The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a travel advisory for areas south of Route 5 in Genesee County, effective until further notice.
Sheriff Sheron encourages residents, “For your safety and the safety of first responders and highway snow removal personnel, please stay off the roads until conditions improve.”
Motorists are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel due to heavy snowfall, blowing and drifting snow that is causing poor visibility and poor road conditions.These conditions will undoubtedly create treacherous travel for all motorists.
During a travel advisory roads are not closed, however, no unnecessary travel is advised.A trip that could wait should not be made until the advisory is lifted.The Genesee County Sheriff's Office does not determine the necessity for any individual to report to work.
Join GO ART! on Thursday, December 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the opening of another exhibit featuring GO ART! member artists and staff members.
The public is invited to share this evening with us and view the visual art of local, regional, and GO ART! staff member artists. In addition to viewing the exhibition, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite piece to help us determine the People’s Choice Award and enjoy light refreshments and music.
This art show is an annual exhibit that features work in all media created by GO ART! member artists. GO ART’s! Board of Directors, members, and staff look forward to this special exhibit each year that has become an annual signature event that wraps up all our fantastic events for the year!
Don’t miss this opportunity to consume a unique gift wrapped in diverse media that will evoke pleasurable emotions of joy, happiness, and peaceful contemplation. This is indeed a cause to celebrate with us, so we look forward to welcoming you. This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable!
GO ART! member artists exhibition runs from December 12 to February 1, and will be open for the public to view during gallery hours or by appointment.
File photo from Batavia Downs harness racing opening day in July. Photo by Howard Owens.
By several metrics, the business of Batavia Downs is growing.
Revenue is flowing in at a record pace. There are more customers, more bets placed, and more bookings at the hotel, but with added success comes added expense, which Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board remembers and executives discussed on Wednesday during the Finance Committee meeting.
Both the casino and hotel have more employees, and with three executives taking buyouts, added expenses have severely reduced the revenue that will be shared with the 17 municipalities that co-own the WROTB.
Based on profits through October, WROTB is paying out $1,677,960 less than it did through October 2023. So far this year, net earnings available for distribution are $7,107,384, compared to $8,785,334 at this time last year.
"I was asked this question by an individual, 'Well, how does that make you feel, Jackie, that the distributions are down?,'" CFO Jackie Leach said during her report to the committee. "I said, "You know, there are reasons why they are down from 2023. One, the board approved a 4.5% wage adjustment for employees.' I've always stated that we're a customer-oriented organization, and your employees are your most valuable assets; 2023 was a banner year for the corporation. So, between the wage adjustments, we do have one leg of Henry's buyout that's included in the 2024 wages, that's the cost of doing business."
In July, the board voted 14-1 to renegotiate the contracts of CEO Henry Wojtaszek, CFO Jackie Leach, and VP of Operations William White to buy out the remaining years on their terms.
Wojtaszek, who earns $299,000, will receive a full year severance. Leach, with a salary of $222,000, and White, with a salary of $160,000, each get six months severance. By the end of the year, Leach said she and Wojtaszek will receive their full payout, so it will accrue to 2024, for a total of $521,000. White will be paid in 2025.
As for employee expenses, in addition to the 4.5% raise for casino employees, the operation added more than 20 staff positions. Hotel employees received 50-cents an hour raises and the hotel, which is run by a management organization, also added staff.
"The hotel overall has had pretty good revenue," said Paul Bartow, representing Schuyler County. "I guess what you're saying is that we could do better. We need to produce more revenue to cover some of these expenses. If, in fact, it looks like the hotel is doing well, you're like, 'Oh, great,' but it's not doing well enough given these expenses, and these expenses, in some ways, have to be moved, I guess, checked with more revenue from the hotel."
Leach said that's correct.
"When your costs go up, then you've got to make some adjustments," she said.
Ryan Hasenauer, VP of business development, said he and his staff are working on booking more mid-week events in order to increase mid-week room bookings and Leach confirmed that management is looking at increasing room rates.
Total revenue so far this year for the hotel is $2,399,000, up from $2,306,000. Payroll increased from $761,000 to $881,000. Other expenses increased from $647,000 to $682,000.
