commercial building code in this town?  Maybe that was done and ignored by the owner(s).  In addition, understanding  the situation where the county and later the village took ownership, why was a salvage/restoration company allowed by the original owners to come onto the property and strip components of value?  We any of the resulting funds used pay back taxes and obligations?

Regardless, now the Village and its budget are left with a burden.  What to do?  There is the tear it down and sell the property school of thought that might possibly end up a break even or slight profit (with a lot of luck) to the village.  Then there is the question of what’s right for that property?  Please not another drug store scenario, we’ve made that mistake once already.  I’ve heard Starbucks or Tim Horton’s?  I for one feel we have a couple of well-established coffee houses, no more coffee joints please.  Lesson learned:  We put a couple of drug stores out of business with the last decision, let’s not put a couple of reputable coffee places in jeopardy.  What’s right for that corner, if not the Wiss is a question for careful consideration.

So then there’s the proposal we listened to.  Again, I was not in favor of “saving the Wiss” but I have to admit, I’ve put my sledgehammer away for at least the immediate.  I think there are a lot of questions to be answered but somewhere in Mr. Hauser’s presentation, there may be a reason to further delay the decision on the property and explore.

Mr. Hauser proposes a loan from the village equal to the cost of demolition.  I question whether this is even legal but were it to be so, don’t do it.  The village should not be in the business of funding private enterprise.  We have a couple of community banks with community spirited leadership; go see them for your loans.

1. Mr. Hauser and his company have done an assessment, which seems quite well done of the property but what are his credentials in assessing structural integrity?  Shouldn’t there be a second opinion?  Before I laid out any contribution to the LLC, I’d want to be sure the end product was going to be structurally sound.  In addition, Rick Hauser’s company will financially benefit from this project.  This will need to be very well researched and contractual agreements well spelled out before progressing.
2. There was discussion regarding Historical Preservation Funding.  I believe that typically requires others in the immediate area to join.  Are other property owners ready to assume that responsibility?   I remember 20 years ago that being explored on East Main.  I was not well accepted and never became reality.
3. The project suggests 5 loft type apartments on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors. 4 apartments with rent of $1,300 and a small unit with rent of $790.  I question the likelihood of getting rent in LeRoy at those rates.  Especially considering the view from these apartments isn’t of the Oatka Creek or some other picturesque location.
4. There are also 4 retail spaces bringing $850-1100/month rental income.  Will they be filled?  I think so, if marketed correctly.
5. I’m also wondering what the local feel is for contributing to this LLC.  I liked the statement Rick made of “put your money where your house is”.  At the same time, it doesn’t seem like the return on this investment will be large or immediate.  Will people contribute an aggregate of $400,000? 

Conceptually, seems possible.  Reality, a significant amount of work needs to be done and this should not be a leap of faith.  Saving the building is the right decision if it can be done prudently and responsibly and most importantly, without municipal funding.

August 5, 2012 Knoxville, TN Buffalo NY to Host 2014 Horseshoe World Tournament Lyle Dorler, President of the NYS Horseshoe Pitchers Association, announced that the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA)2014 World Horseshoe Tournament will be held at the Erie County Fairgrounds Event Center. Buffalo, Wausau, Wisconsin and Charlotte, West Virginia presented bids to the NHPA delegates at the 2012 World Tournament in Knoxville, TN. Chuck Giglia, representing the Buffalo-Niagara Sports Commission and Frank Kwaitowski, Chairman of the Buffalo 2014 World Tournament Committee, made the presentation. They highlighted the onsite parking; onsite camping; the air conditioned event rooms. "I believe that we can offer the best tournament experience for both the pitchers and their families.", noted Giglia. The proximity of Niagara Falls; ample lodging; a wide variety of restaurant choices; the onsite casino; and other WNY attractions will offer much for the expected 1300 pitchers and their families.". Kwaitowski added, "There are many back yard pitchers and non sanctioned league pitchers in our area. We're hoping many of them consider joining the NYSHPA and playing in upcoming sanctioned tournaments to qualify for the Worlds. For more information on registering for the NYSHPA, please contact Bob Klock at 607 589 4122.

My wife Becky and I will be traveling back to Genesee County in early May for our annual vacation visiting my family.  As many of you know I am an avid Metal Detectorist and am always looking for old homes to metal detect around.  I am currently living in the Kansas City area and my opportunities to detect older homes is limited due to the small population of the area up until the 1850's.

If you have a home that is older than 100 years old (the older the better) and would like to see what I can find in your yard let me know.  A lot of people tell me "You won't find anything in my yard" but I prove them wrong almost every time.

For more information about my hobby and who I am you can visit my website at http://www.mymdforum.com

While at home in Genesee County I will be driving around and knocking on doors in an attempt to get permission, who knows maybe I will knock on your door.

 

Don

Tonight was the night.  They rescinded closing the pool. It is still on the table.  Discussions are open.  They have committed to forming a committee to discuss all legalities.  The voices were strong for and questions were flowing, but it is amazing that we, the taxpayers, both direct and indirectly, have to fight for this.  As Mr. Welch stated this has come down to a public safety issue too.  