The other expense cutting into revenue distribution, Leach said, is increased legal expenses.
"Am I concerned? No. I've always said this corporation has to keep reinventing itself because of the competition," Leach said. "We work within a very saturated, saturated market in Western New York."
By the numbers, October was a good month for Batavia Downs. The net video game win was $7,641,556, up over $500,000 from the previous October. The October distribution to municipalities was up by $1,381 ($41,532 compared to $40,151).
In October, there were 98,676,000 credits played, up from 92,088,000 in 2023. The win per terminal increased from $253.28 to $266.27.
The casino contributed $3.7 million to the state's education fund.
Attendance at the track increased from 74,000 to 76,000.
The casino also saw an increase in food and bar sales. Total sales increased from $676,636 to $774,848. Less expenses, net sales was $526,214.
OTB branches continue to struggle. In October, revenue was down $22,000, at a total handle this October of $3,366,000. Year-to-date revenue is $36,522,000, a decrease of $5,198,000 (There was a $1.6 million drop in revenue attributed to the closure of one branch).
Total revenue for October is $74,331,000, up $2.5 million compared to 2023. Expenses also increased from $23,507,000 to $25,429,000. Salaries increased $985,000, which is still $210,000 less than projected in the 2024 budget.
Besides salary, there has been, so far this year, an increase in expenses of $939,000.
Revenue help should be coming in 2025, Leach said, with new video lottery terminals added to the floor of Batavia Downs, approved by the state, and the anticipated approval of new EZBet machines for bars and restaurants in the region.
"I was assured by the Gaming Commission that the four EZBets that have been in the hopper -- some for a couple of years -- that we could include them in our 2025 plan because they will be approved by year-end, so we will see what happens there."
Douglas G. Goodwin, of Basom, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd, criminal nuisance 2nd, stalking 4th, unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd, aggravated harassment 2nd, menacing 2nd, burglary 2nd, speeding, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to stop at a stop sign, speed not reasonable prudent, failure to signal, driving an unregistered vehicle, reckless driving, and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Basom was arrested by the Sheriff's Office in Corfu on Nov. 27 following an investigation by the Attica Police Department. Attica PD reports that in the evening hours of Sept. 16, officers responded to the parking area of Sokol Drive in the village to investigate a report of a suspicious and dangerous person. State troopers and Wyoming County deputies assisted in the response. When patrols arrived, the subject of the call fled on a performance-style motorcycle at a high rate of speed. The driver reportedly failed to respond to commands from police to stop and continued in a reckless and unsafe manner, almost striking a police vehicle. After a short chase the pursuit was terminated to protect the safety of residents. Through an investigation, Goodwin was identified as the suspect. An arrest warrant was obtained based on witness statements and a victim statement. He reportedly has 14 license suspensions. Goodwin was arraigned in Attica Village Court and ordered held on $20,000 bail, $40,000 bond, or $80,000 unsecured bond. Chief Dean Hendershot stated, "I appreciate the dedication, effort and assistance of all involved, including the Wyoming County, NY Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and the Genesee County, NY Sheriff’s Office. The residents of the Village of Attica can continue to live peacefully in a safe community they each deserve.”
Shawn P. O'Connor, 35, no residence provided, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd, unlawful fleeing 3rd, and reckless endangerment 2nd. O'Connor was arrested on Nov. 24. He allegedly fled from deputies attempting a traffic stop on Route 63 north into the village of Oakfield, where he crashed his vehicle after hitting a Sheriff's patrol vehicle in the parking lot of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School. He was taken into custody without incident. Multiple objects in the parking lot were reportedly struck by O'Connor's vehicle. He was issued 17 traffic tickets and held pending arraignment. Additional charges are pending.
Nyejay Nasir Braction, 20, of Wyoming Street, Buffalo, is charged with assault 2nd. Braction is accused of attacking a corrections officer at the Genesee County Jail at 6:50 p.m. on Oct. 15 and breaking the guard's finger. He was arrested on Nov. 15. He was arraigned and held.
Carl E. Canterbury, 54, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Canterbury was arrested on Nov. 14 on a sealed indictment following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force into the possession, transportation, and sale of crack cocaine in the city of Batavia. Canterbury is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the task force on two occasions while in the city of Batavia. He was arraigned in County Court and jailed.
Jerad Michael Stalker, 40, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with falsifying business records 1st and criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Stalker is accused of selling stolen merchandise to Pawn King on Veterans Memorial Drive on Aug. 26 and signing a form stating he was the rightful owner. He allegedly stole the merchandise from a vehicle on West Main Street, Batavia. He was arrested Nov. 19 and processed at the Genesee County Jail.
Reanne Pauline Reed, 30, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Reed was allegedly involved in a scuffle at Batavia Downs at 9:14 p.m. on Nov. 20. Reed was taken to the Sheriff's Office and issued an appearance ticket.
Ryan Michael Bobzin, 35, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, driving while impaired by drugs, and unlicensed driver. Bobzin was stopped at 4:28 p.m. on Oct. 2 on Townline Road Bergen by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was arrested on Nov. 20. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Ryan Philip Harrison Clarke, 35, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and harassment 2nd. Clarke allegedly violated a "refrain from" order of protection by yelling in a person's face at 4:20 p.m. on Nov. 21 at a location on East Main Street, Corfu. He was held pending arraignment.
Zachary N. Knapp, 27, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving a vehicle on a highway. Knapp was stopped at 2:29 p.m. on Nov. 23 of Veterans Memorial Drive in connection with an investigation into a larceny in the area by Deputy Ryan Mullen. Knapp was released on an appearance ticket.
Mossy Earl Jones, 21, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Jones was stopped at 2:04 a.m. on Nov. 23 on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, by Deputy Nicholas Jennings. He was released on appearance tickets.
Matthew Ryan Clarke, 32, of Middleport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, dazzling headlights, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Clarke was stopped at 1:31 a.m. on Nov. 24 on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. He was issued on traffic tickets.
Sarah Ann Malone, 42, of Graham Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Malone was arrested on a warrant issued by the Town of Bethany Court on Nov. 26 and held pending arraignment.
Nichole Marie Boldt, 25, of Route 237 Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and inadequate lights. Boldt was stopped at 6:02 p.m. on Nov. 27 on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. She was issued traffic tickets and released.
First responders have been dealing with multiple traffic mishaps this morning.
At one point this morning, tractor-trailers were blocking both directions on Route 19 at Parmalee Road in Le Roy. Law enforcement is still on scene at that location and looking to reroute traffic.
A tractor-trailer vs. car accident was reported earlier at Route 237 and Richmond Road.
A vehicle rollover accident was reported at Route 63 and Judge Road.
UPDATE 7:04 a.m.: A vehicle in the ditch on Route 238. Also, vehicles are finding it difficult to get up hill on Richmond Road. Route 19 north is passable now but law enforcement wants to hold off opening up the road until plows hit it one more time.
UPDATE 7:08 a.m.: Law enforcement is checking on a vehicle at Colby and Sumner, Darien, with its four-ways on.
UPDATE 7:12 a.m.: As soon as there's more salt on the road, Route 19 at Parmalee can be reopened in both directions.
UPDATE 8:28 a.m.: A vehicle is off the road on Ford Road, Elba.
UPDATE 8:34 a.m.: A road patrol reports that Route 63 out of Pavilion, all traffic is stopped. Dispatch said they've received no calls on it.
UPDATE 8:34 a.m.: A road patrol requests traffic be blocked at Route 20 and Route 63, south. There are tractor-trailers blocking traffic and several of them "just parked."
UPDATE 8:52 a.m.: A patrol is in place to stop traffic southbound on Route 63. Other patrol reports that roadway is just about cleared. It might be only another five minutes.
UPDATE 8:58 a.m.: A patrol is dispatched to Route 20 and Route 98, Alexander, to direct seim-truck traffic northbound.
UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: Rollover accident reported on Route 98 at Goodman Road, Alexander. The operator reports no injuries. A white pickup has struck a mailbox in Pavilion. DOT wants Route 20 shutdown between Route 98 and Route 238.
UPDATE 10:57 a.m.: Tractor Trailers are backed up on Route 20.
UPDATE 11 a.m.: A travel advisory is being issued for Genesee County from Route 20 to the south.