Our mayor had a nice letter that he and Mr. Welch had discussed things and we were lead to believe there was a LeRoy Pool, LLC that was interested in purchasing and running the pool.  We were mislead.  There is no group.  It is still the volunteers and private donors.  One thing is for certain THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE COMING!  Granted not everyone wants the pool and as one person stated weighing needs and wants.  Well I believe if we are going to rebuild our industry here we need to start at the foundation of this community- THE POOL!  One taxpayer stood up and said when they started looking at our community they thought it was great we had a community pool.  She was, however,  saddened that the first year they were here the pool closed.  That was a selling feature to move here!  

I would like to say tonight I believe we all stood up for what is right.  I would like to stress that I am especially happy they rescinded the closing and even happier that Jennifer Keys, Village Board member motioned to have it that they committ to getting the committee together to check into all legalities and such for volunteers and donations.  As Mr. Rogers, another board member, stated we are closer than ever to coming to an agreement.  We are by no means near the end, but if we can unite as elected officials and citizens this will get done.  

We have that welling of support that got the pool built.  We have that community spirit.  We are beginning a new era of growth through change.  

I was very impressed that even our Town Board was in attendance.  It was mentioned that maybe even the Village could lease or sell it to the Town to run as they already have our Recreation program.  The possibilities are endless!

Just a reminder to never be afraid to have passion and stand up for what you believe in the possibilities are limitless!  When we each use our voices and come together anything is possible!

It is sad to say but as we see with Bud's comment that there are always gonna be those who call themselves a realist. I, too consider myself a realist but with a different view. No matter what we have no one to blame but ourselves as a community that the pool was allowed to be neglected and became in this state. We have elected officials who represent us and sit on our boards and if we do not go to those meetings or ask questions they are who makes our choices. It is never too late to right a wrong. Stop focusing on all this loss of industry kinda stunts any growth we have as a community. Sometimes we have to take a leap of Faith and take a chance. This pool has been a big part of Le Roy for a long time. Yes some other communities have more industry, yes there is a tax cap going into effect, yes we have maintenance costs, blah, blah, blah- I could carrying on forever. WHAT WE DO HAVE IS A COMMUNITY THAT WANTS THIS POOL. WE HAVE TAXPAYERS THAT DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN WHO WANT THIS FOR THE YOUTH! Too much of our life focuses on what is negative. I am grateful for the Giamborone's donation offer. Every year with fundraising and possible other private donations we could get it up and running. We as taxpayers are always gonna complain about taxes- we pay too much, our boards make poor investments that in the end do not give the results we expected.....on, and on again. Let us not let the fear of what could happen outweigh any possibility of rebuilding our town and village to the wonderful community we used to be. I think if we can pull together to accomplish this it will be the beginning of rebuilding this community and the start of getting back our industrial base. We have to invest in what is here to build more. SAVE WHAT WE DO HAVE. Many youth in our community start great beginnings through our recreation program and our pool program. Yes there has been lower attendance. Yes many are lower incomes that use it. Big deal every community has that. The experiences our youth get from those that work our Summer program touch children's lives. I grew up at that pool every summer. I took swim lessons there. IT'S TIME WE TURNED OUR COMMUNITY AROUND. THIS POOL REOPENING IS ONLY THE BEGINNING TO WHAT WE CAN DO. Too many of us are busy and lose sight of what we do have here. We are a great place to live. We have great opportunity here. Let's focus on what we do have and build it back up. Enough of why we should not. You have nothing to fear but fear itself. Nothing grows from fear. OUR TAXES ARE GONNA GO UP ANYWAY. WE WILL ALWAYS COMPLAIN ABOUT THEM. NOTHING GETS DONE WITHOUT TAKING CHANCES. This is just the beginning of great things to come.

 

A big thank you to Jennifer Keys for deciding to make a difference in our community and being a great advocate for the possibilities that unfortunately we have been blinded to in our everyday lives.  Thank you to all who are stepping up and trying to get the ball rolling.  

It's about time we stop focusing on our losses and what we do not have.  New growth never comes without chances.  The time is now to start making this great community back to what it was.  No industry is gonna want to come here if we keep closing everything.  

Attention all for the LeRoy Pool. I have heard through the grapevine that Mr. Welch is unable to make Wednesday's meeting. All need to attend because I have heard they are going to permanently close the pool if we do not attend and show interest. What a shame if we let them close our pool because we did not stand up for what we want! 

 

please show up and fight for what we want and need!

Care-A-Van was at Batavia Gardens for their weekly grocery distribution.  A group of women had gotten together to celebrate one of their friend's  birthday. Instead of bringing gifts for her, they all brought items that could be used to bless other mothers on Mother's Day. They  then created and donated the blessing boxes to Care-A-Van to distribute to moms and  and to children to have a gift to give to their mom on Mother's Day.

Here below is Bridget Ohlson, Co-Founder of Care-A-Van blessing one of the women that came to the truck today.