UPDATE 11:11 a.m.: On Route 20, Alexander, there is a UPS truck on its side, a Budget truck in a ditch on the wrong side of the road, and a passenger vehicle off the road (which has its own tow on the way).
UPDATE 11:12 a.m.: In Le Roy, there are vehicles off the road on Vallance Road and on Perry Road.
UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: There may be a jack-knifed semi on Route 238, Alexander.
UPDATE 11:46 a.m.: Route 238 is open both directions between Route 20 and the village of Attica.
UPDATE Noon: An Amazon van is struck on Stroh Road, Alexander.
Photos of Route 19 from Thursday morning via Le Roy PD:
Following an investigation into a hit-and-run accident at 5:11 p.m. on Tuesday on East Main Street near the Mobile Gas Station, police took into custody Jeffrey Plath, no age provided, of Stringham Drive.
The victim of the hit-and-run accident was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. His name was not released. Batavia PD reports he is in satisfactory condition.
At the time of his apprehension, Plath was allegedly found with a switchblade knife, which police said he did not use or threaten to use.
Plath is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, unregistered motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.
Police ask that anyone with information related to the case to call Det. Mathew Wojtaszczyk at 585-345-6357.
There is a lake effect snow warning in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. on Friday.
The storm could produce accumulations of eight to 20 inches of heavy, wet snow in some areas. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are anticipated, which will create considerable blowing and drifting snow.
The warning is effect for Northern Erie County and Genesee County with the heaviest snow expected south of Buffalo and far southern Genesee County.
Residents are told to expect difficult travel with deep snow cover on roads and poor visibility. There will be areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibility.
Cancellations and closures:
Elba Central Schools will be closed tomorrow due to the state of emergency declared by Governor Hochul and the forecasted winter storm.
Byron-Bergen Schools will be closed, and all activities will be canceled on Thursday.
Batavia City Schools will be closed for classes and activities on Thursday.
BOCES is closed
Richmond Memorial Libray is closed.
Notre Dame is Closed.
Pembroke Central School District is closed Thursday
Oakfield-Alabama Central School District is closed Thursday
Alexander Central School District is closed Thursday
Pavilion Central School District is closed Thursday
Le Roy Central School District is closed Thursday
Genesee Community College is closed.
Northgate Free Methodist Church office is closed for Thursday.
The Batavia Society of Artists show opening at Richmond Memorial Library will be rescheduled in January.
The Christmas Dance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities has been postponed due to the winter weather. The dance is rescheduled for Thursday, December 19th at 6 p.m. Please pass this information on to your dancing buddies!
Due to the County Travel Advisory, The Pembroke Town Board meeting Scheduled for tonight is being moved to Wednesday 12/18 at 6:00 PM.
Please email cancellations and closures to news@thebatavian.com.
Staying open:
Northside Deli.
Regarding the State of Emergency, Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “As winter weather bears down on our State, I am declaring a State of Emergency so our communities have the resources they need to stay safe. We are deploying resources and working alongside our partners in government as we prepare for every possibility — I encourage all New Yorkers to stay alert, stay off the roads if possible, and keep in contact with family and friends as we move through the next 48 hours.”
The State of Emergency is in effect for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Wyoming and contiguous counties.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the Genesee County STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.
Law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York State are coming together this holiday season in an effort to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.
The campaign runs Wednesday, December 11 through Wednesday, January 1. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
While STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. If you are going to drink, drink responsibly. Don’t drink & drive.
As the holiday season is upon us, the Batavia Police Department would like to remind everyone to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to fraud and theft.
With increased shopping and online activities, it's essential to be aware of potential scams and take steps to safeguard your personal and financial information.
Fraud Prevention Tips:
Be cautious of phishing emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from banks, retailers, or charities. Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited requests.
Verify the authenticity of websites and apps before making online purchases or donations. Ensure the URL starts with "https" and has a lock icon.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks for online transactions.
Monitor your credit card and bank statements regularly for suspicious activity.
Use strong, unique passwords and keep them confidential.
Theft Prevention Tips:
Keep valuables secure and out of sight in your vehicle, especially during holiday shopping.
Lock your vehicle doors and keep windows closed, even when parked in your driveway or garage.
Avoid leaving packages or gifts unattended on your porch or in plain sight.
Consider investing in a doorbell camera or smart door lock for added security.
By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud and theft this holiday season. Remember, if you do encounter any suspicious activity, report it to the Batavia Police Department immediately by calling 585-345-6350.
Stay safe, and happy holidays from the Batavia Police Department!
Cornell Cooperative Extension will be closed from December 25 through January 1 for Winter Break. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on January 2. May you and yours have a wonderful time during the festive season.
File Photo of Brisbane Mansion, the site of the current city police station on West Main Street, Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
During a presentation Monday about putting the Brisbane Mansion — aka current police station — out for a request for proposal, City Councilman Bob Bialkowski raised the question of what happens if a developer takes on the project and then lets it sit idle.
His scenario seemed to mirror what has happened with the stalled Ellicott Station apartment complex on the city’s Southside, and he wasn’t the only one thinking about it.
“We don’t plan on marketing it to Savarino,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said of Ellicott Station property owner Sam Savarino.
City Council President Eugene Jankowski added that “we wouldn’t let it go into some sort of a problem” because the city would have a clawback or some kind of recourse for a developer who would not follow through after obtaining the property.
Ed Flynn, consultant and vice president of LaBella Associates, and Batavia Development Corporation Director Tammy Hathaway presented a tentative plan for what to do with the property to be vacated by the city police by the end of 2025 when the new police station is completed downtown.
They recommended putting the site up for an RFP to determine developer or investor interest in redeveloping the property and provide information about the existing conditions, characteristics and feasibility study options by an Insight Architecture report for use as apartments or a boutique hotel.
“This can provide a lot of information for the developers that they'll be looking for in terms of the existing condition of building the site, as well as what are some opportunities for redevelopment,” Flynn said. “We also want to make sure we establish some community goals for the project before it goes out so the developer knows what the community goals are for the project. And the ones we kind of have listed here are, preservation of the building and site.
"It's an important historic property in the city of Batavia; it’s very visible. A lot of heritage and history to the building," he said. "And so that's kind of a key goal that we want to maintain compatibility with downtown.”
Another goal is to put it back on the tax roll, he said, for the first time since 1917 when it was established for city government, non-taxable use.
“So, obviously, you don’t want a nonprofit to go in there, and then we want to make sure we get an experienced developer with financial resources,” he said. “So that would be part of the RFP, part of the process of reviewing the proposals when they come in, and talking to the banks and whoever they’re using for their financial back.”
What they don’t want is for someone to buy it and hold it for five years, with nothing happening to the property during that time, he said. The right developer will have the financial means and capacity to complete the renovations and be experienced in having completed other similar projects.
A tentative schedule would be finalizing the RFP by January 2025 and releasing it by February, with an application deadline of April. Staff would review submitted RFPs in May and June, have developer discussions and select a preferred developer to submit to City Council for authorization to sell by the summer of 2025. By fall, agreements with a developer would be executed, and funding would be sought.
“Because there’s probably going to need to be funding to make sure this project happens,” he said. "Then I put a list of some of the past RFPs that we have done in the city and how successful they were. And you can see all of those buildings. There's five buildings there that have been sold in the city. They were either foreclosed properties or properties on city parking lots ... at the time, we sold them zero value in terms of taxable value and available value to the city. Now they're worth 3.5 million in the city, so they're generating taxes.”
That list includes 19-21 Jackson St., Valle Jewelers, valued at $255,000; 20 Center St., Center St. Smokehouse, at $300,000; 61 Jackson St., Angotti Beverage at $315,000; 20 Main St., Tim Horton’s, $550,000; and 90 Main St., Tompkins Insurance, $1.85 million.
“And you can see the types of properties we have there. The building owners are still there. Some of these are 10 or 20 years old. They're still in the building,” he said. “They've been investing in the building. They create character downtown. They create a lot of vitality downtown. And so we’re trying to do the same thing with the Brisbane Mansion, and this is a first step in doing that.”
Hathaway said that the BDC is working with LaBella to “shrink up any vacant time” from when the police department moves out and a developer could move in and take ownership.
That’s important, Jankowski said, “because the longer it stays vacant, the more likely things are breaking down,” and “pipes freeze, and things can happen.”
Flynn asked for questions.
“Okay, so you put out an RFP, find a developer. Looks good. You turn it over to the developer. Eight months later, all of a sudden, work stops on the project. Project starts stagnating. Developers telling you one excuse after another. What recourse do you have?” Bialkowski said.
“You should have a good, solid agreement,” Flynn said. “In the agreement, there should be some kind of opportunity to take the property back if there's no action on the property.”
He deferred to City Attorney George Van Nest. However, Tabelski said that there would be clauses for nonperformance.
“Hopefully, we can get this moving forward,” Jankowski said.
City of Batavia Fire Chief Josh Graham shows the newly configured flood map with a reduced floodway on the city's Southside. Photo by Joanne Beck
For as much detail as there’s been for newly configured flood maps in the city of Batavia, there are still unknowns that city officials want to get their hands on, City Manager Rachael Tabelski says.
One key detail is the list of structures being added to the 100-year floodplain. Out of the total 147 structures, “60 are potentially commercial,” which could have a huge impact on the city’s economic growth, Tabelski said during an interview with The Batavian.
She wanted to first define the difference between the city experiencing more frequent flash floods and more severe overflowing creek floods.
“Sometimes we have severe flash flooding that occurs where our storm system can't drain the water away quick enough, but then it goes down really quickly, totally separate from when the creek actually floods and goes above the banks of the creek,” Tabelski said. “And I'm just looking up some of the dates of the last flood. Since I've been manager, we have not had any creek flooding. So that's since I've been with the city, that's at least five years.
“And the maps were set in the 80s, and they were, I'll call them paper maps,” she said. “As a way they're doing it now, is with LiDAR, and that's electronic, and it takes a lot of measurements of cross sections of the creek every 1,000 feet. And then what their model does is try to predict where the water will move throughout the city, if it does press over the banks of the creek, and then that becomes your flood zone in the city.”
FEMA established a new floodplain map using the new technology and asked for feedback with a 30-day public comment period. Preliminary maps will be issued, and homeowners who would be affected will be invited to a presentation early next year to learn more and have the option to challenge the findings if they have been inserted into the flood plain.
“We also had our engineers get the baseline data from FEMA and make sure how their modeling was scientifically standard, which they agreed, but they had one finding that they believed that the floodway was too expansive and that they were asking in this draft round of proposals to reduce the floodway,” City Fire Chief Josh Graham said. “So the floodway is once you cross the banks of the waterway, that immediate area that will be flooded, I guess, that's the best way I can explain it. It's the area where the water flows in a flood. So this is what they have for the updated maps.”
So, what does this updated map signify to the city? “In terms of development in the city, it's much more difficult to get a building permit in a floodway than it is just in a flood zone, so it would hinder development efforts of any of the properties in the floodway, and that could be properties the city owns; commercial properties or residential for structures such as sheds, barns, things of that nature,” Tabelski said. “So the larger the floodway is, the more properties will have difficulty developing in any way, is one way I like to look at it from an economic development standpoint.”
When a property owner wants to get a permit for home renovations and lives in a flood zone,they would have to fill out a separate Department of Environmental Conservation permit application, she said. And there are other restrictions for commercial buildings that aren’t compliant or don’t have flood insurance — they can only invest 49% of their building’s value, either by an independent appraisal or their assessed value, she said.
“So I find this a critical issue for our businesses on Route 63 and our buildings. I mean, on Route 63, who the majority of them are in the flood zone, and when they want to make investments, they can be hindered by higher costs to become flood compliant, to be insured or to only invest up to 49% of their appraised value of their building,” she said. “And we've seen that a lot on the economic development side successfully. It has been done by Stephen Valle and his sister Carrie, with the building on the corner that houses the vegan bakery and apartments upstairs, so they were able to get an appraisal and invest in the building after that appraisal, but they are in a flood zone.”
For homeowners and renters, being added to the flood zone signals the push for buying flood insurance to ensure coverage in the event of damage from a flood, since regular insurance doesn’t usually cover that type of damage; and it serves as caution for when people are considering a construction project, since the city has an ordinance covering development in the floodplain or flood hazard area.
Other challenges exist for commercial property owners, such as the inability to invest more than 49% of the property’s assessed value. So, for 60 additional commercial properties, that’s a potential problem, she said.
Properties that are and were in the 500-year flood plain did not have to buy flood insurance, and while those 147 structures are moving into the 100-year flood plain, another 282 are being removed since the map has been recalculated.
“Under the new draft, there’ll be 917, so we end up losing 135 structures,” Graham said. “At the end of the day, there’s going to be 135 less structures in the flood zones than there are right now, 282 that will no longer be identified, but 147 new ones that will be.”
How did that happen? An electronic survey was done using LiDAR technology, a remote sensing method that uses light to measure ranges and map out the flood zone every 1,000 feet, predicting where water will move within the city, he said. That reconfigured the original number of 1,052 people and reduced the total to 917 by shifting—and reducing the footprint—of the overall floodway.
The flood zone is predominantly on the south side, with the largest flooding happening on Law and Walnut streets in recent years. If you live on the South Side, you may be, or want to become, familiar with a few common acronyms that might come in handy when dealing with flood zones and flood plains:
Property owners can challenge a finding by paying for a survey to determine if they live on a higher elevation than previously established. This is called a LOMA — a letter of map amendment — and the process will involve the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Does that mean they will no longer need flood insurance if they were required to have it while classified in a flood zone? “If your property is no longer in a flood zone, you can drop insurance with proper documentation from FEMA,” Tabelski said.“So there is a process that those properties will have to take. And that’s why, when we have FEMA host these preliminary meetings, we’ll be inviting anyone in the areas of the flood zone area, the new ones that are coming in will have to be educated now that they’re in a flood zone, and they can … go through that process, and when theproperty sells, it is my understanding if you have a mortgage on it, you’re going to need that flood insurance.”
They want city property owners to know that not only will FEMA be on hand during a meeting in early 2025 to work with folks and answer questions, but city officials also want to help out.
“Nothing's final, but there are changes coming,” Tabelski said. “You'll be getting some hands-on assistance early next year straight from FEMA, absolutely, and we'll do our best to interpret it and be the go-between and be as informed as we can to help residents.”
Batavia Development Corporation, which established the real estate company Creek Side Batavia, LLC, has put the sale of the property behind the McCarthy ice rink and along Tonawanda Creek on hold due to this change of floodway.
The Genesee Chorale presents its annual Christmas concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia, featuring baritone Joseph Finetti.
Finetti is featured in the performance of "Fantasia on Christmas Carols," composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
The chorale will also perform "Magnificat" by Taylor Scott Davis.
Health outcomes such as asthma, lead poisoning, injury, and other chronic diseases have been linked to unsafe and unhealthy housing conditions. Hazards are not only in older homes; new homes can also have hazards lurking within.
“Making homes safer and healthier can help children grow up strong, allow older adults to stay in their homes, and help people with disabilities live independently,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
In January of 2024, the Genesee County Health Department received $1.2 million in funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This Healthy Homes Production (HHP) Grant addresses health and safety hazards in homes and apartments in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) Counties. Health and safety hazards may include but are not limited to dampness and mold growth, asbestos, radon gas, pests, fall risks, and weatherization.
In order to be eligible for these funds, homeowners and property owners must meet all of the following requirements:
Tenants or homeowners are income eligible (funds available for vacant units, call for more information)
Existing health or safety hazards in the home
Property is current on tax and mortgage payments
Other requirements determined on a case-by-case basis
Rental property owners are required to match 10% of the total project costs. For example, a rental property owner would be required to pay $2,000 for a $20,000 project.
Rental properties must have four units or less. Recipients are required to maintain ownership of the residence for 5 years after the project is completed.
All work is completed by pre-approved local contractors with applicable certifications. If you would like to be added to our list of contractors, please contact the Genesee County Health Department or fill out the application on the GO Health website.
For more information or help determining eligibility, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555, or at Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov. You can also visit GOHealthNY.org for more information or to apply.
Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
